Module 1: Types of Events

What Kind of Event Will You Run?  

 

 

Before you go out and run a disc golf tournament, it’s best to take some time to think about what kind of event you want to run.  Since we’re at the very beginning of our Tournament Director Training Program, now is the time to discuss the visioning process you should go through before locking yourself into details such as the sanctioning tier, course layout and player pack items.  Taking the time to ask yourself questions about what goals you want to accomplish with your event can save you a lot of work down the line, and also make it easier for you to explain your vision for the tournament to potential helpers, sponsors and players.  It’s not enough to tell these folks that “it’s gonna be great!”  You will be much more successful garnering support for your tournament if you have thought out some of the key details in advance.  

Playing Format

One of the first decisions you need to make in your visioning and planning process for your event is what type of playing format you will follow.  Singles Stroke Play (or “Medal Play”) is the simplest form of disc golf competition and is by far the most common individual-play format for PDGA events.   Stroke, or medal play is where each throw made by a player is counted, with the player recording the fewest throws being the winner.  Medal play disc golf events are eligible to have PDGA round ratings calculated (except for in a few exceptions), which make them very popular to players because the round ratings can be used to calculate a player’s PDGA Player Rating.   

Another format for individual players to compete in is Match Play, where players compete to record the lowest number of throws on each hole and count the number of holes they win in a round.  The winner of the “match” is then the player who has won the most holes.  Rounds that end in a tied number of holes continue on into Sudden Death, until one player has won more holes.  While the strategy in Match Play can be quite interesting, it cannot be used to calculate PDGA Round Ratings since players are not required to finish every hole – for example, sometimes players concede a hole to their competitor and don’t putt out, thus not recording a score. 

Doubles is a popular competitive disc golf format and is the most common team-play format for PDGA events.  In doubles play, two players team up and contribute throws to complete holes.  Best Shot, also known as “Scramble,” is the most common format for doubles in disc golf. Players always throw from the same lie, picking the shot they prefer each time.  Other formats include “Best Disc”, where each player completes the hole themselves and the team’s best score for the hole is recorded, Along with “Alternating Shot” and “Worst Shot”.  While PDGA Round Ratings cannot be calculated for doubles rounds, doubles events can be sanctioned by the PDGA and players can earn PDGA Points. 

Disc golf matches and tournaments can also be played between larger teams of players.  This is a popular type of competition for college disc golf teams and between disc golf clubs.  Many different formats are possible, with some events combining singles stroke play, doubles, and even match play components in the design of their team competitions.  If you have an idea for a team event and wish to have it sanctioned by the PDGA, contact the Event Support & Training team for information and guidance. 

Who is Your Audience?

An important part of the visioning process for your event is to consider the players.  You must ask yourself: Who do you want to serve with your event?  Consider all of the possible player demographic groups out there: professionals, amateurs, juniors, club members, mixed or women-only, seniors, new players, or...everyone?   

If you live in a smaller disc golf community with a limited player base, your best bet will probably be to run events that are more inclusive and that cater to a broad range of players.  Do this enough times and do it well and you’ll see your community of disc golfers grow. 

If you are running events in an area with a larger player base, you may find that you can fill an event that caters to a narrow player base, such as Ams-only or older, age-based divisions only.  Or maybe you don’t need to have the event fill, but you want to create an event that targets players who are under-served by disc golf:  women, juniors or new players.  These groups often benefit from having events that play on courses or layouts that better fit their skill level.  New players and juniors might also benefit from an event that combines competition with a clinic.  Hosting an event designed for a specific type of player can give you an opportunity to be creative with the types of amenities and experiences you provide. 

A significant issue to consider in your planning is how big of a field you want to host.  If the plan is for a shotgun start, where everyone starts and plays at once, how many people can fit on the course at once? (Answer: It’s the number of holes * 3 or 4).  If you plan to use tee times, how many people can get through the course in one day? Figuring this out is more complicated, requiring you to consider sunrise times, sunset times, group sizes, tee time intervals, and the overall round elapsed time for ALL competitors, not just the faster players.  And it’s always best to build in a buffer in case you have weather delays or other unexpected occurrences.    

