PDGA Reaches New Milestone with 2,000th Approved Disc

The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) has achieved a significant milestone with the approval of its 2,000th disc. The Johnson by Bernoulli is the latest addition to the PDGA's database, marking a major achievement for the organization and its Technical Standards Working Group.

This milestone comes just under two years since the 1,500th approved disc was added to the database in May 2022. What's more impressive is that one-quarter of all approved discs have been added in just the past 23 months. This rapid growth is a testament to the increasing popularity and diversity of disc golf.

Jeff Homburg, chair of the PDGA Technical Standards Working Group since 1989, has played a significant role in approving many of these discs. With over 35 years of experience in this position, Homburg has seen the industry evolve from just six approved companies to over 155 active brands today. In fact, 2023 saw a record number of approvals with 275 new discs added to the database.

Homburg's journey with the PDGA began in 1978 when he started as a field archaeologist. He was inducted into the World Disc Golf Hall of Fame in 2012 and has been instrumental in shaping the standards for disc golf equipment. When asked about his experience, Homburg expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, "I never thought I would still be doing all the PDGA testing and approval 36 years later, but it's so much fun, I just can't stop."

The growth of approved discs has also led to increased diversity in the industry. Currently, there are 18 countries with disc brands that have received approvals, with the United States accounting for 71.8% of all approved discs. While around 10% of submissions fail the testing process, the most common reason for disapproval is a lack of flexibility.

For those interested in learning more about the PDGA's Technical Standards Working Group and the disc approval process, there are several resources available. A presentation by Homburg at the 2023 PDGA Masters Disc Golf World Championships provides valuable insights into the current state of standards. Additionally, the Flying Disc Museum offers a comprehensive collection of approved discs for viewing.

The addition of the Johnson by Bernoulli marks an exciting new chapter in the evolution of disc golf equipment. With so many options available to players, it's easier than ever to find the perfect disc to suit their needs.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/milestone