Disc golf is soaring in popularity, capturing the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned player, there’s no denying that the number of players and courses has been on a remarkable upward trajectory. Understanding the statistics behind this growth not only showcases the sport’s rising prominence but also helps us appreciate its impact on communities and the environment. In this post, I’ll dive into some compelling disc golf course statistics sourced from the PDGA, exploring trends and insights that reveal why this sport continues to thrive.
Disc Golf Courses Worldwide Over Time
The Rise of Disc Golf Courses from 1980 to 2024
Let’s start by talking about the sheer number of disc golf courses popping up around the globe. According to the PDGA Course Directory, as of October 2024, there are over 11,000 disc golf courses worldwide, with this number growing rapidly each year. To put this into perspective, we’ve seen a massive jump from only about 5,000 courses in 2012—more than doubling in just a decade.
This surge is especially pronounced in countries like the United States, which boasts the highest number of courses. But it’s fascinating to see places like Finland and Sweden catching up quickly. Did you know that Iceland has more courses per capita than any other country? Such metrics give us a glimpse of the global enthusiasm fueling disc golf’s expansion.
Key Growth Milestones in Disc Golf Course Development
This historical data provides a fascinating look at the growth of disc golf courses worldwide, starting from 1975. The United States remains the undisputed leader, showing exponential growth from just a handful of courses in the 1970s to nearly 8,000 courses by 2024, driving the sport’s global expansion.
In Europe, Finland’s disc golf scene surged notably in the 2000s, reaching 757 courses by 2024. This rapid rise solidifies Finland’s reputation as the sport’s European stronghold. Other European nations, such as Sweden and Estonia, have also seen steady gains, with both surpassing the 100-course mark, showcasing a dedicated regional following.
Several smaller countries, like Iceland and Latvia, have joined the movement, each now boasting around 30–60 courses. These numbers may seem modest but represent substantial engagement relative to population size and geographic area, proving that disc golf can thrive in even the most compact regions.
Historical Course Growth by Region
Disc golf’s journey isn’t just about numbers—it’s about understanding where and how the sport’s popularity took root. While the U.S. led the way, other regions have shown surprising momentum and unique growth patterns.
Early Adopters and Regional Booms
- North America: The U.S. set the stage for disc golf, with the first courses emerging in California, Texas, and Minnesota during the late 1970s. By the 80s and 90s, disc golf had spread widely across the states, establishing itself as a cultural mainstay.
- Scandinavia’s Rise: Finland, Sweden, and Norway have seen incredible growth, especially over the past two decades. Today, Finland leads Europe in course numbers, where disc golf has become part of everyday life. Estonia, too, has become a force, thanks in part to Kristin Tattar’s success, with major wins like the PDGA World Championships (2022, 2023) and the European Open (2023, 2024).
- Asia and Eastern Europe: While less often highlighted, Japan, South Korea, and Eastern Europe are quickly embracing the sport. Latvia and Estonia are among the fastest-growing, reflecting a unique passion for disc golf in regions less traditionally associated with the sport.
Key Growth Years in Disc Golf
Certain years have seen leaps in course numbers:
- 2000s: Finland and Estonia experienced a boom, marking a golden era for disc golf in Europe.
- 2010s: The U.S. nearly doubled its course numbers within a decade, underscoring disc golf’s staying power.
- 2020s: Globally, growth surged, with smaller nations like Iceland now boasting high densities in courses per 1,000 km².
A Snapshot of Disc Golf Courses Worldwide in 2024
Number of Disc Golf Courses by Country in 2024
According to the latest PDGA data, there are a total of 10,080 disc golf courses spread across 85 countries worldwide. The United States leads the charge with a massive 7,949 courses, which accounts for nearly 79% of the global total. This dominance showcases the deep-rooted popularity of disc golf in North America, far surpassing any other country.
| Rank | Flag | Country | No. of courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | United States | 7,949 |
| 2 |  | Finland | 757 |
| 3 |  | Canada | 432 |
| 4 |  | Sweden | 283 |
| 5 |  | Estonia | 160 |
| 6 |  | Norway | 155 |
| 7 |  | Germany | 134 |
| 8 |  | France | 119 |
| 9 |  | United Kingdom | 117 |
| 10 |  | Czech Republic | 105 |
| 11 |  | Australia | 103 |
| 12 |  | Denmark | 84 |
| 13 |  | Japan | 78 |
| 14 |  | Iceland | 66 |
| 15 |  | New Zealand | 64 |
| 16 |  | Switzerland | 41 |
| 17 |  | Latvia | 30 |
| 18 |  | Spain | 27 |
| 19 |  | Netherlands | 25 |
| 20 |  | Austria | 24 |
Source: PDGA.com
In Europe, Finland stands out with 757 courses, establishing itself as a European disc golf hub. Other notable European countries include Sweden (283 courses), Estonia (160 courses), and Norway (155 courses), all of which highlight the continent’s growing enthusiasm for the sport. Smaller countries like Iceland (66 courses) and Latvia (30 courses) also show significant interest relative to their population and geographic size, underscoring disc golf’s appeal across diverse regions.
