Disc golf, a sport that blends the precision of golf with the accessibility of frisbee, has grown steadily since its formalization in the 1970s. While the sport was initially male-dominated, women have played a vital role in its development, advocacy, and competitive evolution. The history of women in disc golf is a story of perseverance, community-building, and increasing visibility.
The roots of disc golf trace back to the early 20th century, but the sport gained formal structure in the 1970s with the founding of the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) in 1976. Among the early pioneers was Jo Cahow, one of the first women to compete in organized disc golf events. Her participation helped pave the way for future female athletes in the sport. In the 1980s and 1990s, women like Elaine King and Juliana Korver emerged as dominant forces, winning multiple world championships and setting performance standards that inspired generations.
Elaine King, a five-time PDGA World Champion, was instrumental not only as a competitor but also as an advocate for women’s inclusion in disc golf. She served on the PDGA Board of Directors and worked to improve tournament structures and visibility for female players. Juliana Korver, another legend of the sport, won five world titles and became known for her technical skill and consistency. Her influence extended beyond competition, as she promoted disc golf through media appearances and instructional content.
Despite these successes, women’s participation in disc golf remained relatively low for decades. Barriers included limited sponsorship opportunities, fewer divisions in tournaments, and a lack of representation in media and leadership roles. However, grassroots efforts began to change the landscape. Local clubs and organizers started hosting women-only events, such as the “Throw Pink” initiative and “Women’s Global Event,” which encouraged female participation and created supportive environments for newcomers.
The Women’s Global Event (WGE), launched in 2012 by the PDGA Women’s Committee, marked a turning point. Held biennially, the WGE allows women worldwide to compete in local tournaments that are scored globally. This event has grown exponentially, with thousands of participants across dozens of countries, showcasing the growing enthusiasm and talent among female disc golfers.
In recent years, the rise of social media and streaming platforms has further boosted visibility for women in disc golf. Players like Paige Pierce and Catrina Allen have become household names within the disc golf community, winning world championships and advocating for gender equity in sponsorship and media coverage. Their success has inspired a new generation of female athletes and helped normalize women’s presence in professional disc golf.
Today, women’s disc golf is thriving. More tournaments offer equal payouts, more divisions are available for female competitors, and youth programs are actively recruiting girls into the sport. Organizations like the PDGA and UDisc continue to invest in promoting women’s disc golf, ensuring that the sport grows in both diversity and reach.
The history of women in disc golf is still being written, but its trajectory is clear: from pioneers and advocates to champions and leaders, women have shaped disc golf into a more inclusive and dynamic sport for all.