People have been tossing frisbees for decades. But what was once considered a recreational toy has become the basis for a major international sport—disc golf—that is enjoyed annually by millions of people. In fact, disc golf has become such a global phenomenon that it’s now bringing together athletes to raise money for underserved communities around the world.
Most people have thrown a frisbee at one time or another. And they’re probably familiar with traditional golf. But they may not know that the sport of disc golf (“frisbee golf”) has been around since the 1970s—and is currently played in more than 80 countries.
Disc golf’s popularity has grown so fast that there are now dozens of top-tier professional tournaments each year. And just like in traditional golf, there are four major championships each year for the world’s top competitors.
One thing that makes disc golf so appealing is that it’s relatively simple and easy to play. With just a few discs, anyone can play a disc golf course. It’s also far less expensive—and less time-consuming—than traditional golf.
As a dedicated disc golfer, I consider myself fortunate to participate in such a rewarding sport. I’m also encouraged to see disc golf continuing to attract larger and larger crowds at each year’s major tournaments.
Because disc golf is so easy to play—and easy to locate on just a few acres—people keep building disc golf courses. There are now roughly 16,000 courses worldwide, including two in Antarctica.
In an effort to give back to a sport that has brought me so much enjoyment, I helped to launch a nonprofit in 2021—the Paul McBeth Foundation (PMF)—that is bringing disc golf to developing communities worldwide. To date, PMF has built disc golf courses in 19 countries, including Ukraine, Tanzania, Mexico, Bulgaria, Colombia, Kenya, Poland, Uganda, and Nicaragua.
If anything, disc golf is reaching a new level. This Sept. 20, disc golfers around the world will participate in a one-day, global fundraiser. The ‘Throw for More’ event set for that day will bring together thousands of disc golfers on every continent to play as many holes as possible—to raise funds for expanded disc golf access in underserved communities.
The ‘Throw for More’ event is modeled on the walk-a-thons and endurance challenges common to most sports. Participants are currently gathering pledges from friends and supporters. Every throw they make on Sept. 20 will help to fund new courses, equipment, and education efforts in regions where disc golf has little or no presence.
We also have a unique goal. We’re hoping to break the standing record of 116,000 disc golf rounds played globally in a single day. Essentially, we’re calling on the global disc golf community to help us surpass 120,000 rounds.
I know from personal experience that disc golf has the power to transform lives. This Sept. 20, disc golfers worldwide will have an opportunity to make a real difference just by doing what they love: playing disc golf.
