What is the Disc Golf Association | DGA?
The Disc Golf Association | DGA, is the founding company of the sport of disc golf and was the acting overseeing body for the sport until the establishment of the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA). The PDGA was run by Ed Headrick and the DGA until 1982. They are a manufacturer of disc golf baskets for the sports of Disc Golf.
What is the history of disc golf?
The DGA was established by Ed Headrick in order to focus his attention on building and inventing equipment for the sport he founded. Ed Headrick coined and trademarked the term "Disc Golf" when formalizing the sport and invented the Disc Pole Hole (The Mach 1), the first disc golf target to incorporate chains and a basket on a pole.
Who is the founder of DGA?
With a growing family to feed and a mortgage to pay, Ed abruptly resigned his VP position at Wham-O and started the Disc Golf Association business in April 1976, a business that continues to be a leader in the sport to this day, now commonly referred to as simply DGA.
What is a disc golf tournament?
Disc golf tournaments are popular around the world. As with traditional golf, there are many championship tournaments. One of the largest is the United States Disc Golf Championship. Every year, the largest teams tournament in the world is held in Austin, Texas, by John Houck.
Who founded disc golf?
1970s. Ed Headrick, also known as "Steady" Ed Headrick, (June 28, 1924 – August 12, 2002) was an American toy inventor. He is most well known as the father of both the modern-day Frisbee and of the sport and game of disc golf.
When was disc golf started?
Disc Golf's First Start Up: DGA In 1975, “Steady” Ed installed the first official disc golf course at Oak Grove Park in Pasadena, Los Angeles County, California, with the targets being nothing more than permanent poles placed into the ground for targets.
Does DGA make their own discs?
Over the years the DGA resold molds from various manufacturers and then created discs based on molds from Discraft, Innova, and others. Eventually the DGA created its own unique discs.
What year was the standardized disc golf target introduced with the first players association?
Headrick and Mary Becker from the Park Planning Division designed and constructed the course with the county. In 1976 Ed replaced his Pole Holes which were just poles cemented into the ground with the first DGA Disc Pole Hole that where the first disc golf targets to use chains to stop a disc.
Who is the oldest disc golf?
Don ShinnDon Shinn, 96, is the oldest person to compete in a Professional Disc Golf Association event. Shinn, from Santa Maria, shot a 64 in the first round of the Santa Maria Showdown at Waller Park on Saturday.
What was the first disc?
plastic FrisbeeThe first was the plastic Frisbee that he developed in 1966 while working at the Wham-O toy company. And yes, the name is a nod to the old Frisbie pie tins that are credited for starting the flying disc craze almost 100 years earlier.
Who owns DGA disc?
Ed HeadrickDisc Golf Association (DGA) is a company founded in 1976 by Ed Headrick and located in Watsonville, California.
Can Discraft players throw DGA?
Discraft and DGA players can throw molds from Discraft and DGA. Players from the Elite teams are discouraged from throwing too much of the other brand.
Is Discmania owned by Innova?
First launching in 2006, the Discmania Originals, manufactured by Innova, include many industry favorites such as the P2, FD, and PD. The same Discmania discs you have in your bag today will continue to be available.
Who invented disc golf?
Disc Golf Association History. The DGA was established by Ed Headrick in order to focus his attention on building and inventing equipment for the sport he founded. Ed Headrick coined and trademarked the term "Disc Golf" when formalizing the sport and invented the Disc Pole Hole (The Mach 1), the first disc golf target to incorporate chains ...
What is disc golf?
Disc Golf Association. Not to be confused with Professional Disc Golf Association. Disc Golf Association (DGA) is a company founded in 1976 by Ed Headrick and located in Watsonville, California. The Disc Golf Association | DGA, is the founding company of the sport of disc golf and was the acting overseeing body for the sport until ...
Who makes disc golf baskets?
The PDGA was run by Ed Headrick and the DGA until 1982. They are a manufacturer of disc golf baskets for the sports of Disc Golf. The company does not have any retail stores, but rather sells disc golf courses to park departments, disc golf clubs, and private parties. The company also sells large quantities of discs and other related disc golf ...
Who invented the disc golf?
From Frisbees to Disc Golf. “Steady” Ed Headrick #001 is considered the Father of Disc Golf. Of his dozens of patented inventions, two of them hold infinite importance to our sport. The first was the Frisbee (U.S. Patent #3359678) in 1966 as an employee at Wham-O.
Who were the players on the 1985 disc golf championships?
According to Rick Rothstein ’s Disc Golf World News (the source of accurate informative disc golf news for decades), the players approved a steering committee of Ted Smethers, Ed Headrick, Lavone Wolfe #580, Patti Kunkle #283, and Roy Culbertson #1814 at the 1985 Disc Golf World Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
What is the International Disc Golf Center?
The facility now boasts three championship courses, a pro shop, office space for the PDGA staff, the “Steady” Ed Headrick Memorial Museum, the Disc Golf Hall of Fame, picnic pavilions, and more.
What year did the Datsun B210 win the American Flying Disc Open?
