Incredible Transformation

When passion meets opportunity, incredible stories unfold. One such inspiring tale comes from Joanna Guzman, a Filipino domestic worker who made a life-changing decision to pursue her love for disc golf in Malaysia.

Discovery in Malaysia

In 2018, while working for a family in Singapore, Joanna and her employers temporarily relocated to Johor Bahru, Malaysia, due to renovations on their Singapore home. During this time, Joanna, an avid runner, found herself searching for new athletic challenges. Introduced to disc golf by friends in JB, she initially dismissed it as a monotonous pastime. “It looked really boring to me and it was a boring game to play,” Joanna candidly recalled.

Return to the Sport

However, as the pandemic limited social interactions, Joanna gave disc golf another chance. Playing weekly with friends, she discovered not only the sport's excitement but also its therapeutic benefits. “I love everything about disc golf; it’s a great stress reliever for me,” Joanna expressed, highlighting how the sport helped her cope during challenging times.

A Bold Decision

Fast forward to 2023, Joanna made the bold decision to leave her Singapore job for more freedom in Malaysia. “My current salary is the same as what I was getting in Singapore, but I have much more freedom to play disc golf here,” she explained. Unlike her previous job, which allowed her only one Sunday off per month, her new role provides weekends off, offering ample opportunity to practice and compete.

Training Ground

Her employer’s large garden gives her a perfect space to refine her skills. “There’s so much space in Malaysia that I don’t have to worry about my frisbee hitting someone in the head!” Joanna chuckled, reflecting on a less fortunate incident when her frisbee accidentally struck a passerby in Singapore.

Competitive Spirit

Joanna's foray into competitive disc golf has been remarkably successful. She vividly remembers her nervous debut during the Covid-19 pandemic, competing against seasoned players from Japan and finishing third. Since then, she has participated in 28 competitions, securing 12 victories – an impressive feat that positions her as a pioneer among female disc golfers in the Philippines.

Proud Achievements

Among her proudest achievements is her third-place finish at the 2023 South-east Asia Disc Golf Championship, where she faced off against top-tier athletes. “I couldn’t believe I competed and beat almost all of them. Everyone there had a wealth of experience compared to me,” Joanna said, still relishing the thrill of that moment.

Future Aspirations

Joanna's ambitions don't stop there. She aims to compete in the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) Amateur Disc Golf World Championships in the United States, having been invited in 2022 and 2023, though her visa applications were unfortunately rejected both times. Undeterred, she is determined to secure a spot in the 2025 championship, expressing that 'winning isn’t my priority. I just want to have fun, enjoy what I’m doing, and meet new people.'

Inspiration to Others

Joanna Guzman’s journey from a maid in Singapore to a competitive disc golfer in Malaysia is a testament to following one's passion and the pursuit of happiness. Her story inspires not just aspiring athletes but anyone with dreams to chase, no matter the obstacles in their way.