Breaking Barriers in Disc Golf: Meet Jackie Morris, PDGA Elite Series Tournament Director

Jackie Morris is making history as the fifth female tournament director of a PDGA Elite Series event or major since 2000. As the dynamic tournament director of the Dynamic Discs Open, a 2022 Disc Golf Pro Tour event, she's breaking barriers and paving the way for women in disc golf leadership.

Morris's journey to becoming a tournament director began at the Dynamic Discs retail store in Emporia, Kansas, where she was introduced to disc golf by her friends. After working in customer service, Morris took on the role of volunteer coordinator for several high-profile events, including the 2016 PDGA Pro World Championships and the Dynamic Discs Open.

As she gained experience, Morris's passion for organizing events grew, and she began to take on more responsibilities within the company. She has since become an assistant tournament director, helping with major events like the Dynamic Discs Open. Her hard work and dedication have earned her a reputation as an effective communicator and a skilled event organizer.

We caught up with Jackie to learn more about her story and what it means to her to be among a small group of female TDs at the Elite Series level. Morris shared that she was motivated by a desire to create a safe space for women in disc golf and to actively make a difference in the community.

When asked about her top priority as a tournament director, Morris emphasized the importance of remembering the "why" behind events and the people involved. Her ultimate goal is to continue growing the sport among women and making it more inclusive.

As she prepares to take on her new role at the Dynamic Discs Open, Morris shared some valuable insights for those just starting out in event organizing. One key piece of advice was to remember that "you cannot make everyone happy," and to prioritize communication and planning above all else.

Morris's contributions to women's disc golf have been recognized by her peers, with Team Dynamic Discs's Kona Panis praising her as "so organized, so motivated." The dynamic duo is working tirelessly to grow the sport among women and create more opportunities for female players.

As we look to the future of disc golf, Morris's vision for growth involves increasing the number of women in leadership roles outside of playing. She encourages women to take initiative and start their own leagues or tournaments, saying "just go do it" and be that voice for change.

With her passion, dedication, and infectious enthusiasm, Jackie Morris is a true asset to the disc golf community. As she takes on new challenges at the Dynamic Discs Open, we can't wait to see what the future holds for this talented young leader.

In conversation with Doug Bjerkaas, Morris's mentor and colleague, he highlighted her exceptional skills as an event organizer and praised her ability to communicate effectively with others. He noted that she has a "desire to run events" and has been instrumental in building the Emporia Ladies Open into a successful tournament.

The Dynamic Discs Open itself is a unique event, thanks to its setting in the charming city of Emporia. Morris shared that the city's atmosphere helps elevate the experience for players and fans alike. When asked about her favorite hole at the course, she enthusiastically recommended hole 5 at Jones Supreme 18, calling it the "pro" version of one of her old favorites.

As we look forward to the 2022 Dynamic Discs Open, Morris promises that "there will be lots of disc golf." With her leadership and vision guiding the way, we have no doubt that this event will be an unforgettable experience for all involved.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/td-spotlight-jackie-morris