Recreational play is likely to account for well over 50% of your course traffic. With recreational play accounting for such a high volume of course usage, it becomes increasingly important for the course to be well laid out, offering efficient flow and clear and concise direction for new disc golfers to navigate the course.
Weekly league events are a great way to increase your course traffic. Weekly leagues can be sanctioned by the PDGA and can boost the player’s rating by playing well in the event. With weekly scheduled events, word of mouth will eventually transpire into an increasing attendance. Often times, weekly leagues will promote a disc golf camaraderie that will encourage players to meet new people as well as promoting course maintenance and charity work.
Disc golf tournaments can single handedly raise the awareness of your disc golf course and its unique features. With the right course and event, a disc golf tournament can attract not only local players, but players from all over the country, and even beyond. Events can range from single round, to multi-day events, inviting players to join your community for the day, or even the weekend. The community and course will benefit tremendously from either circumstance.
Many events are hosted and ran by local clubs and organizations. Generally, events are hosted in cooperation with your local parks and recreation department which allows for more efficient park preparations and an “all hands on deck” approach at making your disc golf course and experience a memorable one for your event.
If your plan is to host a major event, you can also plan on boosting your communities tourism income. At the 2018 Glass Blown Open, 1,579 players played on nine courses, tremendously boosting the community’s economy. The more courses your area features, the more players you will be able to facilitate; in turn, this generates maximum course exposure and the likelihood that your event will be a success from year to year!
Bowling Green, Kentucky has built 10 disc golf courses in their park system. They annually host an amateur disc golf tournament with 500-900 players. As an area installs more courses, the possibilities for bigger events, and the economic impact that comes with it, continue to expand.