While the competitive component is important, many Tournament Directors look for ways to build celebration, fundraising or just plain fun to their events.  Disc golf events can be great opportunities to raise funds, whether that fundraising is to support disc golf course development and maintenance or the fundraising is for a local charitable organization.  One of the best-known and successful disc golf charity stories is that of the Ice Bowl series, which began in 1987 when some chilly Missourians gathered to play a round of disc golf and share a pot of chili.  Since then, Ice Bowl events around the world have raised over $6 million for charities that fight food insecurity and introduced thousands of new players to disc golf.  Another type of fun event are those that put new models of discs in the hands of participants.  Whether it’s a “race”, a “challenge”, a “clash” or whatever, the manufacturer-sponsored events where all players receive and use the same model discs can be a great way to bring players together. 

Sometimes, though, it’s all about the competition!  As you gain more experience as a Tournament Director you may find yourself wanting to create an event that brings top players together to compete for big prizes and regional, national or world championships.  But don’t try to run the giant, ultra-competitive event until you’ve gained experience running a number of smaller, local events. 

PDGA Sanctioned Event Tiers  

 

 

The PDGA supports high quality disc golf competition through the process of sanctioning disc golf tournaments. PDGA members are eligible to apply for sanctioning the events that they run, agreeing to follow the PDGA’s Official Rules of Disc Golf, Competition Manual and Tour Standards. Following these shared rules and guidelines assures players that no matter where they are playing a PDGA-sanctioned event, the competitive structure will be the same. This standardization of the game’s competitive structure forms the foundation for some of the PDGA’s most important benefits: player ratings, points to qualify for PDGA Championships, and the historical archive of competitive tournament and player results.  

There are several levels of PDGA-sanctioned events, referred to as Tiers. Each Tier has its own set of requirements and regulations based on the PDGA Tour Standards. Higher Tiers of events, including World Championships, PDGA Majors, Elite Series events, A-Tier and B-Tier events require current PDGA membership to participate. PDGA Majors and Elite Series events also require that the competitors have passed the PDGA Certified Official Rules Exam and registered as a Certified Rules Official with the PDGA. C-Tier events allow any player who is not a current PDGA member to participate by paying a per-event fee of $10 (unless playing in a Junior division in which case there is no such fee).  Players who are not current PDGA members may play in PDGA Leagues without any additional fee. 

PDGA Leagues

With many local clubs already offering leagues in their respective areas, the PDGA wants to give these clubs the opportunity to sanction their league similar to how many tournaments are currently sanctioned.  By sanctioning any new or existing leagues through the PDGA, there will be a plethora of added benefits and features for the players and clubs involved.  Arguably, the most appealing benefit is the addition of PDGA player ratings to the equation.  While some leagues have formulated their own system of ratings and standings, by sanctioning your league, these ratings become uniform with the system utilized by the PDGA. League rounds will be calculated in conjunction with any tournament ratings one may receive to compile a comprehensive player rating. 

Please review Competition Manual 1.14 and the PDGA League FAQs for more information and learn how league players are awarded points and ranked. 

PDGA League Benefits

The benefits of sanctioning your league through the PDGA include but are not limited to the following: 

• Each PDGA member will receive an official rating from each league round attended that will be included in that player’s total average rating. 
• Players do not need to compete every week in order to play. They may play as many or as few weeks of the league as they please.  
• All ratings are unofficial until the TD report is submitted following the completion of the league. 
• All unofficial ratings can be viewed in the league results section of the PDGA website.   
• Non-members can view their unofficial ratings online throughout the duration of the league; however, these ratings will disappear following the completion of the league if a PDGA membership is not acquired. 
• Sanctioned leagues can offer handicap events that are very appealing to the recreational player. 
• By receiving ratings, it will help players to determine which player division they are best suited for in sanctioned tournaments. 
• PDGA members will receive PDGA points, which is the primary criterion for earning an invitation to World Championship events. 
• There are numerous formats available for play, which can be decided at the Tournament Director’s discretion. 

