Your Membership Dollars at Work: 2020 Edition | Professional Disc Golf Association

The popularity of disc golf has been steadily rising over the years, but no one could have predicted just how much it would take off in 2020. Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, the sport saw an astonishing 33% growth in active members worldwide. This translates to a staggering total of 71,016 players from 63 countries and six continents, including over 11,000 beyond North America.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a unique set of circumstances that proved to be a blessing in disguise for disc golf. As people searched for safe and socially distanced outdoor activities, the sport became an attractive option. This led to an incredible 26,632 new members joining the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) in 2020 - an impressive 84% growth from the previous year.

Despite a two-month shutdown, disc golf tournaments continued to thrive. A total of 3,437 PDGA-sanctioned events were held throughout 2020, with innovative adaptations put in place to ensure safe and responsible play. The Aussie Disc Golf Day was a particular highlight, connecting over 500 players across 15 events.

One notable development from 2020 that is set to become a permanent fixture is the introduction of the PDGA Digital Scorecard. This user-friendly tool eliminated the need for paper scorecards and manual calculations, streamlining the tournament experience for players and organizers alike. With an adoption rate of 60% in 2020, it's clear that this technology is here to stay.

Behind the scenes, the PDGA staff worked tirelessly with government officials to implement safety protocols and guidelines for a successful return to sanctioned play. The organization also established two grant programs: the Youth and Education's Physical Eduation COVID-19 Relief Grant and the Diversity and Outreach Grant Program. These initiatives demonstrate the PDGA's commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and accessibility within the sport.

For those who may not be aware of the benefits of joining the PDGA, there has never been a better time to become a member. Annual membership comes with a range of perks, including player ratings, personal profiles on PDGA.com, quarterly copies of DiscGolfer magazine, free subscriptions to UDisc Pro, and much more.

As the disc golf community continues to grow and evolve, it's clear that the PDGA is leading the charge. With its commitment to innovation, diversity, and outreach, there has never been a brighter future for this exciting sport.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/your-membership-dollars-work-2020-edition