Wanted: More Women Disc Golfers

Women in Disc Golf

When most of us start playing disc golf, it doesn’t take long to notice an imbalance on the courses when it comes to the gender of the players. Disc Golf definitely seems to be a “guy thing” at first glance.  Though the number of women players has increased through the years, we are still far from achieving parity.  Though most tournaments have divisions for women, I’ve been present at tournaments and events where the winners within the female division is made up of every woman that showed up to play. They win by default, simply by virtue of their presence.

For example, I played in a small Ace Race event where my 11-year-old daughter won the women’s division, simply because she was the only female on the course that day. I’m not going to downplay that victory, because she was absolutely thrilled to have played, hit a couple short aces, and walked away with a prize. But there is no denying the imbalance.

The PDGA player demographics report for 2015 showed a huge difference between the number of registered males and the number of registered females, in the tune of 92.6% males to 7.4% females.  That number is most likely exaggerated by the fact that many women players are more casual and less competitive, so they do not register with the PDGA.  Still, the disparity is large and the PDGA is actively pushing on their website to involve more women.

Women who play professionally have done quite a bit in recent years to make their presence known and to lift the awareness of women on the disc golf courses.  Players like the 2016 World Champion, Valarie Jenkins, or top female players like Catrina Allen, Page Pierce, and Sarah Hokom act as sort of disc golf ambassadors, attending events and turning heads across the country. That kind of exposure helps to motivate more women, both young and more mature, to jump into the game and feel like they can play on a larger stage if they have the desire and the motivation to work on theirs game.

Those high-profile players often come with the kind of brand sponsorship that really helps lift them to higher levels of competition. Manufacturers like Innova and Prodigy have reached out to women players, and the popular online retailer, Infinite Discs includes women (as well as a promising player in her early teens) as part of Team Infinite.  Some players have started small businesses to promote women in disc golf and promote the image of female players, like the website DiscGolf4Women.com or WhaleSacs created by player, Tina Stanaitis of Portland.

When most of us start playing disc golf, it doesn’t take long to realize that there is a clear gender imbalance on the course. At first glance, disc golf often appears to be dominated by men. While the number of female disc golfers has been steadily increasing over recent years, true parity is still far from reality. In many tournaments, the women’s division is so small that every female participant automatically places simply by showing up. For instance, during a small Ace Race event, an 11-year-old girl won the women’s division simply because she was the only female competitor. Although her victory was exciting and motivating, it still highlighted the disparity in participation. Where can I buy Disc Golf Discs?

According to the PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) demographics report from 2015, approximately 92.6% of registered players were male, while only 7.4% were female. This gap may even be wider in reality, as many women play casually and choose not to register with the PDGA. Still, this dramatic difference shows how much room there is for growth. As a result, organizations and leading disc golf brands have started to promote greater female participation in the sport.

The Influence of Professional Female Players

One of the driving forces behind the rise of women in disc golf has been the visibility of professional female athletes. Players like Valarie Jenkins, Paige Pierce, Catrina Allen, and Sarah Hokom have become ambassadors for women in disc golf. Their success in national and world championships helps inspire new female players of all ages. Paige Pierce once said, “We’re not just women in disc golf—we are competitors, we are athletes, and we deserve to be seen.” These influential voices are helping to shift the narrative and open more doors for female players.

Sponsorships and Growing Opportunities

Sponsorships have also played a crucial role in making disc golf more inclusive. Major brands like Innova, Discraft, Dynamic Discs, and Prodigy have signed top female athletes, showcasing their importance to the sport. Retailers such as Infinite Discs have formed competitive teams that include women and even rising teenage players. Additionally, independent brands like DiscGolf4Women.com and WhaleSacs (founded by disc golfer Tina Stanaitis) actively support and promote women in disc golf through gear, media, and community platforms.

Social Media and Community Support

Social media has emerged as a powerful tool in growing the presence of women in disc golf. Hashtags like #WomenInDiscGolf, #MoreWomenDiscGolfers, and #DiscGolfGirls allow players to share their journeys, connect with others, and inspire newcomers. Online communities provide support, encouragement, and advice, helping women feel more welcome in a sport that has often felt male-dominated.

Why Increasing Women’s Participation Matters

Disc golf is more than just a competitive sport—it’s a community, a fitness activity, and a fun way to enjoy nature. Increasing female participation diversifies the sport, strengthens competition, and fosters a more welcoming environment for families and younger players. More women on the course means more leagues, more youth involvement, and a richer, more supportive disc golf culture for everyone.

How to Encourage More Women in Disc Golf

• Create women-only leagues and beginner-friendly events

• Encourage mixed doubles tournaments

• Provide mentorship opportunities

• Promote female player spotlights

• Ensure welcoming, respectful course environments

FAQ – Women in Disc Golf

Q: Why are there fewer women in disc golf?
A: Historically, the sport has been marketed more toward men, and many women feel intimidated entering male-heavy environments.

Q: Are there professional opportunities for women in disc golf?
A: Yes. The FPO (Female Professional Open) division is growing, with increasing prize pools and sponsorships.

Q: How can beginners get started?
A: Many local clubs offer beginner-friendly ladies’ nights, clinics, and casual rounds.

Q: Can women compete at the same level as men?
A: Absolutely. Many women compete at high levels and continue to break distance and accuracy records within their divisions.