Evolution of Course Sizes in Disc Golf
Disc golf courses aren’t one-size-fits-all. While 18-hole courses are often celebrated, there’s much to learn from exploring different course sizes and what they bring to the table.
The Range of Course Sizes and Their Impact
- 9-hole Courses: Common in cities, 9-hole courses are ideal for quick rounds or introducing newcomers. And don’t let their size fool you—many offer tight, technical fairways that challenge even seasoned players.
- 12-15 Holes: Often found in emerging disc golf markets, these courses provide a balanced experience without requiring as much land as an 18-hole layout. They’re especially popular in parts of Asia and urban Europe.
- 18-hole Courses: The full experience, offering a complete mix of open drives, dense woods, and strategic layouts. The U.S. and Finland have embraced this standard, with some of the world’s most celebrated layouts.
Regional Trends in Course Sizes
Scandinavia: Countries like Finland and Sweden favour 18-hole courses, reflecting their spacious landscapes and love for the sport.
Urban Centres: High-density cities often have 9-hole courses to fit disc golf into limited spaces, making it easier to introduce new players.
Niche Sizes in Asia: Japan and South Korea, along with some parts of Europe, favour smaller courses, seamlessly integrating disc golf into compact urban parks.
Disc Golf Courses per 1,000 km² Over Time
Measuring Course Density Across Decades
This bar chart race vividly illustrates the global expansion of disc golf, measuring the density of courses per 1,000 km² from 1975 to 2024. Notably, the United States leads in overall growth, reflecting its status as the birthplace and primary hub of disc golf. However, the visualization also reveals surprising regional leaders, particularly in Europe, where countries like Finland and Estonia have surged in course density over recent years.
For smaller nations like Singapore, Mauritius, and Curaçao, the data shows exceptionally high density figures, though this is largely due to limited land area rather than widespread course distribution. These high densities demonstrate the impact that even a few courses can have on course density in geographically compact areas.
Leading Countries in Course Density per 1,000 km²
Finland, for instance, has become a world leader in disc golf density, demonstrating its cultural integration of the sport. Estonia’s rapid rise in density, especially in the last decade, underscores the strong interest and accessibility the sport has gained within the country.
| Rank | Flag | Country | Disc Golf Courses per 1,000 km² |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Singapore | 9.859 |
| 2 | | Estonia | 3.538 |
| 3 |  | U.S. Virgin Islands | 2.882 |
| 4 |  | Curacao | 2.252 |
| 5 | | Finland | 2.237 |
| 6 | | Denmark | 1.949 |
| 7 |  | Guam | 1.821 |
| 8 | | Czech Republic | 1.331 |
| 9 |  | Luxembourg | 1.160 |
| 10 | | Switzerland | 0.993 |
| 11 |  | Mauritius | 0.980 |
| 12 | | United States | 0.848 |
| 13 | | Iceland | 0.641 |
| 14 | | Sweden | 0.628 |
| 15 | | Netherlands | 0.597 |
| 16 |  | Slovenia | 0.493 |
| 17 | | United Kingdom | 0.482 |
| 18 |  | Belize | 0.479 |
| 19 | | Norway | 0.479 |
| 20 | | Latvia | 0.465 |
Sources: PDGA.com, World Population Dataset
Overall, this data-driven visualization highlights not only the sustained popularity of disc golf in its traditional strongholds but also its potential in diverse global regions, showcasing how disc golf can thrive in both expansive terrains and urban landscapes alike.
Population per Disc Golf Course Over Time
Tracking Accessibility: Population per Course from 1980 to 2024
When it comes to understanding how accessible disc golf is in a country, looking at the Population per Disc Golf Course can be eye-opening. This metric tells us how many people share each course, effectively showing how accessible disc golf is in a country, looking at the Population per Disc Golf Course can be eye-opening. This metric tells us how many people share each course, effectively showing how easy—or challenging—it is to find an opportunity to chuck some plastic.
The numbers here reflect a simple truth: the lower the population per course, the more accessible disc golf is. Countries like Finland and Estonia have impressively low numbers, meaning that disc golfers there benefit from ample course availability and minimal crowding.
Course Growth and Population Density in Disc Golf
If you want to know how accessible disc golf is, check out population density per course. Countries like Iceland and Finland excel, while others could see great improvements with just a few more courses.
