As disc golf is introduced and takes flight in more countries, the PDGA is expanding its efforts to support and promote the individuals, local clubs and national associations on the ground making it happen. To this end our International Program is pleased to announce the following portion-time hires and accompanying social media page launches:
As the sun rises over Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument, a unique event is taking shape.
Players meander through this 1,200-year-old temple praying for a solid opening round at the Khmer Disc Golf Resort, located just 20 minutes away. As the monks chant their Sanskrit prayers in the iconic silhouetted pillars of Angkor Wat and the massive ancient trees consuming Ta Phrom Temple, the heat rises with the anticipation of winning the country’s most prestigious and longest lasting PDGA tournament: The Khmer Cup!
Angelly Castaño, PDGA 301117, throws in Colombia. All Photos: PDGA Country Coordinators & National Association Partners
In mid-December 2024, the PDGA announced a new sponsor a member in a low- or lower-income country program. PDGA members, when they renewed or joined, could now help grow the game we all love in a brand-new way – by contributing the $20 cost of an Amateur membership for a deserving disc golf enthusiast in Africa, Asia, Latin America or Ukraine.
BC’s Sofia Donnecke recently finished 11th at the Disc Golf Pro Tour — Supreme Flight Open in Florida. Photo: DGPT
Each year, the PDGA Canada report is published to highlight the previous year's achievements and look ahead to the new season.
The annual report shows plans and projections for the new year ahead and how PDGA protocols apply in Canada. This report also includes a demographic breakdown, planning tools as well as sponsorship opportunities.
The 2025 Singapore Sling, held January 11-12 in the “Lion City”, set a few records, not all of them good. Players endured over 250 mm (10 inches!) of rain as an unprecedented monsoon surge settled over the city starting on Friday and lingered through the weekend.
Arriving in Puerto Rico, it’s a drive of less than 60 km from the capital city San Juan to the south-east corner of the island. There in the sun washed seaside town of Yabucoa you’ll discover an 18-hole course with baskets donated by Dynamic Discs and managed by Travelling Chains Puerto Rico.
Traveling Chains is led by Patrick O'Neill #197347 and Brittany Hertle #273090. Their dream of building disc golf on the Isla de Encanto began in early 2023 when they traveled the island in search of the right spot for establishing a course. Along their way they held numerous clinics, met key individuals and found a dream spot at Playa Lucia.
PDGA Latin America started in 2022 with the aim of growing Disc Golf and promoting PDGA activities across this emerging region.
As our initial programming unfolded, focusing on the promotion and awarding of Marco Polo grants, supporting the first events in new countries, and the translation of key resources like the Rules of Play and the International Program Guide into Spanish, we realized that some key needs could be transformed into important benefits for our members.
A formalized program for educating coaches was top of the list.
The PDGA is has launching a Sponsor a Member Program. Photo: Uplay Disc Golf
Disc golf continues to grow from the ground up around the world.
Through PDGA International’s Marco Polo Program, courses are being installed, equipment is being donated, clinics are being held, and PDGA-sanctioned tournaments are being hosted around the world.
You can now assist even more in the journey.
While a part of your membership dues already goes toward growing disc golf internationally, beginning in December 2024, you can sponsor a membership for an amateur player in a lower-income country for only $20 when joining the PDGA or renewing your membership.
Disc golf in Ethiopia began its journey a decade ago, driven by passionate individuals and supportive organizations. The African continent’s first PDGA-sanctioned event was the 2018 Ethiopian Open, and marked the establishment of East Africa's first 18-hole disc golf course at Assosa University. This period (2015-2020) showcased significant growth for the sport in Ethiopia.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges, as the subsequent civil war resulted in devastating humanitarian crises, impacting the growth of disc golf in the country. The conflict lasted until a peace agreement was signed in November 2023.
In response to the request of Turgen Club, this summer, within the framework of the Marco Polo program, for the first time in Mongolia, PDGA delivered 9 permanent baskets and discs to the Turgen Club grounds through a grant.
The PDGA is pleased to announce these three countries, on three different continents, as its latest national partners, bringing the total of affiliated countries to 52 — 54 when USA and Canada are included.
The joy of disc golf is evident in Cambodia. Photo: Greg James
A year ago, when the PDGA unveiled its new logo, the organization was left with a stockpile of former logo discs at our fulfillment house in Georgia, USA.
Our Memberships Manager Vic Allen came up with the cool idea of distributing most of this plastic to our overseas partner countries, across the developing world and elsewhere. In short, this would be another means of PDGA delivering on its mission “to develop disc golf into a globally-recognized competitive sport and recreational activity.”
Calixto Garcia, of Spain, is the new Marketing & Media Manager for PDGA Europe.
With the growth of the sport in Europe (and in general), PDGA Europe has expanded its staff with a new Marketing and Media position.
Calixto García is a 46-year-old marketeer from Bilbao, Spain, has three children and realized that throwing discs is somewhat better than hitting a ball with a stick three years ago. Since then, he established himself known in disc golf community as a huge sport promoter as owner of Zona Disc Golf YouTube channel that specializes in content in Spanish language, growing the sport not only in Spain, but also in Latin America.
