PDGA International Director Brian Hoeniger #4022 is pleased to announce the completion and release of the 2015 PDGA International Program Guide which provides in-depth information on PDGA activities and protocol in all countries outside of USA and Canada. In 2014, the 10th year of the International Program, there were 3100+ International Members, 360+ sanctioned events, and 28 PDGA affiliated countries in Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

While more and more PDGA standards are now being applied globally, there are some key differences, reflecting the many different cultures and different stages of growth, between the international countries and USA/Canada. These differences primarily involve the Event Tier Standards, and how events are managed and delivered. As an example, USA events and players tend to place primary emphasis on the quality of the course(s), and in events with top pros, on the size of the payout. This compares to the European model which is more Olympian whereby there is stricter adherence to the Rules of Play, more focus on overall event presentation and on sportsmanship, and less on the payout. As our sport continues to grow, hopefully we can all continue to learn and draw inspiration from the best practices of each.

International members are encouraged to familiarize themselves thoroughly with the International Program Guide, as there are many changes from the previous annual guide to PDGA Europe. This includes a new Pro & Am Worlds Invitation and Registration System, as developed by the PDGA Tour Manager, that provides a window when only they can sign up, in the interest of ensuring these events are as internationally diverse as possible.

USA and Canada members are also encouraged to check out the document, for the sake of their own general knowledge of PDGA’s activities and accomplishments around the world, and in particular if they have plans or dreams of playing overseas. The PDGA International Documents & Resources page contains several other helpful documents as well.