New PDGA Director of Operations Doug Bjerkaas Brings Experience and Fresh Perspective

Doug Bjerkaas is no stranger to the whirlwind world of professional disc golf. A native of Kansas, he spent seven years at Dynamic Discs, rising from part-time event coordinator to president. Now, as the PDGA's new Director of Operations, he's leveraging his expertise to drive the sport forward.

Bjerkaas' journey began in April 2023 when he joined the PDGA team. In our conversation, he reflected on his first month on the job and shared insights into his role and responsibilities. As Director of Operations, he oversees the Event Support and Training directorates, headed by Jeff Jacquart and Andrew "Big Dog" Sweeton.

Drawing from his past experience as a tournament director for Dynamic Discs, Bjerkaas is well-equipped to handle the demands of his new position. He managed five PDGA majors, including Pro Worlds and Junior Worlds events, in addition to numerous elite series tournaments on the pro tours.

During his first month at the PDGA, Bjerkaas described himself as a "sponge," soaking up knowledge about the organization's inner workings and processes. This hands-on approach allowed him to appreciate the team's strengths and challenges firsthand.

One of the most striking aspects of Bjerkaas' new role is witnessing the seamless collaboration between PDGA staff members, even at high-pressure events like the 2023 Champions Cup. "I think it makes future conversations different once you've met someone in person and seen them in action," he noted.

Bjerkaas also shared his initial impressions of the International Disc Golf Center and the W.R. Jackson course, stating that attending the Champions Cup was an "aha" moment – a chance to experience the sport's top-tier facilities firsthand.

As he settles into his role, Bjerkaas emphasized the importance of continuous improvement, acknowledging that no aspect of the PDGA is immune to refinement. He outlined several key goals for his tenure, including gathering feedback from players and stakeholders, implementing repeatable systems, and driving innovation across all levels of competition – from Majors to local events.

Looking ahead, Bjerkaas expressed his enthusiasm for working directly with the PDGA team and contributing to the sport's growth. "I couldn't be happier than to be where I am right now," he concluded.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/sit-down-new-pdga-operations-director