You don’t have to be good to play in a disc golf tournament. Seriously. Disc golf events aren’t just for the pros — there are tournaments for every skill level, from absolute beginners to touring professionals. In fact, most tournaments are geared toward the everyday player who just wants to have fun, meet new people, and play some great courses.
For many players, tournaments aren’t even about competition. They’re about community. They’re social gatherings where folks with a shared love of disc golf come together to throw, laugh, and maybe win a few prizes. You’ll find local leagues, fundraiser events, brand promos, and professional tournaments all over the country — something for everyone.
The Three Main Types of Disc Golf Tournaments
While every event has its own flavor, most disc golf tournaments fall into one of three main categories: Brand Promotional Tournaments, Non-Sanctioned Events, and PDGA-Sanctioned Events. Here’s what makes each one unique.
1. Brand Promotional Tournaments
These are the “fun-first” kind of events — designed by the big disc golf brands to help players have a good time while trying out their latest plastic. Think of them as traveling demo days mixed with casual competition. You usually get a player’s pack full of brand-new discs, and for that event, you play using only the discs you received that day. It levels the playing field and keeps things lighthearted.
Some of the biggest and most popular brand events include:
- Discraft Ace Race →
- Trilogy Challenge (Dynamic Discs, Latitude 64, Westside Discs)
- MVP Circuit →
- Doomsday Discs Demolition →
- Infinite Discs Mystery Challenge →
These tournaments are perfect for newer players or anyone looking for a casual, social round. Everyone’s using new discs, no one takes the score too seriously, and you walk away with some new gear to add to your bag. It’s also a great way to try brands you haven’t thrown before and get a feel for different plastics and molds.
2. Non-Sanctioned Events
Non-sanctioned tournaments are the backbone of most local disc golf communities. These are run by local clubs, stores, or parks departments and don’t follow strict PDGA rules — which makes them more flexible and often more relaxed.
These events are usually fundraisers, charity events, or club championships. The vibe is friendly and community-focused, and you don’t need any sort of membership to play. The prizes might be smaller, but the fun is usually bigger. They’re also a great way to dip your toe into tournament play without the pressure of official ratings or PDGA standards.
For a lot of players, these local events are the heart of the sport. They keep the community connected and help raise money for new courses, park improvements, or charity causes. Plus, they’re a great way to meet other players in your area who love the game as much as you do.
3. Sanctioned Events (PDGA Tournaments)
Sanctioned tournaments are officially recognized by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) and must meet certain standards for layout, safety, scoring, and organization. These events can range from small local C-Tiers to big national A-Tiers with hundreds of players and pro payouts.
PDGA Tier System
- C-Tier: Local events that are great for new players. You don’t need to be a PDGA member to play, but if you’re not, you’ll pay a $15 non-member fee. These events are relaxed but still follow official PDGA rules.
- B-Tier: Regional events that draw bigger crowds and offer larger payouts or prizes. These usually require PDGA membership and stricter tournament standards.
- A-Tier: High-level tournaments that attract top amateurs and touring professionals. These events have strict rules, minimum prize pools, and full PDGA oversight.
Above A-Tiers are Elite, Silver, and Major events — the ones you see on the Disc Golf Pro Tour and PDGA Majors calendar — but those are mostly for the top players in the world.
PDGA Divisions
PDGA events divide players into skill and age-based divisions so that everyone can compete fairly. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Pro Divisions: MPO (Mixed Pro Open), FPO (Female Pro Open)
- Amateur Divisions: MA1, MA2, MA3, FA1, FA2, FA3 (Men’s and Women’s Amateur tiers)
- Age-Restricted Divisions: MA40, MA50, MA60 (and the female equivalents), plus Junior divisions for kids under 18
At sanctioned events, players can earn PDGA points that count toward invitations to bigger tournaments, and every rated round affects your official PDGA player rating. That’s how the PDGA measures consistency and skill across different courses and conditions. For many players, watching that number climb is half the fun.
Understanding Amateur Divisions in Disc Golf
One of the coolest things about disc golf tournaments is that you don’t have to be a pro to play competitively. The PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) uses a system of divisions that groups players by skill level, gender, and age — so you’re always playing against people around your same ability.