Accessibility Hotspots and Expansion Potential
- Top Accessibility: Iceland and Finland have achieved some of the best access, ensuring almost everyone has a course nearby. This isn’t just about convenience—it builds community and strengthens the sport.
- Moderate Access: The U.S. and Canada have decent numbers, but accessibility varies by region, with rural areas generally faring better than urban ones.
- High-Growth Potential: Brazil, India, and other densely populated areas could benefit hugely from new courses. Adding even a few courses in these areas would reduce crowding, introduce new players, and build communities.
Where to Build Next
If we could pinpoint the best places for new courses, here’s where they’d go:
- Urban Green Spaces: Major cities in North America and Europe could benefit from compact 9-hole courses, providing more options in high-density zones.
- Emerging Markets in Asia and South America: High-density countries like Brazil and India would see massive engagement with just a few new courses. These areas are ripe for the next disc golf boom.
Population per Disc Golf Course in 2024: Accessibility Snapshot
Countries with the Most Accessible Disc Golf Courses in 2022
As of 2022, Iceland leads Finland leads the way with extremely low population per course numbers, showing how the country has invested in making disc golf accessible to all. Other countries like Australia and Canada have also made notable strides, with a steady decrease in population per course over the years.
| Rank | Flag | Country | Population per course |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | Iceland | 6,113 |
| 2 | | Finland | 7,518 |
| 3 | | Estonia | 8,555 |
| 4 | | Norway | 38,817 |
| 5 | | Sweden | 40,731 |
| 6 | | United States | 44,529 |
| 7 | | Belize | 67,545 |
| 8 | | Denmark | 72,621 |
| 9 | | Latvia | 80,463 |
| 10 | | New Zealand | 90,970 |
| 11 | | U.S. Virgin Islands | 99,465 |
| 12 | | Canada | 99,623 |
| 13 | | Czech Republic | 103,901 |
| 14 | | Guam | 171,774 |
| 15 | | Curacao | 191,163 |
| 16 |  | Lithuania | 196,433 |
| 17 | | Luxembourg | 215,866 |
| 18 | | Switzerland | 224,115 |
| 19 | | Slovenia | 235,538 |
| 20 | | Australia | 284,537 |
Sources: PDGA.com, World Population Dataset
Meanwhile, countries with high population-to-course ratios face challenges in accommodating the growing interest in disc golf. Brazil and India, for example, have millions of people per course, highlighting the potential for expansion in these densely populated regions.
The Future of Disc Golf is Bright
As we’ve explored throughout this article, the growth of disc golf is more than just numbers on a chart—it’s a testament to the sport’s universal appeal and adaptability. From the sheer number of courses springing up worldwide to the impressive accessibility in countries like Finland and Estonia, disc golf is carving out a space for itself in communities large and small.
For regions with high population-to-course ratios, there’s a world of opportunity. Adding a few more courses to densely populated countries could foster vibrant local disc golf communities, provide recreational outlets, and inspire the next generation of players.
Disc Golf Course Growth Frequently Asked Questions
Disc golf is experiencing explosive growth, with 2024 seeing a significant increase in both player numbers and new courses worldwide. From parks to dedicated disc golf clubs, there’s been a substantial rise in courses due to its appeal as an affordable and accessible sport. This growth is especially strong in the US and Europe but is spreading rapidly across other continents.
The United States holds the top spot, with thousands of disc golf courses spread across the country. However, countries like Finland and Sweden are seeing tremendous growth relative to their population size, quickly catching up with a high density of courses per capita. Europe’s growth rate is close behind North America’s, making it a global leader as well.
A typical disc golf course usually has either 9 or 18 holes, similar to traditional golf. While 18-hole courses are often considered the standard, offering a full experience with a mix of long drives and technical challenges, 9-hole courses are common in urban areas where space is limited. These shorter courses are ideal for quick rounds and for introducing new players to the sport. In some regions, particularly in emerging markets and densely populated cities, you may also find 12- or 15-hole courses that provide a balanced experience without the land requirements of a full 18-hole course. Each layout offers its own unique challenge, making disc golf accessible to a variety of spaces and players.
As of 2022, Iceland and Finland top the list for disc golf courses per capita, making it easier than ever for residents to enjoy the sport. Iceland leads with around one course per 6,100 people, while Finland follows closely with one course per 7,500 people, showcasing the sport’s popularity and strong community support in these countries. Other nations, including Estonia, Norway, and Sweden, also have high numbers of courses relative to their populations, especially compared to larger countries like the United States and Canada, where disc golf is growing but has more people per course. This data highlights where the sport is most accessible on a population basis and signals potential for growth in areas with higher ratios.
