In 2024, disc golf is more popular than ever, but where are the most disc golf courses located? Using data from the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), we reveal which countries and states lead in course counts and player access. This report answers questions like, ‘Which countries have the most disc golf courses?’ and ‘Where are the most disc golf courses located?’
Key Questions About Disc Golf Course Rankings and Accessibility
According to the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), there are approximately 12,000 disc golf courses worldwide in 2024.
The United States leads with 7,949 courses.
Finland follows as a major hub with 757 courses.
Other notable contributions come from Sweden (283), Norway (155), and Australia (103). This data highlights the sport’s extensive infrastructure, especially in North America and Europe, while pointing to growth potential in emerging regions.
The United States leads with the highest number of courses, followed by Finland. These two countries dominate disc golf infrastructure globally, with Finland offering exceptional accessibility relative to its population size.
Norway (39.77 players per course), China (34.71), and Sweden (32.72) have high player-to-course ratios, signaling a strong need for additional courses to meet growing demand.
Taiwan and other emerging markets also show significant player growth but limited infrastructure.
The player-to-course ratio indicates how accessible disc golf courses are for players in a given region. A lower ratio means better access, while a higher ratio suggests greater demand for more courses.
Global Ratios:
United States: 5.60 players per course — The U.S. has extensive disc golf infrastructure, offering solid access to players.
Finland: 9.93 players per course — Finland is a global hub for disc golf but sees slightly higher demand per course.
Norway: 39.77 players per course — Norway’s high ratio highlights a need for more courses to meet player demand.
State-Level Ratios (U.S.):
California: 6.67 players per course — As a state with a large player base, California still maintains good accessibility.
Texas: 6.82 players per course — Texas ranks closely with California, offering decent accessibility.
Vermont: 3.00 players per course — Vermont has the best accessibility in the U.S., with a low player-to-course ratio that suggests plentiful courses relative to its player population.
These ratios help identify where disc golf is thriving and where there’s room for expansion.
Top States and Countries with the Most Disc Golf Courses in 2024
Here’s a quick snapshot of disc golf accessibility in 2024:
- Top Accessibility: Finland offers one course for every 9.93 players, leading the way in accessibility.
- Global Leader: The United States dominates with 7,949 courses and a player-to-course ratio of 5.60.
- High Demand: Countries like Norway (39.77 players per course) and China (34.71) highlight growing player bases but limited infrastructure.
These insights show where the sport thrives and where more courses are needed.
Which Countries Have the Most Disc Golf Courses? A 2024 Global Overview
The United States leads the world in disc golf courses, with thousands of courses across the country. Finland holds the second-highest number of courses, solidifying its position as a global disc golf hub. Other countries, like Sweden, Norway, and China, are showing rapid growth in player numbers but have fewer courses to support them, indicating demand for more infrastructure. These insights address questions like, ‘Which countries have the most disc golf courses?’ and highlight key trends for both established and emerging disc golf regions.”
| Country | Total Players | Total Courses | Player-to-Course Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 44,529 | 7,949 | 5.60 |
| Finland | 7,518 | 757 | 9.93 |
| Norway | 6,165 | 155 | 39.77 |
| Sweden | 9,259 | 283 | 32.72 |
| China | 243 | 7 | 34.71 |
| Taiwan | 123 | 4 | 30.75 |
While the United States dominates in both players and courses, Finland remains a global model for balancing accessibility and infrastructure.
United States: Most Active States for Disc Golf Players and Courses
The U.S. disc golf scene is thriving, but course access varies significantly by state. Here’s how states compare in players, courses, and accessibility.
| State | Total Players | Total Courses | Player-to-Course Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 8,000 | 1,200 | 6.67 |
| Texas | 7,500 | 1,100 | 6.82 |
| Illinois | 3,200 | 500 | 6.40 |
| Vermont | 300 | 100 | 3.00 |
California leads in player count, while Vermont offers unmatched accessibility with one course for every three players.
Underserved Regions: Where Disc Golf Needs More Courses
Regions with high player-to-course ratios highlight opportunities for disc golf growth. Developing even a handful of courses in these areas could make a significant impact.
| Top Underserved Regions | Player-to-Course Ratio |
|---|---|
| Norway | 39.77 |
| China | 34.71 |
| Sweden | 32.72 |
| Taiwan | 30.75 |
These underserved regions showcase growing player demand but limited infrastructure to support it.
Where Is Disc Golf Growing the Fastest?
Emerging markets like China and Taiwan are seeing significant increases in players, despite relatively few courses. Established regions like Finland and the United States continue to grow steadily, but countries like Norway highlight untapped potential for course expansion.
Conclusion: The Future of Disc Golf Accessibility
Disc golf’s rising popularity in 2024 is evident, but the sport’s infrastructure must evolve to keep up. By addressing gaps in underserved regions like Norway and China, the disc golf community can ensure the sport’s growth remains sustainable and accessible for players worldwide.
The 2024 data highlights the countries and states with the most disc golf courses, showing where the sport is thriving and where there is room for growth. With the United States leading in course count and Finland as a strong secondary hub, regions like Norway and China represent emerging markets with high player demand and potential for more courses.
The course and player data used here is sourced from the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA). As of 2024, the PDGA reports 294,650 registered members, with 121,657 actively maintaining their membership. However, according to UDisc, 1.4 million disc golfers used their app in 2023, and 790,000 of them scored at least one round during the year.
This comparison suggests that the number of players using disc golf resources like UDisc far exceeds the number of registered PDGA members. Given that 1.4 million people actively engage with UDisc, we can infer that registered PDGA members represent only a small portion of the total player base—likely under 25% of the global disc golf community. This highlights a significant number of disc golfers who play recreationally, use course resources, and participate in rounds without seeking official PDGA membership or rankings.
