Disc Golf- Female Trailblazers
Kristina Kendrick, Managing Editor

Disc golf courses around the country have been invaded.  Invaded by a growing number of women, who have taken to the disc throwing sport and made a name for themselves within a male dominated field. 

For the last six years, the Professional Disc Golf Association has hosted a women’s tournament in Illinois that last year attracted 60 of the top women in the sport.  While these women are appearing more frequently on a professional level, at the college level, they are making a footprint on the sport.

Gaining more notoriety itself, is the disc golf program at CSU Monterey Bay which is producing many competitive women golfers.  At the second annual West Coast College Open, hosted at CSUMB on Nov. 10, two women otters competed in team match play.

Lindsey Shiroma and Stefanie Hee have only been playing disc golf for a short time but the impact they have on the program is substantial.  Lindsay “has increased her skill to earn the number one women seat at the tournament,” said Kenny Allison, CSUMB’s disc golf club president. 

The two have honed their skills by attending the disc golf class at CSUMB and the intramurals program that started a few semesters ago.  Every Friday, HPWE 141, offered Shiroma and Hee the advantage of learning from professionals Stancil Johnson and Merle Witvoet. 

The two helped secure another substantial victory over the Banana Slugs from UC Santa Cruz (12.5 to 7.5) to keep the Stancil Johnson Cup for a second year.  Hee, along with Shiroma have served as trailblazers for other women curious about disc golf and show that hard work does pay off.  

“She increases her skill each time she visits the courses,” added Allison referring to Hee’s progress. 

More women are expected to participate in the next CSUMB tournament and are encouraged to contact discgolf@csumb.edu for more information. 

The Women’s Disc Golf Association (WDGA) also serves as a place to gain knowledge for females on everything from rules, to disc throwing techniques and a chat room to converse with other players.

“Ladies, keep hitting the courses and tell your friends about the WDGA,” said the WDGA.