Empowering Women Through Virtual Putting Leagues: A Success Story

In 2021, Tracy Heyd had an idea that would change the lives of hundreds of women worldwide. While playing disc golf with her boyfriend, she realized that women often felt uncomfortable or self-conscious about their putting skills in mixed-gender leagues. This realization sparked the creation of the Women-Only Virtual Putting League, a safe space for female disc golfers to practice and improve their putting without fear of judgment.

Tracy's vision was born out of her own experiences and observations. As she explained, "I wanted to create a space where women could feel comfortable and not judged. You don't have to worry about what you're wearing or who's watching." With the help of some touring pros, Tracy set up a Facebook group for the league, which quickly gained momentum.

The league has since grown from a small, local initiative to a global phenomenon, with over 100 participants from the United States, Canada, Asia, and Europe. Women of all skill levels are welcome, and the league is structured into three pools: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Each session consists of two weeks of qualification rounds, followed by live putting competitions.

To ensure fairness and consistency, Tracy assigns partners for each participant to verify their scores. This innovative approach has helped build trust within the community and has encouraged women to support one another in their improvement.

The league's growth can be attributed to word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied participants. Women who have joined the league rave about its supportive atmosphere, sharing stories of overcoming their fears and achieving success on the course. Tracy's dedication to fairness and transparency has created a sense of camaraderie among members, with many forming lasting friendships.

One notable highlight was when two top-ranked women were tied for first place in the 2025 session. Instead of relying on an algorithm to break the tie, they decided to hold an in-person putting competition at the USWDGC. This impromptu event showcased the league's commitment to sportsmanship and fair play.

As the Women-Only Virtual Putting League celebrates its fifth anniversary, Tracy is excited about future developments. She plans to host get-togethers for participants during major tournaments, including the 2026 Amateur Worlds in Buffalo, New York.

Tracy's advice for aspiring creators is to plan carefully and anticipate challenges. "It's hard not to bend the rules, but it's essential to keep things fair for everyone." Her dedication to fairness has created a thriving community that inspires women worldwide to take up disc golf and push their limits.

The Women-Only Virtual Putting League is an inspiring example of how sports can bring people together and empower individuals to achieve their goals. As Tracy puts it, "I'm just really proud of the little community we've built... Everyone is supportive and encouraging, and that's really cool to see."

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/women-only-virtual-putting-league