They called the event the American Flying Disc Open (AFDO), and to attract the attention of the Frisbee community, they put up a brand new 1974 Datsun B210 to be awarded to the winner. Jim Palmeri #23 (left) handing Dan "Stork" Roddick #003 (right) the keys to his prize for winning the 1974 American Flying Disc Open.
Where was the Wham O's disc golf tournament held?
Another significant turning point for disc golf was an event organized by, you guessed it, “Steady” Ed in 1979. Held in Huntington Beach, California, Ed named the event the $50,000 Disc Golf Tournament, boasting its massive payout right in the title.
Do people play golf with flying discs?
There are many historical accounts of people playing golf with a flying disc, some of which pre-date the advent of the plastic flying discs by many years. Each account was an isolated instance of recreational disc golf play, and none of the participants knew of anyone else playing disc golf.
Is there a frisbee golf course in the book?
Surprisingly, there was only a very brief mention of the concept of Frisbee golf, and that was buried in a section titled “the obstacle course.”. There was no further description of Frisbee golf anywhere else in the book.
When did disc golf start?
Modern disc golf started in the early 1960s, but there is debate over who came up with the idea first. The consensus is that multiple groups of people played independently throughout the 1960s. Students at Rice University in Houston, Texas, for example, held tournaments with trees as targets as early as 1964, and in the early 1960s, ...
Who invented disc golf?
"Steady Ed" Headrick and Dave Dunipace are two inventors and players who greatly impacted how disc golf is played. In 1976 Headrick formalized the rules of the sport, founded the Disc Golf Association (DGA), the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), the Recreational Disc Golf Association (RDGA) and invented the first formal disc golf target with chains and a basket. Dave Dunipace invented the modern golf disc in 1983, with the revolutionary change of adding a beveled rim, giving the disc a greater distance and accuracy. Dave was one of the founders of Innova, a well-known disc manufacturer. In 1982 Ed Headrick turned over control of the PDGA to the players and Ted Smethers to be run independently and to officiate the standard rules of play for the sport.
How many qualifying events were there for the disc golf tournament?
The tournament was groundbreaking, first and foremost because of the cash involved, its massive payout right in the title, but also because the competitors had to qualify for an invitation. 72 qualifying events were established around the country, bringing in the best disc golfers from across the United States.
Where was Frisbee Golf played in 1968?
In 1968 Frisbee Golf was also played in Alameda Park in Santa Barbara, California by teenagers in the Anacapa and Sola street areas. Gazebos, water fountains, lamp posts, and trees were all part of the course.
Who was the first coordinator of Frisbee Golf?
Two early coordinators of the sport are George Sappenfield and Kevin Donnelly, who, through similar backgrounds and the help of Ed Headrick at Wham-O, were able to individually spread the sport in their California cities. Donnelly began playing a form of Frisbee golf in 1959 called Street Frisbee Golf.
When was disc golf invented?
Disc Golf. Disc Golf Association, (DGA) was established in 1976 by Ed Headrick to form a new international sport and to promote the installation and use of disc golf courses around the world. Ed coined and trademarked the term “Disc Golf” and he envisioned a game that would explode in popularity. “Steady” Ed traveled around ...
Who invented disc golf?
In 1977, Headrick and his son Ken developed the first modern disc golf catching device for disc golf, US Patent #4,039,189, which they trademarked “Disc Pole Hole”. The Disc Pole Hole created a standardized catching device with hanging rows of chain that could catch a disc thrown from all directions. Today there are over 7,000 disc golf courses installed throughout the world, the majority of them based on the same DGA Disc Pole Hole baskets Headrick designed.
How many disc golf courses are there in the world?
Ed and his company DGA revised and obtained patents for basket designs until his death in 2002. Today there are over 7,000 disc golf courses installed throughout the world, the majority of them are DGA Disc Pole Hole baskets Headrick designed.
What is the IFA in Frisbee?
Ed saw the potential to create something more with the Frisbee and during this time frame Headrick founded the IFA (International Frisbee Association) to help in the promotion of Frisbee sports. Ed began filming commercials promoting Frisbee games, and Frisbee sports events like the Worlds Frisbee Championships held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, ...
What was the first disc golf target?
The first disc golf target was Ed’s pole hole design which basically consisted of a pole sticking out of the ground. In 1977, Headrick and his son Ken developed the modern catching basket for disc golf, US Patent #4,039,189, titled Flying Disc Entrapment Device, which they trademarked “Disc Pole Hole”.
What is the inner chain of disc golf?
Ed Headrick’s Inner Chain patent was another revolutionary step in the evolution of disc golf as a sport . As the sport grew and became more competitive Ed began designing smaller, heavier discs that could be thrown with more accuracy and speed. It was clear that smaller and heavier discs were becoming more popular and that they were going to replace the Frisbees for playing disc golf. Today most outdoor disc golf baskets make use of Headrick’s original inner chain invention.
When did the 3rd degree air?
3rd Degree is an American game show that Celebrity panelists guess the relationships between contestants and aired in syndication from September 11, 1989 to June 8, 1990, YouTube. DGA Disc Golf. 3.46K subscribers. The Father of Disc Golf's passing on Ripley's Believe it or Not. Watch later.
