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History of Disc Golf
The game of disc golf was probably invented about a day after the creation of the first plastic disc. Formally though, the sport of disc golf has existed since 1974 when Ed Hedrick installed the world's first permanent course in Pasadena, California, at now famous Oak Grove Park. Shortly after, courses began popping up all over the country and eventually the world. Their numbers now total over one thousand in sixteen countries. Over one hundred courses went into the ground last year convincing even the devout non-believers that disc golf is here, and here to stay.
Disc Golf is now overseen by the Professional Disc Golf Association. This organization has over ten thousand members (past and present). Last year the national tour included two hundred and thirty-three events and gave away over four hundred and forty thousand dollars. Several professionals are making a living now as full-time touring players with many more expected to in the future.
The success of the sport of disc golf can be credited to a number of factors. It is affordable to most everyone including kids, as all that is required to play is a flying disc. It is played in the beautiful outdoors in public parks, state parks, and on both public and private land. There are leagues and tournaments for players who wish to compete and excel. The sport seems to typically draw a nice, laid-back crowd that welcomes new players and new friends. And finally, and most importantly, it's way fun.
Tour Stats from the PDGA
As of October 31, 2001 there were 6756 current members and the latest new membership issued was #19352. By year's end PDGA HQ estimates 7000 current members which represents 12% growth from a year ago, and a 77% increase in current membership over the last 5 years.
The PDGA Tour Stats presented here are calculated from 309 TD Reports received and entered to date, including 285 of 326 events held through the weekend of September 29-30, and 24 events from the last month. All Majors and SuperTours through the end of October are also included, except the Tennessee States. 41 events are late in reporting results and 66 events are late in submitting the player fees collected.
The 309 events tabulated were attended by 25616 players (an average of 83 players per event) and had a total Pro Purse of $815,574. The statistics themselves represent 4763 players and 17874 player records in the Pro and Advanced Amateur divisions.
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