Club Benefits

The PDGA believes that providing league play to each respective area is a great avenue for strengthening not only each local disc golf club, but also the sport of disc golf in general.  We also realize that these leagues could not function without the countless hours put in by each club.  This is why we have put forth multiple benefits for clubs that provide a sanctioned league.  These benefits include: 

• Half of each $1 minimum mandated player fee stays with the facilitating club of the league for expenses such as course improvements or new baskets, charitable donations, or other avenues that will help the sport of disc golf continue to thrive and grow.  (League Director can charge additional league fees at their discretion to go towards payouts, prizes, ace funds, or league costs.) 
• Exposure and advertising for your league through PDGA.com.

Starting a PDGA League

When preparing to sanction your league, there are few factors to take into consideration. Leagues can range anywhere from 6-10 weeks, and each sanctioned league consists of one round, on the same day of the week, per week. If desired, multiple leagues can be run on multiple days per week, but must be sanctioned and reported as separate leagues.  

Staying consistent with sanctioned tournaments, each league round requires a minimum of 2 propagators in order for the round to receive unofficial ratings, and every participant must play the SAME course and SAME layout.  For now, all leagues must be singles play; however different formats are being explored such as global leagues, team leagues, and doubles leagues.  

Please read through our PDGA Leagues FAQ.  

Anyone interested in becoming a League Director can contact the PDGA office with any additional questions that may arise.  

League Directors

The PDGA believes in keeping the process as simple as possible for our League Directors.  The cost to sanction a league is only $25 USD. For each round played by a player during the league, the League Director is mandated to collect a $1 USD fee. Half of that fee stays with the club, and half of that fee is paid to the PDGA at the end of the league once all weeks are completed and the league report is submitted.  Each League Director will be able access the PDGA Tournament Manager and Disc Golf Scene online.  These tools will allow a club to manage their league and track results automatically and provides more detailed stats such as hole-by-hole scores, win/loss record and more for the dedicated and statistic-loving League Directors. 

The growth of the sport of disc golf is highly strengthened through grassroots marketing.  By giving the home town recreational players an opportunity to participate in a sanctioned event every week, it allows those with jobs, families, and responsibilities at home to still remain an active PDGA member.  Through this platform, the “hometown hero” will have the opportunity to gain consistent ratings and see how they match up against the top pros worldwide. 

If you love this idea, and want to see the PDGA and disc golf continue its rapid growth into the future, we highly encourage you to start your own PDGA sanctioned league in your respective area. 

PDGA Sanctioned Event Levels

The PDGA sanctions events at a variety of levels, or Tiers, as a way to provide varying intensity levels of competition and reward for participating players. This is an extensive framework of disc golf competition, as we are on pace to have over 10,000 PDGA-sanctioned events in 2023.  These Tiers begin with one or two day local events at the C-Tier level and progress in stature and requirements up through B and A-Tiers, Elite Series events, PDGA Majors and at the top: the PDGA World Championships. As players enter events at higher tiers they can expect certain things to increase: the number of holes, rounds and days of competition; the entry fees and subsequent value returned to players; and the number of PDGA points that can be earned. Tournament Directors can expect a similar progression in the requirements for holding events as they more up the tier levels: higher-quality or more standardized targets; higher “value percentages” returned to players; greater “added cash” requirements for Professional divisions and a higher overall level of professionalism on the part of Tournament Directors and their staff. 

PDGA events at the C and B-Tiers require date and location approval from the appropriate State, Province, Region or Country Coordinator before applying for sanctioning. A-Tiers, Elite Series events and Majors have special application processes and schedules. In the sections below we’ll highlight some of the unique characteristics of these Tier levels. Details of the requirements and features for the different sanctioning tier levels can be found in the PDGA Tour Standards. 

C-Tier

These are local events that can easily be run in one day, on one course, with a minimal amount of staff and volunteers, but they certainly do not have to be small and/or simple. There are many large C-Tier events around the world each year that bring in hundreds of players and provide very large payouts for both the professional and amateur divisions.   

