Disc Golf World Championship Format Shifts to Combine Age-Based Divisions

In a move aimed at increasing participation and opportunities for host cities, the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) has announced that it will be shifting its World Championship format starting in 2021. The change will combine age-based divisions for both amateur and professional fields, creating a single Masters Disc Golf World Championship event.

This decision was made after a proposal by PDGA Majors & NT Committee Chair Nate Heinold, who presented the idea to the PDGA Board of Directors at their Fall Summit. The initiative passed with a unanimous 6-0 vote. According to Heinold, the new format will address several concerns raised by players and stakeholders.

One of the main reasons for the change is the desire to recapture the "reunion" feel that players had before the various World Championships were split into separate events in 2017. Additionally, attendance at previous Pro Masters World Championships has been low, with an average of just 157 participants. By combining age-based divisions, the PDGA hopes to create a more inclusive and exciting event.

The new format will also allow for potential expansion of the Am Worlds field, which currently caps out at 288 players in the Advanced division. This could increase to as many as 432 players, giving more members of the player base the opportunity to compete in one of the sport's premier tournaments.

As the sport continues to grow at a rapid pace, the PDGA is facing increased demand for World Championship events. The amateur side is driving this growth, with participation numbers rising from 174 players in 1996 to 752 players in 2015. By making this change, the PDGA aims to meet the current demand and provide more opportunities for players.

The shift in format may also have positive effects on host cities and tourism departments. With a larger influx of players expected, clubs bidding on Masters Worlds will see increased benefits, while Am Worlds may be open to more municipalities due to reduced course requirements.

PDGA Director of Operations Mike Downes sees this change as an increase in opportunity for both members and host cities. "The potential economic impact of each of these events is now more balanced and attractive," he said. "We expect this change to only expand our options for host locations of future World Championship events."

For the time being, the current format will remain in place for the 2019 season. The Professional Masters Disc Golf World Championships will take place from June 22-29 at Smugglers' Notch Resort in Jeffersonville, Vermont, while the Amateur Disc Golf World Championships will be held from July 20-27 in York County, Pennsylvania. Host cities for the 2020 iterations of these events will be announced in December.

The PDGA's decision to combine age-based divisions is a significant change that aims to enhance the overall experience and opportunities within the sport. As the professional disc golf community continues to grow and evolve, it remains to be seen how this shift in format will impact the future of World Championship events.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/amateur-masters-pro-masters-getting-combined-worlds-starting-2021