LANCASTER, Pa. — Disc golf has recently become a popular trend across the country, including some players from the central Pennsylvania area who are making a name for themselves.
One of them is Columbia sophomore Kayla Hess. The 15-year-old disc golfer has already picked up a national championship in her division along with other major victories.
"Starting to play tournaments back in 2020 and 2021 I was scared because I was the only JR or only female and it was something I just wanted to grow," said Hess. "While it might not be a major sport like basketball or football it's still a major sport people can get into."
Hess is not the only one emerging on the disc golf scene. She frequently plays with her disc golf partner Emily Dale as well. The two have created a fun and playful relationship as both sponsored athletes.
"Kayla is like half my age but she is still a great friend of mine," said Dale. "It's so cool to see people have the opportunity to have access to a sport like this. The [fact] that she is being sponsored at 15, I think that gives her a lot of opportunity and a lot of doors that can open for her."
The two often play at Herr Park Disc Golf Course. The goal is not only to bring more exposure to the sport, especially as women, but also to represent the area well. In Hess' case, there is still a little more work to be done before she turns pro.
"The main goal before I turn pro is I'll be going to both JR and amateur worlds next year," said Hess. "So I'm really looking forward to those events."
While the future is bright for Hess and Dale, coming from a less populated area makes it all the more better.
"it shows that it can happen from anywhere," said Hess. "Other schools like Hempfield and Manheim Township can be bigger but someone playing disc golf can also come from smaller schools like Columbia."