The following is provided via NADGT through their partnership with PDGA.

Let’s Grow Together

For nearly a decade, the National Amateur Disc Golf Tour has supported amateur disc golfers across the country. In that time, we’ve developed a deep understanding of the sport - but one thing has become increasingly clear: the landscape is always changing.

We’ve done our best to evolve alongside it.

We’ve answered questions, adjusted formats, and experimented with everything - from player packs (traditional, digital, and customizable) to entry fee structures, add-ons, and event formats. We’ve tried to create experiences that offer more - more value, more opportunity, and for some, even a path to becoming a touring professional. 

But there’s one question we continue to hear:

“Why should I play in your event if I’m not going to Nationals?”

Instead of assuming we have all the answers, we want to ask something even more important:

What matters most to you?

Walk up to almost any tournament today and ask players a simple question:

“Why are you here?”

You might expect answers about competing, improving ratings, or chasing bigger events. But more and more, the answer sounds like this:

“I’m just here to have fun. I’m not going to Nationals”

And honestly—that’s a great answer. In today’s world, where time and money matter more than ever, playing simply for enjoyment and personal challenge may be the most genuine motivation there is. So maybe the better question is: 

Why should you play?

For most players, tournaments didn’t begin with big goals. It started with curiosity. You played rounds with friends. You kept score. A little friendly competition crept in. And at some point, you wondered: 

“How good am I, really?”

Tournaments give you a way to find out. They offer something new - new courses, new players, and a bit of pressure that made each shot matter. That sense of discovery was powerful. And for many of us, it still is. But it’s worth pausing to ask yourself:

Is that still what you’re looking for today?

A changing experience

If you’ve been around for a while, you’ve likely noticed that tournaments feel different now. In many ways, they’ve improved. Tee times have made scheduling easier. Events are smoother, more efficient, and more structured. That’s a good thing. But something else has inevitably changed.

There was a time when players spent the entire day together—warming up, waiting between rounds, finishing side by side. Conversations happened naturally. Friendships formed over hours of shared experience. Today, things are more spread out, you could play an event and only intereact with your cardmates.

Neither version is better or worse - they’re just different. Which leads to a simple, personal question:

What part of the experience matters most to you?

Tournaments used to come with a clear, tangible bonus: gear. Player packs meant something special. New discs were harder to find, and receiving one felt like part of the reward. Today, access is different. Players can get almost anything they want, anytime they want. So naturally, the value of “stuff” has changed. Which brings us to something deeper:

When you sign up for a tournament now, what are you really hoping to get?

Is it:

• The challenge of the course?
• The competition?
• A well-run event?
• Player packs or other extras?
• The social atmosphere?

Or maybe something harder to define—something you only recognize once you’re out there?

Defining value

Playing tournaments today is a bigger commitment than it used to be. Entry fees, travel, and time all add up. And that makes the idea of value more personal than ever. But value doesn’t always come down to what you leave with in your bag. Sometimes, it’s about what you feel when you leave the course:

• Did you feel challenged?
• Did you stay focused?
• Did you learn something about your game—or yourself?

Those things don’t show up on a receipt, but they tend to last longer.

Does it have to lead somewhere?

While NADGT events do lead to a Championship, they provide the same core value structure as other events and align with PDGA standards. Not every event has to be a stepping stone to something bigger. We understand that—which is why we aim to make all of our events just as strong on their own. If you’re not interested in taking that next step, you should still have a great experience, strong value, and meaningful player packs and payouts. A tournament can stand on its own—as a single day where you challenge yourself, compete, and experience the game in a meaningful way. So the question becomes:

Does a tournament need to lead to Nationals to have value?

Or, if you don’t plan to attend Nationals, does that reduce the value of the event for you?

Or… is the experience itself enough?

There’s no right answer - only your answer.

Looking ahead, together

Disc golf is growing, and tournaments are evolving with it.

There’s room to try new ideas:

• More family/junior safe accessible events
• Lower-cost options
• Formats designed for newer players
• Experiences focused on fun, competition, & community

But the most important part of that evolution isn’t deciding for players. It’s listening to them. Because this isn’t just about events. It’s about the experience - and the people who make it meaningful.

Help shape the future

Now that you’ve had a chance to think about these questions, we’d love your input. Please take a moment to complete our short poll and share your thoughts: https://forms.gle/wUZQjUhg3BMkqj6M8

Your feedback will help us - and the broader community - better understand what players value most. We’ll share the results publicly so everyone can see how players across the country are feeling. Together, we can build events that better serve everyone who steps up to the tee.

Let’s grow the sport - together!

- NADGT Staff