Rising Star in Disc Golf: Todd Lion's Journey to Deputy Director

Todd Lion is a name that has been making waves in the world of disc golf. As a dedicated employee of the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), he has been instrumental in shaping the sport from behind the scenes. Recently, Lion was promoted to Deputy Director of the PDGA Event Support and Training team, solidifying his position as one of the leading figures in the industry.

Lion's journey into disc golf began in high school, where he started playing casually for a decade before joining the PDGA in 2008. He went on to get involved in PDGA tournaments in upstate South Carolina and marshaled at the 2018 PDGA Amateur World Championships in Charlotte. In 2019, Lion officially joined the PDGA as an Events Assistant under Mike Downes and Shawn Sinclair.

As an engineer by trade, Lion's background gave him a unique perspective on the logistical side of disc golf tournaments. His first official action as a PDGA staff member was driving a tent stake through a water pipe – a baptism by fire that would prepare him for the challenges ahead. In 2021, Lion was brought on board to lead the Event Support and Training team, where his blend of rules expertise, communication skills, demeanor, and technical ability made him an obvious choice.

Under the guidance of Andrew Sweeton, Lion has been instrumental in growing the EST team to service thousands of PDGA tournaments worldwide. His dedication and passion for the sport have not gone unnoticed, earning him praise from colleagues and peers alike. "Todd's promotion is well-deserved," said Sweeton, "and our future is bright when we have staff of his caliber who are committed to the PDGA and passionate about the sport of disc golf."

Lion's current projects include working with the Rules committee, Majors and Elite committee, ratings, Official Disc Golf World Rankings, Tour Standards, support for the PDGA World Championships, and more. His focus remains on supporting local event directors and helping them create a positive experience for players around the world.

Despite his rise to prominence, Lion's dedication to the sport remains unwavering. He believes that every weekend, there are hundreds of events happening worldwide that need attention and support. "Local event directors are the backbone of the sport," he said. "Our job is to help them so their players can have a good time." With his new role as Deputy Director, Lion will continue to be at the forefront of disc golf's growth and development, inspiring a new generation of players and organizers alike.

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