Luxembourg Joins Global Community of Disc Golf Enthusiasts with PDGA Affiliate Status

Gérard Kraus, a man with a passion for organizing events, has been instrumental in introducing disc golf to his home country of Luxembourg. A former collegiate basketball player, Kraus discovered the sport by chance in 2019 after watching a video on Reddit. He was immediately captivated by its unique aspects and quickly ordered discs and a training basket.

As he delved deeper into the world of disc golf, Kraus learned about the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) International, which provides resources for building the game at the grassroots level and offers funding support through its Marco Polo Program. Recognizing the potential for growth in Luxembourg, Kraus introduced himself to the PDGA and began working towards securing Affiliate Country status.

In 2020, Kraus launched Disc Golf Club Luxembourg, a community that regularly meets to play rounds, share tips, and discuss the sport. The club's efforts quickly gained traction, with city officials taking notice of their enthusiasm and commitment. After some initial discussions, they agreed to install a disc golf course in the city of Belval.

With Kraus as the PDGA Country Coordinator for Luxembourg, he worked closely with local authorities to bring the project to life. The course was completed in August 2021, and an official opening ceremony took place in September of that year. This achievement marked a significant milestone in the development of disc golf in Luxembourg.

Kraus has also established relationships with tournament directors and players from neighboring countries, including France, Belgium, and Germany. In fact, René Mikkelsen, the PDGA Country Coordinator for Denmark, traveled to Luxembourg last fall to host the country's first PDGA tournaments. Kraus assisted as assistant tournament director, ensuring a smooth and successful event.

Looking ahead to 2022, Disc Golf Club Luxembourg aims to host more events, including a junior tournament. The club also hopes to create additional courses throughout the area, further solidifying its presence in the disc golf community.

Kraus's dedication to introducing disc golf to his country has been instrumental in securing Luxembourg's position as the 48th Affiliate Country of the PDGA International. His passion and perseverance have paved the way for a new generation of players and fans, cementing disc golf's place in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/luxembourg-added-pdga-affiliate-country