PDGA Embraces True Amateur Format at Am Worlds Championship
Date Published
The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) has announced that it will be introducing a new format for its Amateur Disc Golf World Championships. Starting this year in Emporia, Kansas, the competition will move away from traditional non-cash prizes and instead focus on creating an exceptional experience for all participants. The top finishers in each division will receive unique event trophies, and the winners will be crowned world champions with a traditional trophy.
This change has been a long-held desire of PDGA Executive Director Brian Graham, who wanted to move away from a payout model that is out of sync with most other sports. The idea was also championed by Jeremy Rusco, the 2013 Am Worlds tournament director, who included it in his bid to host the event. While the "True Amateur" format may be new to the Amateur World Championships, it has been successfully implemented at several high-profile events in recent years.
According to Graham, the PDGA's previous payout model had straddled the line between professionalism and true amateurism, leading to confusion and a lack of clarity within the sport. By adopting this new format, the PDGA aims to promote a more authentic amateur experience that aligns with the values of most other sports.
The 2013 Am Worlds event promises to be one of the largest in history, featuring a range of activities including a Player's Party, Poker Night, Fly Mart, and Field Events. The focus on creating an exceptional experience will benefit not just the competitors but also the spectators and volunteers involved in the event.
Invitations to the 2013 PDGA Amateur Disc Golf World Championships are being emailed this week, with registration opening for invitees on March 29. The competition is set to take place in July, and organizers are looking forward to hosting a memorable event that will showcase the sport's true amateur spirit.
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/true-amateur