We asked Brian about the PDGA at the USDGC, he said, “The USDGC is a major event so the PDGA has a bigger presence. We handle the official scoring, the tee times and the marshals, the actual running of the event. This frees up the event staff for hosting and provides consistency from event to event.”

What can you tell us about the growth of the sport? Brian told us, “The sport is growing with double digit growth and more courses going in every year we have more then ever. There is more media coverage then ever in our history. We get calls from all over the world asking about disc golf and how to bring it to their part of the world. Even places you wouldn’t expect, Pakistan, India, Yemen and South Africa to name a few. We’re starting to atract attention of companies out side of disc gof. Big companies and marketting firms are calling and expressing interest and we’re developing relationships.”

“This year we passed 2500 courses in the directory. We’re probably pushing 3000 courses around the world. It’s much easier then in the past. Park directors see the benefits of the courses. Low investment, entire courses for less money then a small play ground and it’s maintenance free except for mowing which is something they do anyway. Plus we use land that cannot be used for other purposes, hilly terrain with creeks and trees. For minimal investment that will hold 72 people at the same time. The sport is so diverse and enjoyed by people of all ages. Great sport for everybody so it’s appealing to park directors”.

Brian said, “International disc golf is very exciting, players are here from all over the wold. I followed a group here with Ken Climo, Manabu Kajiyama, Kim Scott-wood and Jussi Meresmaa. Players from 3 continents and champions from 4 countries. It’s a testament to the growth of disc golf around the world. Scandinavian Open and the Japan Open events are equal to the top tournaments in the US. There are very exciting things happening in disc golf.

Asked about the International Disc Golf Center Brian related that, “Two courses are open, with a third under construction and do to complete around Spring or early Summer 2009. Last week the IDGC had 10 from Sweden. I’d like to invite all members to come see the center. John Houck designed the WR Jackson Memorial Courses. Ed Hendrik Memorial Course is by Chuck Kennedy and Tom Monroe. The third course is the Jim Warner Memorial course designed by Jim Kenner and Pad Timmons. The project as whole is a long term project. The PDGA has been at the IDGC a year and a half and we are continueing to improve what we’ve built in the forest. Currently the 3 courses are scheduled. Columbia County will evaluate the project and may give us more land. The ultimate goal is for 5 courses.”

USDGC ONLINE COVERAGE TEAM - USDGC ONLINE COVERAGE TEAM - Jerry Sunkin - CEO DiscGolfCenter.com - Jerry@DiscGolfCenter.com