The PDGA Champions Cup will remain on the road in 2026, and another PDGA Major will return to a community that has quickly established itself in the disc golf world.

Hole 1 at New London Tech in Bedford County, Virginia.

For its fifth running, the springtime Major is headed to the woods of Virginia as Bedford County and the city of Lynchburg, along with the PDGA and Ledgestone, will welcome the best players in the world back to the New London Tech track. 

The event is scheduled April 9-12, 2026.

Paul McBeth led the initial design at New London Tech and is currently working on a redesign.

New London Tech, with the initial design led by six-time PDGA World Champion Paul McBeth, played host to the 2024 PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships. 

“In 2024 we were able to bring an incredibly successful Pro World Championship to Lynchburg and Bedford County,” said Nate Heinold, who will serve as tournament director. “Our team is incredibly excited to return to the area for the 2026 Champions Cup at New London. Our partners in Virginia are incredible to work with and we are very confident that this event will be very successful.  

“The heavily wooded track at New London will prove to be a formidable test for the top players in the world.” 

2024 PDGA World Champions Isaac Robinson and Eveliina Salonen navigated the woods of New London Tech.

Extenuating circumstances have followed this Major since its inception. After the first two editions were held at the International Disc Golf Center, the Major was forced to move due to detrimental pine beetle infestation.  

Just as restoration work was underway in Appling, Georgia, Hurricane Helene landed another blow to the famed property as it devastated the entire region. Cleanup efforts have resumed in Columbia County. 

“We want the Champions Cup to come home, but the timing isn’t right for 2026,” said Doug Bjerkaas, Executive Director of the PDGA. “Our staff continues to manage the restoration of the IDGC property in concert with the various local stakeholders with the ultimate goal of building a facility that rises to the level of the Jackson, Ed, and Warner courses that made this property special.” 

New London has faced changes as well. New business developments on site forced a partial redesign and those efforts are being led by McBeth. Work has been ongoing for several months and continues as the course is expected to reopen on May 26 of this year. 

“The new layout will be as hard as the existing layout, and still provide a similar feel,” Heinold added. 

In 2024, three holes at New London finished in the top 10 of the hardest holes at Majors and Elite Series for MPO, including hole 6, a par five that averaged 6.18, according to StatMando. Hole 6 was also the hardest hole on tour for FPO. 

On top of a challenging woods track, the 2026 PDGA Champions Cup is headed to a disc golf hotbed.

A solid crowd followed the action at the 2024 PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome the PDGA Champions Cup to Bedford County in 2026. This prestigious tournament will not only highlight the world-class talent of disc golfers but also provide an amazing opportunity to showcase the natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality that make Bedford County such a special place,” said Nicole Johnson, Director of Tourism for Bedford County. “This event will bring visitors from across the globe, driving tourism, supporting local businesses, and strengthening our community’s reputation as a top destination for disc golf and outdoor enthusiasts."

“We are honored and excited to partner with Bedford County to bring the PDGA Champions Cup to Central Virginia in 2026," said Marjette Upshur, Director, Office of Economic Development & Tourism, City of Lynchburg. "Hosting elite events speaks volumes about the strength of our region, the quality of our courses, and the energy of our communities. Lynchburg is proud to offer a dynamic backdrop — from our vibrant downtown to our passionate outdoor culture — that continues to elevate the athlete and spectator experience. We can’t wait to welcome the global disc golf community back to LYH LYHLOVESPDGA.”

Get spectator tickets and learn more about the 2025 PDGA Champions Cup which kicks off on May 1 at Swenson Park in Stockton, California.