Disc Golf's Global Expansion Continues at Record Pace
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Disc golf is experiencing unprecedented global expansion, with the latest developments solidifying its position as an international sport. In a recent announcement, PDGA International Director Brian Hoeniger confirmed that Colombia and Portugal have become the newest additions to the list of 45 countries affiliated with the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA). This milestone marks a significant shift in the sport's worldwide presence.
Notably, Lithuania has transitioned its affiliation from the Vilnius Club to the newly established national disc golf association, Federacija Lietuvos Diskgolfo. This change brings Lithuania into line with other PDGA affiliate countries and underscores the growing recognition of disc golf as a legitimate international sport. With this development, Lithuania joins the ranks of nations that have been part of the PDGA for over a decade.
The numbers tell an impressive story: currently, there are more than 15,000 active PDGA members outside of the United States and Canada, with over 5,000 new members joining in recent months. The increase in participation is accompanied by a surge in sanctioned events, with 738 tournaments scheduled for the PDGA Tour calendar this year. Events will be held in countries as diverse as Cambodia, Ethiopia, and Portugal.
The Lisboa Open 2021, set to take place on July 25th in Amadora, Portugal, marks an exciting milestone: it will be the country's first PDGA-sanctioned event, with Bruno Gravato serving as tournament director. Finland and Sweden lead the way in terms of international events, with 193 and 160 tournaments scheduled, respectively.
The PDGA's Marco Polo Program has been instrumental in facilitating disc golf growth worldwide, awarding grants to support the development of permanent courses. The program recently awarded a grant for the first permanent course in the Philippines, building on its previous successes in Mexico. Notably, the Paul McBeth Foundation has announced plans to establish two new courses in Santa Maria de Jesus, Guatemala and Medellin, Colombia.
As the popularity of disc golf continues to soar globally, it's clear that this grassroots movement is gaining momentum. With a record number of sanctioned events scheduled for 2021, over 15,000 international members, and ongoing efforts to establish permanent courses worldwide, disc golf is firmly established as an international sport on the rise.
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This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/colombia-portugal-lithuania-added-pdga-affiliate-countries