2020 PDGA World Championships Status Update

PDGA World Championship events are the premier Major tournaments in disc golf, a vital display of the international growth of and participation in the sport. The COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately, has thrown the status of these events into a morass of uncertainty this year. As we begin the process of resuming sanctioning, we want to address the varied questions and concerns about these tournaments in an effort to keep our members informed.

Currently, our most important indicator of the viability to hold any PDGA World Championship events this year will be the ability of international competitors to safely and reasonably travel to join in these tournaments. Simply put, if the world cannot be here, there cannot be a world championship.

Right now, travelers from several countries are restricted from entry into the United States. For us to hold any PDGA World Championships in 2020, a clearer picture must emerge regarding when international travelers will be allowed to enter.  

Additionally, the ability to successfully staff these tournaments will be included in the decision-making process. Event hosts will also need to be able to maintain their sponsor partnerships, and any possible spectator restrictions or requirements related to mass gatherings will play a role.

In the meantime, our staff has worked with the event directors of these championships to set potential new dates and, more importantly, set deadlines that will determine if they can run in 2020. While we are happy to have new dates penciled in, please keep in mind that the final status of these events is still unclear pending more guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of State, or Department of Homeland Security. Due to the significant planning and logistical requirements needed to officially reschedule a PDGA World Championship event, a final decision on the viability of each tournament will be made by June 1, 2020. 

We thank our members and event directors for their patience and flexibility. We know you have vacation time, travel plans, and several other concerns and that time is of the essence.

With that in mind, here is the current status of our four PDGA World Championships:

PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships

• Location: Ogden, Utah
• Tentatively rescheduled for: September 23-27, 2020
• Deadline for final decision: June 1, 2020

If Pro Worlds is able to run in 2020, the PDGA and Disc Golf Pro Tour will work together to determine any changes that can be made to its schedule to direct competitors toward Utah with less travel in between stops. We appreciate DGPT CEO and Tour Director Jeff Spring’s flexibility to help us keep Pro Worlds in its awarded location this year and hope touring professional players will understand the PDGA’s desire to honor its annual bid process, even with these extenuating circumstances that may upset the previously announced tour itinerary.

PDGA Amateur Disc Golf World Championships

• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Tentatively rescheduled for: September 12-19, 2020
• Deadline for final decision: June 1, 2020

PDGA Professional Masters Disc Golf World Championships

• Location: Johnson City, Tennessee
• Scheduled for: August 22-29, 2020
• Deadline for final decision: June 1, 2020

PDGA Junior Disc Golf World Championships

• Location: Emporia, Kansas
• Scheduled for: July 8-11, 2020 
• Final decision: Canceled