PDGA National Tour Expands Bonus Payouts for Top Players

The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) has made significant changes to its National Tour bonus payouts, aiming to incentivize more players to compete in the tour. The new structure promises to reward a larger pool of competitors with a share of the $35,000 prize money.

In 2018, a total of 15 Open players and 10 Open Women's players will be eligible for rewards, up from 10 and five respectively in 2017. This change is designed to promote consistency among players and encourage more participation in National Tour events.

The bonus payouts have been adjusted to create a flatter payout structure, with the top prize of $6,000 (Open Division) and $2,500 (Open Women's Division). The payouts for lower-ranked players have also increased, with 11th-15th place Open players receiving $800-$400 each.

According to Nate Heinold, Board Treasurer and NT/Majors Committee Chair, the goal was to create a more balanced payout structure that rewards overall consistency. He cited examples of players like Nate Perkins and Lisa Fajkus, who competed in multiple events but were not eligible for bonuses under the previous system.

Lisa Fajkus, who finished sixth place on the 2017 National Tour, welcomed the change in bonus structure and plans to compete in all National Tour events this season. "The touring players are out here week-in and week-out, it's a grind," she said. "So it's cool to have something to work toward."

The changes will be sponsored by ZÜCA, ProActive Disc Golf, and Disc Golf Association (DGA), with additional funding potentially being directed towards the 2018 payout.

The National Tour begins on February 22 in Henderson, Nevada, with the Las Vegas Challenge. The bonus payouts will be dispersed after the final event of the season, the Hall of Fame Classic in October.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/national-tour-bonus-rewarding-more-players-2018