Evan Scott (MA1) and Ali Smith (FA1) are 2021 PDGA World Champions. Photos: PDGA Media
Six years ago, at 10 years old, Evan Scott learned the sport of disc golf from watching YouTube.
Ten months ago, Ali Smith entered her first PDGA sanctioned tournament — which she won — after feeling the desire to throw a disc again after retiring from ultimate.
“I feel a little nervous — it’s the last couple of rounds and the nerves start kicking in a little bit,” Sam Dodd said. “The first few rounds, you’re just trying to stay steady.
Robert Burridge lines up a shot on Thursday in Orlando. Photo: Conrad Meyer / PDGA
Two PDGA World Champions will be crowned on Friday and as for the rest of the world titles, there's still plenty to be settled on moving day at the 2021 PDGA Amateur Disc Golf World Championships.
Champions will be crowned in FA65 and FA70, while the remaining 12 divisions head into the home stretch on Friday before the cut to the semifinals.
And what a race to the finish line it will be in Orlando.
Budinsky fired off the hot round of the afternoon – a bogey-free, 5-under par at The Woods at Turkey Lake – to claim a one-shot lead over Melody Castruita.
The 2021 PDGA Amateur Disc Golf World Championships begin Tuesday in Orlando, Florida. Photo: Mark Ashman / PDGA
The time for practice and preparation – two years in the making – has passed for the 751 players who are set to compete for a PDGA World Championship this week in Florida.
Now, it’s go time.
751 players are set to compete this week in Florida. Photo: Mark Ashman / PDGA
Out of an abundance of caution due to a rise in COVID-19 and Variant numbers in the Orlando, Florida, area, the in-person players meeting for the 2021 PDGA Amateur Disc Golf World Championships scheduled for Monday, August 16 has been canceled.
July 29, 2021: The Green Gauntlet at Palmetto Point Park will replace the MetroWest temporary course that was originally scheduled for the 2021 PDGA Amateur Disc Golf World Championships.
Playing as a par 67, you’ll appreciate that a majority of the holes on the Green Gauntlet are shaded in the woods. But that will also require you to hit your lines and execute some placement shots to be successful.
2021 Amateur Worlds - registration continues for all PDGA Amateur members to register for any division they are eligible for.
Friday, August 6th at 12:01am Eastern
2021 Amateur Worlds - registration CLOSES. Be sure to have all last minute registrations and payments (including Mixed Doubles, Field Events, etc.) completed by August 5th.
International Travel Restrictions & Decision Timelines
The 2021 Amateur Worlds Host team and the PDGA are closely following the guidance of the City of Orlando health and parks departments to ensure the 2021 PDGA Amateur Disc Golf World Championships can run in accordance with local guidance with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic. Regarding the State of Florida and the City of Orlando, all entities allow for the PDGA to operate the event in accordance with state policies and the PDGA Major Event COVID-19 Requirements & Best Practices.
Sponsorship opportunities ranging from tee signs at $100 each, to FlyMart vending, program advertising and even larger event sponsorships are still available.
The World’s largest FlyMart of the year will take place on Tuesday, August 17th at the host resort.
FlyMart spaces are still available at $100 for a table or $200 for a booth. Space will be limited so take this chance to get your product or message to thousands of disc golfers.
If interested please review the host website for more information and reach out to the appropriate person listed below
Those flying to Am Worlds will find their best option is to arrive at Orlando International Airport (MCO) which is only 15 miles/24 kilometers to the host resort via toll road SR 528. The other option is Orlando–Sanford International Airport (SFB) which is about 40 miles/64 kilometers from the host resort.
Although other options exist, the most direct route to the host resort from both airports is via toll roads. Many car rental facilities can provide toll payment as part of the rental. Many toll booths accept cash, but be advised that not all are manned. For unmanned toll booths, your license plate will be photographed and charged the appropriate tolls.
For 2021, nine 18-hole courses will be used in the event. The bonus is that all nine courses are located at only five locations allowing us to arrange the course assignments to reduce your travel between courses each day. Six of the courses are located within 9 miles/14.5 kilometers of the host hotel.
The event capacity will be more than 750 players. Those who have been invited have until July 21st to register before Worlds will open to any current PDGA Amateur member. All divisions will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. Please be aware that demand for the event typically requires attendee to register directly after registration opens to ensure registration in the event. If you aren’t sure that you can attend, we encourage you to register to reserve your spot. You can receive a full refund (minus the processing fees) with no questions asked until Friday, July 16th.
August 6th is the last day that we will be able to accept registrations, accept changes to field events, or change a player’s division.