Bar Set to Record Height in 2016 | Professional Disc Golf Association
Date Published
**TITLE:** Disc Golf Soars to New Heights in 2016: A Year of Records and Viral Videos
**META_TITLE:** Record Growth and Global Expansion Define 2016 for Disc Golf
**META_DESCRIPTION:** Discover the incredible achievements of 2016, including record-breaking membership growth, new professional tours, and viral videos that captivated audiences worldwide. Learn about the exciting developments in disc golf as it continues to expand globally.
**ARTICLE:**
The world of disc golf witnessed unprecedented growth and excitement in 2016, shattering records and captivating audiences with its unique blend of athleticism and entertainment. From record-breaking membership numbers to new professional tours and viral videos that went global, the sport reached new heights last year.
One of the most striking developments was the significant increase in PDGA members and sanctioned events. By the end of 2016, the number of current PDGA members had surpassed 35,000, marking a 17% growth from the previous year. This surge was even more impressive when considering the remarkable growth in sanctioned events, which rose by an astonishing 19.8% to reach 3,105. With an average of 60 events taking place every weekend during the "season" (April-October), disc golf enthusiasts had a constant stream of competitions to look forward to.
The sport also made significant strides in media exposure, with one particular moment standing out – Philo Brathwaite's albatross at the 2016 Beaver State Fling. Captured by Central Coast Disc Golf and shared across social media platforms, the video quickly went viral, being featured on ESPN, Bleacher Report, PGA.com, and numerous regional sports networks. The clip even made its way onto cable TV shows like Tosh.O and Outrageous Acts of Science.
The growth of disc golf's global presence continued with the opening of the first PDGA office in Europe, located in the Netherlands. This marked a significant step towards establishing a more formal European chapter, with plans for an elected Board of Directors and agreements between USA and Europe to define roles and responsibilities.
As we look ahead to 2017, the calendar is packed with exciting events, including the 11 PDGA Majors, which kick off with the Aussie Open in Perth, Australia. The year will also see the introduction of Pro Worlds and Pro Masters Worlds, allowing for more tailored competition and smaller venues to host these high-profile events.
The International Disc Golf Center in Appling, Georgia will play a significant role in 2017, hosting both the Hall of Fame Classic – National Tour Finale and the 2017 Pro Worlds. The EuroProTour and EuroTour will take place across Europe, with two Disc Golf World Tour events also scheduled for the continent.
With over 100 A-Tiers and an additional 3,000 B-Tier and C-Tier events planned, disc golf enthusiasts can look forward to a busy and thrilling year ahead. As the sport continues to expand globally, it's clear that 2017 promises to be another incredible chapter in its growth story.
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/bar-set-record-height-2016-aimed-higher-2017