Worlds Registration Craze Sparks Concern for Pro Players

The excitement around this year's PDGA World Championships is palpable, but for some, it might be too late to join the party. With just days left in the invitee registration period, it appears that Pro players who haven't yet registered may risk losing their spot at the largest Worlds ever.

According to Andrew Sweeton, PDGA Tour Manager, the unprecedented interest in this year's event is putting pressure on available spots. "We're seeing an incredible response from amateur players," he explained. "Between our website, the PDGA Office, and the host team in Charlotte, we're fielding over 100 contacts daily, mostly from amateurs asking how to get in or where they are on a waitlist."

The fervor is so great that for the first time ever, the PDGA will publish Worlds waitlists to help players plan their travel and accommodations. However, Sweeton warned that when registration opens up to all current PDGA members who are Certified Officials on May 1st at 12:01 AM, every available spot is expected to fill quickly.

Registration is first-come, first-served, with no spots held for anyone, including invited Pros. The only good news for those defending their titles is that reigning champions Nate Doss and Paige Pierce have already secured their places.

The Charlotte Disc Golf Club's Sam Nicholson, overall Tournament Director for the 2012 PDGA World Championships, remains optimistic about the situation. "We're gearing up to put on the best show ever at a PDGA Worlds," he said. "This overwhelming response is a great problem to have."

To be eligible for registration, players must not only be current PDGA members but also Certified Officials who have passed the new certification exam introduced in January 2011.

The latest numbers as of April 24th are telling: there are still spots available in some divisions, but others are already full or on waitlist. With just days left to register, invited Pros would do well to act quickly to secure their place at Worlds.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/2012worlds/pros-lose-worlds-opportunity