How to Run a PDGA-Sanctioned Disc Golf Tournament in 2026
A 2026 TD playbook for running a PDGA-sanctioned disc golf tournament - sanctioning, registration, round scoring, and payouts.
PDGA sanctioning is what turns a weekend disc golf round with friends into a rated, payout-eligible event. Here's how to run one end-to-end in 2026 without the PDF scoresheets and Facebook event chaos.
1. Sanction early
PDGA Tier (C, B, A, M, or NT) sanctioning paperwork is due 3-6 weeks out. Pick your tier based on entry fee cap and expected player count. C-tiers are the easiest on-ramp; B-tiers unlock larger payouts.
2. Divisions that actually run
Offer the divisions your course and player pool can actually fill:
- MPO (Open) and FPO (Women's Open) - always offer if you have 3+ entrants
- MA1, MA2, MA3 (Amateur men by rating tier)
- FA1, FA2 (Amateur women by rating tier)
- Junior (U19, U15, U12) - grow the next generation
- Senior (40+, 50+, 60+)
Any division with fewer than 3 players gets combined with the next-smallest division up.
3. Registration and player intake
Collect PDGA number, division, t-shirt size (pre-sell merch here), and emergency contact. Lock registration 3 days before the event and publish the player list so the community can double-check divisions.
4. Tee times vs shotgun start
For 1-round events, shotgun start is faster. For 2-round events, tee times off hole 1 let the course breathe. Your platform should publish tee times to every player's phone automatically.
5. Round scoring with group scorecards
Two scorekeepers per group (one paper, one digital). At the turn and at the end of the round, scorekeepers reconcile and any disputes go to the TD. A platform with a digital scorecard means running scores publish live for spectators and you avoid the Saturday-night scorecard typing marathon.
6. Payouts by tier
PDGA Tier rules dictate the payout structure. Amateur payouts are merch-only (vouchers or gift cards); Open payouts are cash. Your platform should calculate payouts by division by tier automatically and export the cash-line sheet for the PDGA.
7. Weather holds and course closures
Lightning? 30-minute course clear. Course closure? Push SMS to every player on the tee sheet. Resume play by pushing the revised round schedule.
Why disc golf TDs use SignUpGo
SignUpGo handles multi-round stroke play, division scoring, SMS alerts, and merchandise in one system. SignUpGo replaces DiscGolfScene registration, a CashApp for entry fees, a Facebook event for updates, and a spreadsheet for payouts.