CUMBERLAND — Central Assembly of God’s disc golf course will be renamed Jim Buser Memorial Disc Golf Course beginning with the 2026 Western Maryland Disc Golf (WMDG) season.
The change seeks to honor one of the founding figures who helped establish the sport in the Cumberland area.
The dedication comes as the course undergoes a significant expansion to 18 baskets. Players can choose from 18 short tees, 18 long tees or a mixed layout, offering challenges for beginners and seasoned players alike.
A sport on the rise
Disc golf has experienced explosive growth nationwide, with participation increasing by over 50% since 2020. The sport, which combines elements of traditional golf with frisbee throwing, has attracted players of all ages with its accessibility, low cost of entry and outdoor appeal.
According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, there are now over 11,000 courses across the United States, with new courses opening weekly.
In Western Maryland, disc golf has found a particularly enthusiastic following. The sport requires minimal equipment — typically just a few specialized discs — and courses are often free to play, making it an attractive recreational option for families and individuals alike.
Local leagues and tournaments have flourished, creating a tight-knit community of players who gather regularly for casual rounds and competitive events.
Remembering a local legend
Buser’s contributions to establishing disc golf in the Cumberland region cannot be overstated.
As the sport’s earliest advocates in Western Maryland, Buser worked tirelessly to introduce new players to the game, organize local events and promote course development throughout the area.
His passion for disc golf and dedication to growing the local community laid the foundation for what has become a thriving scene.
Beyond his impact on disc golf, Buser was a faithful member of Central Assembly of God church, where his commitment to both his faith community and the sport came together beautifully.
The disc golf community extends heartfelt gratitude to Central Assembly of God church and its pastoral leadership for their vision and generosity in allowing the creation of this disc golf course on their property. This partnership between church and community exemplifies the spirit of outreach and recreation that Buser championed throughout his life.
“This dedication ensures Jim’s legacy will continue to inspire new generations of disc golfers,” said Scott Mallery, WMDG president. “The expanded course with its multiple layouts reflects his vision of making disc golf accessible and enjoyable for players at every skill level.”
The newly configured 18-basket course represents a significant upgrade from its previous layout, providing Western Maryland disc golfers with a course that can host larger tournaments and accommodate the sport’s growing popularity.
The multiple tee positions allow players to customize their experience, whether they’re looking for a quick casual round or a challenging test of their skills.
Pro disc golfer comes to Queen City
Adding to the excitement surrounding the course improvements, professional disc golfer Scott Stokely will host the Stokely Discs Triple Threat Scramble at the Jim Buser Memorial Disc Golf Course on Monday.
This unique tournament format marks the launch of Stokely’s innovative approach to connecting with the disc golf community while showcasing his latest disc designs.
The Triple Threat Scramble embraces an “old school” random-draw doubles format that emphasizes fun over fierce competition. Participants will have the exclusive opportunity to test-drive Stokely’s newest disc models while playing alongside the professional himself.
“It’s all about bringing back that grassroots feel to disc golf,” Stokely explained. “No stress, no pressure — just pure disc golf enjoyment and some friendly competition for bragging rights.”
Stokely, a veteran of the professional disc golf circuit, has been instrumental in advancing disc technology and technique throughout his career. Known for his innovative approach to the game and his commitment to growing the sport at all levels, Stokely’s presence at the Jim Buser Memorial course underscores the facility’s emergence as a destination for serious disc golf in the region.
The tournament offers local players a rare chance to learn from a professional while experiencing firsthand the latest developments in disc design.
For more information about the Jim Buser Memorial Disc Golf Course, the Stokely Discs Triple Threat Scramble or the Western Maryland Disc Golf community, players can check the WMDG Facebook page.
Registration details for the upcoming tournament with Stokely are on the Facebook page.