Super Class events require all players to use only Super Class discs which are in a new subcategory of current golf discs. Super Class discs are the largest diameter, tallest height and bluntest edge golf discs available in weights up to 200 grams. Other than being restricted to Super Class discs, these events are run just like regular events and all tiers are available for sanctioning.
Take a look at the PDGA approved disc list located in the Tech Standards area here: www.pdga.com/tech-standards Discs that meet Super Class guidelines are now identified with an S near the end of their specification row. In the future, manufacturers can use the Super Class logo and type font shown above in their hot stamps or molded letters to identify them. Retailers already carry some of these discs and have started identifying them as Super Class to help customers.
The primary reason for introducing the new Super Class category is to bring back a true golf challenge to hundreds of disc golf courses that have been bypassed by new disc technology and reduced to easy par 3 courses. Super Class is simply a better way to match the type of discs used to the length of a course. With 18-hole courses ranging from 3500 to over 10,000 feet, it’s unreasonable to expect one category of discs to be best suited to provide a challenge over this whole range. Easy par 3 courses can instantly be turned into courses with par 4 and even par 5 holes when even the best players use Super Class discs. In addition, Super Class discs can instantly be thrown by beginners due to their similarity to catch discs, thus making it easier to introduce new players to disc golf. Since ultimate discs are part of the Super Class category, it’s hoped that ultimate players will consider trying Super Class competition even if it’s only for cross-training their disc throwing skills.
Courses under 6000 feet for 18 holes seem to be the most fun. Longer courses may be OK to try if a good number of top level players are involved. Any courses with Red or White tees based on PDGA guidelines www.pdga.com/course-development should be fine. Courses with blue or gold tees can be used but it’s important to have at least 4-6 holes less than 225 feet to not only keep it fun but have some legit par 3 holes with ace runs. So take a look at the 6 shortest holes from the blue or gold tees and either create or use a shorter Red or White tee on those that are more than 225. In general, heavily wooded courses are ideal for Super Class discs because they are easier to control for all levels of players, especially beginners.
Players who enter Super Class events will receive a separate Super Class rating for each round they complete. For 2009, Super Class ratings will be maintained separate from a player’s PDGA stats page. Super Class ratings will be updated at the same time as regular ratings. Players will get to see unofficial Super Class ratings for those events in the Tour Schedule area just like regular events as long as TDs upload results. Your regular PDGA Player Rating will not be affected by your play in Super Class events. However, until enough players get established Super Class ratings, your PDGA Player Rating will be used to generate Super Class course and player ratings. The course SSA (Scratch Scoring Average) will be higher when played with Super Class discs.
Points earned in Super Class events count toward your overall Am or Pro total. Cash winnings for pros in Super Class events will be added toward their overall total.
Yes. All rules apply in Super Class regarding Am and Pro status along with the same ratings breaks used to determine Am divisions in Super Class. Pros with ratings under 970 may enter Advanced in Super Class should they wish and Ams may enter Open in Super Class and accept merch instead of cash to retain Am status if they wish.
Here are several situations where running Super Class may be a good option:
1. A course is 9 or 12 holes and is typically not used for tournaments
2. An 18-hole or more course is too short to challenge players, especially those with higher ratings
3. In winter or for night golf, Super Class discs don’t travel as far and in general are easier to find in the snow or in the dark.
4. You want to expand the base of players in the area by attracting those who play ultimate
5. You want to encourage more locals and/or beginners to see what PDGA competition is all about since the Super Class $25 sanctioning fee is lower and there’s no $10 non-member fee.
6. Regular tournaments have gotten so big that players are being turned away. Super Class events can be run at the same time to handle the overflow and use shorter courses normally not used.
