Community Banks Embrace Disc Golf Sponsorships for Local Engagement
Community banks are known for their commitment to local communities and their ability to support initiatives that foster community growth. One such initiative that’s gaining traction amongst community banks is the sponsorship of disc-golf clubs and events. This move has proven to be an effective way of generating local engagement and supporting an activity that’s seen a significant boost in popularity, especially since the COVID pandemic.
The Rise of Disc Golf
The sport of disc golf has seen a monumental rise in player participation, with more than 1.25 million players logging rounds in 2024. Disc golf, for those unfamiliar, is a sport that mirrors the rules of traditional golf, but instead of hitting a ball with a club, players throw a disc into a basket. It is a sport that’s relatively inexpensive to participate in and maintain, often played in public parks or other public spaces.
TruBank’s Journey into Disc Golf Sponsorship
Indianola, Iowa-based TruBank, a community bank known for its commitment to its local community, took a leap of faith when it decided to sponsor a disc golf tournament. This decision came following a pitch from Ty Tannatt, retail and partnerships director for the U.S. Professional Disc Golf Association, and the bank has not looked back since.
TruBank sponsored the 2022 TruBank Des Moines Challenge, a disc golf tournament that has been in operation since 1994. In 2022, TruBank contributed $25,000 to the tournament, a move that elevated the event to the next level.
Without TruBank’s support, the tournament would not have been able to grow and gain the popularity it enjoys today. This is a sentiment echoed by Ty Tannatt who stated, “Without TruBank’s support of this event, and several other events, there would be far fewer opportunities drawing visitors to Indianola, which directly affects the ability of local businesses to survive and grow.”
The Impact of Community Banks on Disc Golf
Community banks like TruBank play a critical role in the growth and development of disc golf. They provide the financial support needed to improve disc golf courses, organize high-profile tournaments, and draw professional players to the sport.
Gannon Buhr, the 2025 PDGA World Champion and highest-ranked disc golf player in the world, emphasized this significant impact. He noted that TruBank’s support has transformed the disc golf experience for players and spectators alike, enhancing the course infrastructure, and fostering new designs and holes.
Community Engagement Beyond Just Sponsorship
The commitment of community banks to disc golf goes beyond just providing financial support for events. These banks are investing in their communities, creating public resources that can be used all year round. This not only benefits disc golf players but also the wider community, encouraging people to engage in outdoor activities and promoting community cohesion.
As Peter Nelson, senior vice president of member engagement, Independent Community Bankers of America, puts it, “A lot of times … you’re the difference between something happening and not happening, and so it becomes a lot less about the bank, and the focus becomes about the community.”
Conclusion
Community banks are uniquely positioned to support local initiatives like disc golf. Their commitment to their communities, coupled with their ability to provide financial support, can make a significant difference. Community banks are not just about banking; they’re about building stronger, healthier, and more active communities. And for banks like TruBank, that commitment is paying off, one disc golf tournament at a time.
For more insights into this innovative community engagement strategy, check out the source article Here.