• Non-PDGA membership allowed to compete (must pay $10 non-member fee) 
• Length: 1-2 days 
• Holes: Minimum of 18 (36 preferred) 
• Cash Added to Pro Purse: Optional 
• Minimum of 85% payout of Net Entry Fees to Pro purse 
• Minimum of 85% payout of Net Entry Fees to Amateur purse (prizes + player packs) 

B-Tier

B-Tier events are considered state-level, often taking place over an entire weekend with the Tournament Director(s) providing a minimum of 100% payout to the professional and amateur divisions alike. B-Tier events are a step up from the (often) 1-day C-Tier events and have increased payout requirements and player expectations. 

• Current PDGA membership required to compete  
• Length: 1-3 days 
• Holes: Minimum of 36 
• 100% payout of Net Entry Fees plus min. of $750 Cash Added to Pro purse (across all Pro divisions) 
• 100% payout of Net Entry Fees to Amateur purse (prizes + player packs) 

A-Tier

A-Tier events are regional events with strict requirements for the overall purse and payouts. These events typically bring in some of the best competitors in the sport, lasting between 2-3 days with a minimum of 54 holes to be completed. 

Each fall, after the full Major and Disc Golf Pro Tour schedule is known for the following year, the A-Tiers are then scheduled by the PDGA Office for the entire following year. In late September, an online A-Tier Request Form is made available through both a story posted on pdga.com, as well as an email sent to the TDs of the A-Tiers from the past two years. The form is typically available for two weeks and TDs must provide at least three possible dates for their events in order for a conflict-free schedule to be produced. 

Note that in order to even be considered for A-Tier status, an event must have been run for at least several years as a successful B-Tier event that both met all Tour Standards and was also absent of player complaints. In addition, the Tournament Director must have an established track record of running quality events at the B-Tier level or above. Because of their greater mileage restrictions, only a limited number of events can be A-Tiers. Therefore, not all requests for A-Tier status will be approved. Once the A-Tier schedule has been set, it is released on pdga.com (typically on or about November 1st) so that PDGA State, Province, or Country Coordinators can begin approving TD’s date requests for B-Tier and C-Tier events. At that time, the online event sanctioning form for the following year is also made available. 

• Current PDGA membership required to compete 
• Length: 2-3 days 
• Holes: Minimum of 54 
• 100% payout of Net Entry Fees plus minimum of $3000 Cash Added to Pro Purse (across all Pro divisions) 
• 110% payout of Net Entry Fees to Amateur purse (prizes + player packs) 

Disc Golf Pro Tour (Elite Series)

The Disc Golf Pro Tour is an event series for the Open and Open Women's divisions. The Disc Golf Pro Tour events showcase the sport, its leading events, and its top players, with the goal of increasing sponsorship and media coverage. Events are selected for the Pro Tour by the DGPT using a bidding process. 

• Current PDGA membership is required to compete 
• Current status of Certified Rules Official required through the dates of the event to register and compete 
• Length: 3-4 days 
• Holes: Minimum of 54 
• Cash Added to Pro Purse: minimum of $30,000 (across both divisions) 

PDGA Majors

PDGA Major events include World Championships, National Championships, and the PDGA Champions Cup, with the competitors based on invitations and qualification. Qualification to World Championships and Majors are awarded according to previous year's Tour Points and other qualifying criteria. Current members who do not earn an invitation to the World Championships may still gain entry if there is still room after the registration tiers for invitees. 

• Current PDGA membership required to compete 
• Current status of Certified Rules Official required through the dates of the event to register and compete 
• Length, purse, number of holes, and many other elements of these prestigious events are handled on a case-by-case basis 
• Minimum payout of 125% of Net Entry Fees 

X Tier

X-Tiers are not a separate Tier, but rather a designation used in conjunction with another Tier level (XM, XA, XB, or XC).  X-Tier events either use experimental formats or have deviations from ordinary PDGA rules and regulations significant enough to merit this modified Tier designation.  X can be added to the Tier designation for a variety of reasons. If the event is a non-singles format - such as doubles, triples, team, or match play - or uses non-standard rules - like offering mulligans or mandating throw and distance penalties for an island green - the X means the event is not rated. The X can also be used for other non-ratings related items such as a charity event with limited payouts or a restriction on who can register such as residents of a specific country or state, or collegiate-only.  These types of X-Tiers, where the format is ratable, will still receive ratings.