The Paul McBeth Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by professional disc golfer Paul McBeth, has launched its latest project to support Indigenous Communities within the United States. Project 3.2 aims to build two nine-hole disc golf courses for the Suquamish Tribe in Washington state and the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
The Paul McBeth Foundation is committed to promoting the sport of disc golf and using it as a tool to improve the lives of individuals and communities. With Project 3.2, the foundation hopes to introduce the Suquamish and Pine Ridge communities to the benefits of disc golf, including physical fitness, mental wellness, and social engagement.
"Disc golf has been a transformative force in my life, and I believe it can do the same for others," McBeth said. "I am honored to have the opportunity to work with these communities and introduce them to a sport that has brought me so much joy."
The nine-hole course for the Suquamish Tribe will be located at Chief Kitsap Academy in Poulsbo, Washington, and will introduce disc golf to members of the school in 6th through 12th grade. The course will be open to the public during non-school hours for other members of the Suquamish community to participate. The foundation will be partnering with West Sound Disc Golf Association to finalize the design and install the course this summer. Read more about the Suquamish Tribe.
"Chief Kitsap Academy has been wanting to put a disc golf course on their school grounds since the property was purchased. We are grateful to have been able to partner with the Paul McBeth Foundation and the West Sound Disc Golf Association to make their dreams a reality," said CKA Assistant Principal Jenni Awesome (PDGA #217299) "Having this disc golf course on our school grounds is going to provide our students and staff with opportunities to enjoy the grounds of the Suquamish Tribe in a way that honors nature and the natural healing medicines that nature brings."
"We are planning to use this course to help students learn self-regulation techniques and to improve morale of the school with occasional class competitions," Awesome continued. "Disc golf in general provides each person with an opportunity to learn about themselves, and it is great to be able to provide this chance to our students during their school day."
UDisc, the leading disc golf scorekeeping and course directory app, is this project's gold partner and is donating the nine baskets that will be used for the course.
"We know how important access to courses is to not only grow disc golf, but also to grow communities," UDisc Co-Founders Matt Krueger and Josh Lichti said. "We have seen the Paul McBeth Foundation make a lasting impact everywhere it has helped put down roots for the sport, and our mission and values have aligned since day one. Our team could not be more excited to work together on this project and help establish a new place for people to experience the joy of disc golf."
The Pine Ridge Reservation course in South Dakota will be designed by Avery Jenkins and DiscGolfPark with the unique landscape of the reservation in mind. Located just outside of Badlands National Park, the course will be located at a local youth camp serving those within the reservation.
"This will be really cool to have somewhere to play disc golf on an actual course without moving our one basket around in the backyard,” said Michael LB, a member of the Pine Ridge Reservation. “I am excited to play and get my friends to try it out with me."
Both courses will be built in partnership with local organizations and community members, ensuring that they are tailored to the specific needs and interests of each community. The Paul McBeth Foundation will provide funding and resources for the construction and maintenance of the courses, as well as equipment and training for players.
The Paul McBeth Foundation has already made significant contributions to the world of disc golf, including projects located in major cities, developing countries and now in indigenous communities. Project 3.2 is the latest effort by the foundation to promote the sport and create opportunities for underserved populations.
"Indigenous communities in the United States have been historically marginalized and exploited, making them some of the most vulnerable in the country," PMF Executive Director Dustin Leatherman said. "We see disc golf as one an opportunity to give back to these communities by providing a fun and accessible way to promote physical activity, mental wellness, and social engagement. This effort reflects the foundation's commitment to promoting disc golf as a tool for positive change and its belief that everyone should have access to the benefits of this exciting and rewarding sport."
To all of our Builders Club members and Tournament Director Partners, we thank you for your commitment to supporting projects like this. In addition to UDisc's and DiscGolfPark's contributions to this project, we’d like to thank Double G Jerky who also contributed to make this project a reality.
About the Paul McBeth Foundation:
The Paul McBeth Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by professional disc golfer Paul McBeth. The organization’s mission is to introduce sustainable disc golf experiences in underserved locations with limited or no access to the sport. The foundation provides resources, funding, and support for the development of new courses, equipment, and educational programs. To support our ongoing projects, please consider joining the PMF Builders Club.