If you’ve ever looked at a tournament signup and wondered what “MA3” or “FA2” means, here’s what it all breaks down to and who should be playing in which division.
MA4 – Recreational / Newer Players
PDGA Rating Guideline: 850 and below
Who it’s for: Beginners and newer players who are still learning consistency, rules, and tournament play. MA4 (Mixed Amateur 4) is often the entry-level division where players get a feel for the format and pressure of competitive rounds without being overwhelmed. If you’ve been playing less than a year or you’re not sure of your average score compared to others, start here.
Don’t worry about your rating just yet — MA4 is where you learn the ropes, meet people, and have fun without worrying about hot scores.
MA3 – Recreational / Developing Players
PDGA Rating Guideline: 850–899
Who it’s for: Players who have a few rounds under their belt and some consistency. You can shape basic shots, you understand rules, and you’re probably shooting near par on shorter courses. MA3 (Mixed Amateur 3) is great for those who are still improving but ready for a little more challenge.
If you’ve been playing casually for a year or two and can stay under bogey golf most of the time, MA3 is a solid fit.
MA2 – Intermediate Players
PDGA Rating Guideline: 900–934
Who it’s for: Experienced players who have consistent control and can post competitive scores on a variety of courses. MA2 (Mixed Amateur 2) is where many local club players settle in — good arms, solid putting, but maybe not quite ready to step into Advanced play.
If you’re shooting close to par on standard 18-hole layouts or winning your local minis now and then, MA2 is probably your home division.
MA1 – Advanced Players
PDGA Rating Guideline: 935 and above
Who it’s for: Skilled amateurs who can consistently shoot under par and handle tougher course layouts. MA1 (Mixed Amateur 1) is the top amateur division, and a lot of players here could easily compete in lower-tier professional events. Many MA1 competitors eventually take the leap to MPO (Mixed Pro Open) or age-protected pro divisions once their rating climbs above 970 or so.
If you’ve got your bag dialed, your putting is confident, and you’re chasing that next level of competition, MA1 is where you belong.
Other Amateur Divisions
In addition to the numbered “MA” divisions, the PDGA also offers age-protected amateur divisions for players 40 and up, 50 and up, and so on — like MA40, MA50, MA60 — and women’s divisions (FA1, FA2, etc.) that follow the same rating and experience breakdowns.
All of these divisions exist so that players can compete on a fair and fun level. You’ll never have to worry about being paired against a touring pro when you just started last summer. The system keeps things balanced and enjoyable for everyone.
Which Division Should You Play?
Here’s the rule of thumb: play where you’ll have fun and be challenged — but not overwhelmed. If you’re brand new, start in MA4 or MA3 (unless you know you are REALLY GOOD) and see how it feels. Once you start finishing near the top of your division regularly, move up a level. Most tournaments let you self-select your division, so don’t overthink it. You’ll figure out your place quickly after a few rounds.
And if you’re PDGA rating says you’re allowed to play in a division — you can despite what anyone says about being a “bagger.”
Remember — disc golf tournaments aren’t just about winning. They’re about learning, improving, and meeting other people who love the sport as much as you do. Pick a division, sign up, and go throw some plastic.
Disc Golf Pro Tour and Masters Events
At the top of the competition ladder sits the Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) — the professional circuit where the best players in the world compete for big purses and prestige. These are the events you’ll see on livestreams and YouTube coverage, featuring names like Paul McBeth, Kristin Tattar, and Eagle McMahon battling it out on elite courses.
For seasoned amateurs and older players, the PDGA also runs Masters Events, which cater to age-based divisions like 40+, 50+, and beyond. These tournaments often have a more relaxed, respectful atmosphere, and the competition is still top-tier.
Why Tournaments Are Worth Trying
You don’t need a big arm or a low score to enjoy disc golf tournaments. They’re as much about community as competition. You’ll meet new players, see new courses, and probably learn a ton about your own game along the way.
Some players chase trophies, some just want to hang out, and some come for the player’s pack and free lunch. However you approach it, tournaments add another layer to the sport — a mix of challenge, friendship, and adventure that keeps people coming back year after year.
So don’t wait until you think you’re “good enough.” Sign up for that local event or brand promo round, show up with a smile, and see what it’s all about. You might surprise yourself — and you’ll definitely have a good time.