Tarlac State University and the Disc Golf Association of the Philippines led the inauguration and ceremonial signing of a memorandum of agreement for the first permanent university disc golf course in the Philippines on November 28, 2025, at the Lucinda Campus grounds.
The 9-hole course around the campus, initiated by PDGA Asia Ambassador and DGAP founder Ms. Maria Luisa Bartolome Robins, was developed through the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) Marco Polo Grant Project, which supports the growth of disc golf in developing regions.
In a message read by DGAP Tarlac coordinator Ms. Roxan S. Santos, Ms. Robins, a TSU alumna, said the project marks a significant step for the sport in the country.
“Today marks a historic moment, not only for TSU but for the entire Philippine disc golf community…Seeing this course finally come to life on the grounds of the university that shaped me is beyond meaningful. What started as a vision years ago has now become a movement embraced by athletes, educators, and communities nationwide,” Ms. Santos read.
Under the partnership, TSU and DGAP will collaborate on workshops and training programs, academic and research activities, hosting of local and international tournaments, and capacity-building for students and faculty members aspiring to become certified disc golf trainers and coaches.
DGAP previously conducted a two-day seminar and practical application at TSU last October, attended by the Bachelor of Physical Education faculty and students.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jasper Jay N. Mendoza reaffirmed the university's full support for the initiative, adding that TSU is considering integrating disc golf into its sports programs and academic curriculum.
Meanwhile, BPEd program chairperson Dr. Zuriel Ross C. Tabian said in an interview that the development of the course aims to promote disc golf as both a competitive and recreational activity for the TSU community.
Dr. Tabian recently became the first tertiary-level faculty member in the Philippines to pass the PDGA Certified Rules and Officials Exam.
Some national disc golf athletes also attended the inauguration, including TSU student James Benedict Simbulan from the College of Computer Studies.
Simbulan, who has represented the Philippines three times in the Lipad Pilipinas PDGA Asia Tour, encouraged students to try the sport, citing its health and leisure benefits.
The disc golf course at TSU is currently open to the public for free, and the university has already welcomed foreign visitors coming to play.
Mr. Derek Jonathan Robins, UK Disc Golf founder and PDGA Hall of Famer, said the sport has grown steadily in the Philippines, which initially had only one disc golf course and two PDGA-registered members.
He emphasized the role of students in expanding the sport in their communities.
“The competitive and membership side is just [a] small part of the whole activity of disc golf. For most people, it will be recreation—something they do for fun, to spend time with friends, or to spend time in nature. As long as people are getting that, that’s the most important thing,” Mr. Robins said.
TSU is now part of the 10 disc golf course sites currently established in the Philippines. (jlm-OPA)
Photo: Franc Lewis R. Juanatas
