2026 PDGA Amateur Disc Golf World Championships Invite Letter

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Dear Amateur Player,

Congratulations! You have been invited to enter the 2026 PDGA Amateur Disc Golf World Championships in Buffalo, NY, from August 8th to the 15th, based on your excellent performance during the 2025 PDGA season. The PDGA and the local worlds team are looking forward to seeing you in Western New York this summer.

HOST

Sam Castiglione, James Carman, and the entire tournament team are thrilled to welcome you to Buffalo, NY, for the 2026 PDGA Amateur Disc Golf World Championships. It is an honor to host Buffalo’s first PDGA Major, and we cannot wait to share with you the courses, community, and experiences that make Western New York a special place for disc golf.

For years, WNYDGC has been designing, building, and improving courses throughout the region with a long-term vision of hosting a championship of this scale. In partnership with Erie County, Niagara County, and local municipalities, we have worked to elevate our course infrastructure, create championship-caliber layouts, and provide a true test of skill for players of all divisions.  Each component of the competitive experience reflects countless hours of planning, collaboration, and dedication.

Beyond the competition, we are excited for you to experience Western New York itself. From the natural wonder of Niagara Falls to scenic parks, waterfront views, and vibrant, local neighborhoods, the area offers plenty to explore between rounds. Whether you’re sightseeing, enjoying local food and culture, or simply relaxing with fellow competitors, we hope your time off the course is as memorable as your time on it.

Our goal is simple: provide an outstanding championship experience that celebrates great disc golf, great courses in beautiful parks, and a welcoming community. The entire team is committed to making this event one you will enjoy from start to finish.

We look forward to seeing you in Buffalo and sharing everything Western New York has to offer.

BOND LAKE

Bond Lake Disc Golf Course in Ransomville, NY, offers a challenging test of skills.  The course weaves through a beautifully balanced landscape of elevation, mature forest, and expansive open fairways, demanding both precision and power. Elevation changes come into play on multiple holes. Tight, wooded corridors punish inaccuracy, while open sections allow competitors to shape full flights and showcase distance. Well-defined fairways, natural rough, and scenic views over the surrounding hills create a course that is fair, memorable, and mentally engaging.

ROYALTON RAVINE

Royalton Ravine Disc Golf Course in Gasport, NY, offers a challenging experience through a mature forest.   The course blends technical wooded fairways with a few selective open holes, featuring notable elevation changes on a few holes.  Accuracy is paramount, as heavily wooded rough quickly punishes missed lines, and success often comes from taking what the course gives you rather than forcing low-percentage shots. Shot-shaping ability, precise angle control, and smart placement into defined landing zones are essential, creating a demanding yet rewarding test of skills.   

BLACK DIAMOND AT EMERY PARK

Emery Disc Golf Course in South Wales, NY showcases disc golf across a scenic mix of wooded corridors and open meadow-style fairways. The course emphasizes controlled distance and thoughtful shot selection, with gently rolling terrain, rugged elevation changes, and well-defined landing zones that reward placement over raw power. Players will navigate technical lines through mature trees, shape a variety of forehand and backhand shots, and manage risk/reward on holes bordered by punishing rough/OB. Solid angle control, clean releases, and the ability to take what the course gives you are key to scoring well, making Emery DGC a fair, challenging, and enjoyable test.

LIGHTHOUSE AT COMO LAKE PARK

Como Lake Disc Golf Course in Depew, NY, offers a well-rounded park-style challenge that blends a few technical wooded holes with open, manicured fairways around the scenic Como Lake. The course features slight elevation changes, tight tree-lined corridors, and strategically placed obstacles that demand accuracy off the tee and controlled approaches. Open holes allow players to shape full flights and showcase distance, while wooded sections reward precise shot shaping, clean angles, and smart placement into landing zones. Consistency, course management, and the ability to take what the course gives you are essential to scoring well, making Como Lake a fair, engaging, and enjoyable test for competitive amateur players.

Lodging & Meetings   

Hotels

We have a wide range of hotels available for your extended stay.  The rooms are discounted for the competitors and reserved for a limited time.  Use the link provided to learn more about the hotel information. 

Camping

HTR Niagara is conveniently located between Niagara Falls and Buffalo, NY, at 2659 Whitehaven Rd. Grand Island, NY.  HTR Niagara offers a variety of camping experiences.  Use the tournament discount code “disc” at reservation.  Call (716) 773-7600 or click the link to learn about camping information. 

Player’s Meeting

The player’s meeting/opening ceremony will take place at The Palace Theatre at 2 East Ave. Lockport, NY, on Monday, August 10th at 6pm.

Check-in

Check-in will be available on Monday August 10 at Bond Lake Disc Golf Course, at the warming house from 9am - 4pm located at 2353 Lower Mountain Rd, Ransomville, NY. 

Travel   

Those flying to Amateur Worlds will find Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to be the easiest and most convenient option for reaching Buffalo by air, located just a short drive from tournament venues. Larger regional airports such as Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) or Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) are additional options that may offer more flight choices and are approximately 1–2 hours from Buffalo. 

Field Events   

Longest Drive and Putting: We’re excited to invite you to take part in the 2026 PDGA Amateur World Championships and the exciting Field Events that showcase the full range of disc golf talent. Whether you’re known for your powerful drives or your clutch putting, this is your opportunity to put your skills to the test alongside competitors from around the world. Join us to see who can throw the farthest, who can drain the most putts, and who will rise to the occasion on one of the sport’s biggest amateur stages.  These competitions will take place at Como Lake Park on Sunday August 9th from 9am-3pm. 

Registration for Long Drive and Putting will open on May 5th at 9:00 PM Eastern Time. Registration is only available to players who are registered and off the waitlist for the 2026 Amateur World Championships.

Registration and additional information about the Long Drive and Putting competitions can be found here.
Long Drive Registration

Putting Competition Registration

Divisional Doubles: Divisional Doubles at the Amateur  World Championships will be held on Saturday August 8th  at Emery Park in South Wales, NY. Available divisions will be MA1 and FA1. If an MA1 and FA1 player wish to compete together they must register for MA1. This event will be a one-round tee time event.  The format will be Modified Best Shot. Competitors in this event will play their competition layout (MA1 or FA1) of Emery Black Diamond DGC. The field is limited to 72 doubles teams.   

Registration for Divisional Doubles will open on May 5th at 9:00 PM Eastern Time. Registration is only available to players who are registered and off the waitlist for the 2026 Amateur World Championships.

Registration and additional information about the Divisional Doubles competition can be found here.

Divisional Doubles Registration

Other Events: Other fun events during the week include a Players Party, Flymart, Flex Start Events, Mini-Disc Golf Tournament, High-stakes Putting competition and many more! We are excited to announce more details throughout the summer as things are finalized with these events.    

General Info 

Entry Fees: Fees for all divisions this year is $175.   

NOTE: You must be a current 2026 PDGA Member and Certified Official before you can register for the event!  

Tournament Format: There will be a cut after the 4th round and the final round will take place at Bond Lake DGC on Saturday, August 15th. All rounds will utilize tee times. There will not be a final 9.   

Sponsorship   

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the event.  For more information, please contact Tournament Director Sam Castiglione for sponsorship information at (716) 628-4720 or email [email protected].   

The 2026 Am World’s Fly Mart will take place on Tuesday, August 11th, at Buffalo River Works, in downtown Buffalo.  Contact TD Sam Castiglione for more information on how to get a Vending Area at [email protected].    

Sincerely, your 2026 PDGA AM Worlds Team,   

Tournament Director – Sam Castiglione

Assistant Tournament Director - James Carman