Pickleball Faces Competition from Disc Golf: In the desert landscape of Sahuarita and Green Valley, the sport of disc golf is gaining a foothold, a phenomenon mirrored by the rise in pickleball’s popularity. While pickleball has established itself as a game for all ages and skill levels, the rise of disc golf in these communities highlights a similar trend: a growing enthusiasm for accessible, community-driven sports.
Sahuarita’s New Disc Golf Initiative
The town of Sahuarita is spearheading this movement, allocating approximately $20,000 to develop a 27-hole disc golf course at the newly opened Man in the Maze Park. This initiative follows the dismantling of a nine-hole course at Anamax Park two years ago, a decision driven by concerns over aesthetics and maintenance. Dylan Pruitt, parks and facilities manager for the Town of Sahuarita, emphasized the dual benefit of the new course. “It seems like installing a new disc golf course here solved two problems at once,” Pruitt said. “We could add an inexpensive amenity at Man in the Maze Park and also keep disc golf in the area.”
The trend towards disc golf mirrors pickleball’s rise in popularity, both driven by its accessibility and low cost. “Disc golf courses are relatively inexpensive, and we had enough funds in our 2024 fiscal budget to build it quickly,” said Devin Stalder, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Director.
The course will be designed by Dillon Gassaway, a professional disc golfer and course designer, who brings a wealth of experience to the project. Gassaway’s previous designs include the Lakeside Disc Golf Course and El Rio Disc Golf Course, reflecting his ability to craft courses that cater to all levels of play.
Green Valley’s Growing Disc Golf Community
In Green Valley, the enthusiasm for disc golf is also visible. Chuck Parsons, president of Green Valley Gardeners, along with Prestige Assisted Living, has approved a three-hole course at Desert Meadows Park. Volunteers with the Quail Creek Disc Golf Club are actively fundraising for this new addition, led by Lenny and Dusty Friedman, who discovered their passion for the sport while on vacation. “Disc golf is physically challenging but not too challenging,” Lenny Friedman remarked. “It’s a sport I can do with my wife. I love spending time with her, and it’s a great way to meet and connect with people.”
The Quail Creek Disc Golf Club is not stopping there. They have proposed a full-size 18-hole course on 17 acres near the Quail Creek pickleball courts. This proposal, though yet to receive a response from Robson Communities, reflects the growing demand for disc golf facilities and the sport’s potential to complement the existing pickleball infrastructure.
The Future of Disc Golf and Pickleball
Despite its relatively recent emergence compared to pickleball, disc golf is carving out its niche. “Honestly, pickleball should have been the new disc golf,” Gassaway noted. “Accessibility to it is kind of lacking in Arizona. It’s a lot easier to grab some open space and build a pickleball court as opposed to grabbing acres and acres of space for a disc golf course.”
As pickleball continues to flourish in popularity and community support, disc golf seems poised to follow a similar trajectory. The alignment of these sports in Sahuarita and Green Valley showcases a broader trend: the growing appeal of engaging, affordable activities that bring people together and enhance local recreational opportunities.
News in Brief: Pickleball Faces Competition from Disc Golf
Disc golf is gaining traction in Sahuarita and Green Valley, mirroring the popularity surge of pickleball. Sahuarita is investing $20,000 to develop a 27-hole disc golf course at Man in the Maze Park, replacing a dismantled nine-hole course. This initiative addresses both community needs and the desire to maintain disc golf in the area. Dillon Gassaway, a professional disc golfer, will design the course. In Green Valley, Chuck Parsons and Prestige Assisted Living have approved a three-hole course at Desert Meadows Park, with volunteers fundraising for an 18-hole course near Quail Creek’s pickleball courts. Both sports highlight a growing trend towards accessible, community-driven recreational activities.
Also read: New Pickleball and Badminton Academy Set to Elevate McKinney’s Sports Scene
