New Generation of Disc Golf TDs Graduates with Flying Colors
Date Published
The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) is thrilled to congratulate its newest batch of tournament directors who have successfully completed the New Tournament Director (TD) Academy, presented by Discraft! Over the past three months, these ambitious individuals have worked tirelessly to master the skills and knowledge necessary to run top-notch events under the PDGA platform.
Scott Withers, the director of the TD Program, is beaming with pride as he reflects on the academy's graduates. "Seeing a whole new wave of enthusiastic tournament directors has been incredible," he says. "The future of our sport is in good hands!"
As part of their graduation, each participant will host their first-ever sanctioned tournament, providing players with an opportunity to support these emerging TDs and enjoy exciting disc golf action while celebrating the growth of the sport.
To help make their events a success, Discraft has generously provided great players packs at a discounted rate for the new TD Academy graduates. These packs include a Discraft disc, a Snap Cap mini/can topper, a towel, and a drawstring bag – a fantastic incentive for players to attend and support these novice directors.
Following their initial event, the graduates will participate in one-on-one meetings with Scott Withers, as well as a follow-up session to ensure they have all the tools and confidence needed to continue hosting successful events.
Interested in joining the next class of TD Academy graduates? Mark your calendars for January 2026, when enrollment is set to begin. Lessons will commence around late January or early spring.
We spoke with some of the academy's graduates to get their thoughts on the experience:
"The PDGA TD Academy provided me with the knowledge and confidence to run events, showing me the care and detail it takes to create a truly enjoyable tournament from start to finish," says Mia Gonzalez. "As a female player who has had the pleasure of attending many amazing events, I have gained an even deeper appreciation and respect for every TD who puts in the hard work to make them possible."
"The PDGA's TD Academy was an exciting look behind the curtains of the TD life! Scott's personable and authentic leadership allowed for a highly interactive experience that tees you up to create, market, and run a successful event from 0 to 1," adds Blaine Robinson. "From special guest appearances to individual attention during and outside of class, this was an awesome experience that seasoned TDs and those new to running sanctioned tournaments could benefit from."
"Scott and the TD Academy helped me feel confident to start my TD journey – I now know where to find all the tools available to TDs and how to use them for my upcoming tournaments," says Tom Raper.
The PDGA would like to extend a huge congratulations to its latest batch of tournament directors, wishing them continued success in their endeavors. To stay updated on the graduates' events and more information about the next TD Academy class, visit the PDGA website.
Here is the list of graduating TDs and their upcoming events:
1. Enrique Nunez – TD Academy @ The Presidential Graveyard (Wolf Creek, OR, USA) - September 20, 2025
2. Dan Gilbert – Wild Country Mid Week Masters (Fenelon, Falls, ON, Canada) - September 24, 2025
3. Anson Long – Chuckin Through the Woods Open (Cowlick, KS, USA) - September 27, 2025
4. Tom Marking – TD Academy- Sidetracks of Atoka (Atoka, TN, USA) - September 27, 2025
5. Dylan Weaver – TD Academy @ WoodWind Park (Wheeler, WI, USA) - October 4, 2025
6. Lucas Callahan – TD Academy George Ward (Birmingham, AL, USA) - October 4, 2025
7. Tony Waldron – Rated Rounds @ FDC Presented by Discraft and the PDGA (Blanch, NC, USA) - October 4, 2025
8. Donny Walter – TD Academy: The Viking Challenge (Kernersville, NC, USA) - October 10, 2025
9. Damon Atkins – TD Academy New Lake Flex (Oakland City, IN, USA) - October 11, 2025
10. David Brown – Limona Showdown (Brandon, FL, USA) - October 11, 2025
...and many more!
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/congratulations-inaugural-class-pdga-td-academy-presented-discraft