The clink of a disc on the disc golf chains turns heads. The sound is growing louder thanks to women’s disc golf. The sport is expanding fast, yet many women still feel like the only one on the card. That is uncomfortable, and it shows in the numbers. The fix is not only more talent, it is better spaces, smarter formats, and a community that cheers as loudly as it teaches.
Women’s Disc Golf Participation Needs A Bigger Stage
Disc golf is booming, but female participation lags. A UDisc survey found only 20% of elite international event players are women, and casual play sees roughly 3% female participation. As of March 1, 2022, only 14% of active PDGA members identified as female. The numbers are clear, the experience is not. Growth is happening through grassroots initiatives, mentorship programmes, and a welcoming women’s disc golf community that helps players stick with the sport.
Barriers Female Disc Golfers Still Face
Being underrepresented is only part of the story. The #respectHERgame initiative, co-founded by Sara Sinclair, reported that 77% of female disc golfers have faced uncomfortable situations on or off the course. A stray comment, unwanted attention, or a hostile online thread can be enough to keep someone away.
Add the pressure of being the only woman on the tee, limited all female cards, a lack of visible role models, and gaps in course etiquette. Small frictions add up. Visible support, safer spaces, and thoughtful tournament format choices reduce those frictions and increase female participation in disc golf.
Check the PDGA Women’s Committee listings and local club pages. Ask at pro shops and look for social groups that run weekly league nights.
Yes. Many offer novice divisions, shorter tees, and friendly formats. Ask the TD about all female cards and clinic support.
It promotes respectful behaviour on and off the course. The aim is safer spaces, better experience, and higher retention for women.
Feeling isolated, poor etiquette, and lack of role models. Leagues, clinics, and allies reduce these barriers fast.
Run youth clinics and women led cards. Publicise role models and schedule times with strong female attendance.
Groups Backing Women’s Disc Golfers
Plenty of organisations are doing the work. The PDGA Women’s Committee, Empowered Disc Golf, Ladies First Disc Golf, and the UK Women’s Disc Golf Association champion inclusive programmes, safe coaching spaces, and routes into women’s disc golf leagues and women’s disc golf tournaments.
- PDGA Women’s Committee Resources, advocacy, and women’s disc golf clinics that help new and returning players.
- Empowered Disc Golf and Ladies First Disc Golf Education, leagues, and gear for female disc golfers, plus year round support.
- UK Women’s Disc Golf Association A hub that connects players, shares events, and promotes women athletes across disc sports.
Build A Safer, Stronger Women’s Disc Golf Community
The sport is individual, the solution is collective. Practical actions make courses feel better for everyone, especially new players and girls in disc golf.
- Run all female cards Reduce pressure, increase learning, and keep play friendly.
- Set tone on course etiquette Praise good shots, skip the unhelpful commentary, and keep language respectful.
- Offer welcoming formats Shorter tees, flex starts, and shorter rounds help beginners enjoy women’s disc golf events.
- Be an ally Challenge poor behaviour, introduce yourself, and make space on the card.
- Back women led meetups Volunteer for clinics and women’s disc golf events, or offer to caddie.
Find Your People And Places
Ready to play, teach, or support, here are solid starting points.
- PDGA Women’s Committee Guides, women’s disc golf statistics, events, and contacts across the Professional Disc Golf Association.
- Throw Pink Community outreach, fundraising events, and year round motivation for female participation.
- Chicks Chasing Chains Leagues, coaching, and support for skills and confidence building.
- UDisc Women’s Disc Golf Find disc golf courses, track rounds, and follow local women’s disc golf tournaments.
Your local club or shop will know about women’s disc golf leagues, women’s disc golf clinics, and beginner friendly cards. Ask about course times with more women on site, it makes first rounds easier.
Why It Matters Beyond The Scorecard
- Movement and fresh air Disc golf gets people outside at any age and ability.
- Headspace Focus, routine, and small wins boost confidence and wellbeing.
- Community The women’s disc golf community is a social network that lasts past the final putt.
- Role models More visible players means more girls in disc golf tomorrow.
The Future Of Women’s Disc Golf
The future looks promising because participation builds momentum. With better visibility, thoughtful formats, and support from clubs and sponsors, more women will throw their first disc and keep playing. Pack a putter, invite a friend, and join the next round. The sport is ready for you.