Education
Check out disc golf rules for recreational play, learn about course development, and more from the company that invented it.
DGA Welcomes Catrina Allen
https://youtu.be/RKBp5lLBXow We are honored to have Catrina Allen, disc golf's…
DGA Welcomes Catrina Allen
https://youtu.be/RKBp5lLBXow We are honored to have Catrina Allen, disc golf's…
When was disc golf invented?
Disc golf was first invented in the early 1900s. The first game was held in Bladworth, Saskatchewan, Canada in 1927. Ronald Franklin Gibson and a group of his Bladworth Elementary School buddies played a game of throwing tin lids into 4-foot wide circles drawn into sandy patches on their school grounds. They called the game Tin Lid Golf and played on a fairly regular basis. However, after they grew older and went their separate ways, the game came to an end. It was not until the 1970s that modern disc golf would be introduced to Canadians at the Canadian Open Frisbee Championships in Toronto and Vancouver, BC.
Who started the disc golf industry?
Disc Golf Association In 1976 "Steady" Ed Headrick and his son Ken Headrick started the first disc golf company, the Disc Golf Association (DGA). [3] . The purpose of DGA was to manufacture discs and targets and to formalize the game for disc golf.
What is a disc golf tee box?
A disc golf tee (commonly referred to as a tee box or the box) is the starting position of a hole. The PDGA recommends that the tee box be no smaller than 1.2 meters wide by 3 meters long. The tee box is usually a pad of concrete, asphalt, rubber, gravel, or artificial turf. Some courses have natural turf with only the front of the tee position marked or no tee boxes at all and players begin from a general location based on the course layout.
What was the first disc golf target?
Ed Headrick's Flying Disc Entrapment Device Patent 4039189. The first disc golf target made with chains that became the standard for disc golf. In 1977, Headrick and his son Ken developed the modern basket catch for disc golf, US Patent 4,039,189, [4] titled Flying Disc Entrapment Device, which they trademarked "Disc Pole Hole". The Disc Pole Hole created a standardized catching device that had a chain-hanger that held vertical hanging rows of chain out and away from a center pole. The vertical rows of chain came together forming a parabolic shape above and angling down towards a metal basket that attached to and surrounded the center pole, and could catch a disc from all directions.
How many holes are there in disc golf?
Disc golf courses. Most disc golf courses have 9 or 18 holes, and exceptions most often have holes in multiples of three. Courses with 6, 12, 21, 24 or 27 holes are not uncommon. The PDGA recommends that courses average 200–400 ft (61–122 m) per hole, with holes no shorter than 100 ft (30 m).
What is the most common type of target in disc golf?
Targets. A disc resting in a basket, the most common type of target. Main article: Basket (disc golf) Although early courses were played using trees, fence posts, or park equipment as the target, standard disc golf baskets are by far the most common type of target on modern courses.
How many disc golf courses are there in the world?
There are disc golf courses on every continent, including 24 in Latin America, 8 in Africa, and one in Antarctica. The Åland Islands have been defined as the world's largest single disc golf park, with one course in each of the 16 municipalities of Åland. Country. DGC.
What is PDGA in golf?
Professional Disc Golf Association ( PDGA) is a membership organization dedicated to the promotion and sustainable growth of disc golf.
What is the purpose of the PDGA?
From the organizational bylaws, the PDGA exists: to promote the development of disc golf as a means of healthful recreation and physical fitness; to establish and maintain Rules of Play and high standards of professionalism, amateurism and good sportsmanship;
How many acres are there in the PDGA?
This 975 acre park is home to the PDGA and holds three disc golf courses. Some of the fairways reach 600 feet, or more, in length. The obstacles include tree alleys, water boundaries, turns in the course and variations in topography. The National Championship is held here in September.
Who is on the PDGA board?
As of September 1, 2020, the current PDGA Board of Directors consists of PDGA President Justin Menickelli, Vice President Nate Heinold, Treasurer Robert Decker, and Secretary Mike "Sully" Sullivan, as well as Elaine King, Laura Nagtegaal, and Will Schusterick .
What is the longest golf course in the world?
The W.R. Jackson Memorial Course is the longest course at the IDGC, coming in at 9,325 feet (2,842 m) and par 69. The Gold level course was designed by Hall of Famer, John Houck, and features Innova DISCatcher baskets set in a very challenging championship configuration.
Who designed the Jim Warner Memorial Course?
It features Discraft Chainstar targets and was designed by Hall of Famer, Jim Kenner, with assistance from Ron Russell and Pad Timmons.
Overview
Creation of the modern game
"Steady Ed" Headrick and Dave Dunipace are two inventors and players who greatly impacted how disc golf is played. In 1976 Headrick formalized the rules of the sport, founded the Disc Golf Association (DGA), the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), the Recreational Disc Golf Association (RDGA) and invented the first formal disc golf target with chains and a basket. Dave Dunipace invented the modern golf disc in 1983, with the revolutionary change of adding a bevel…
Early pioneers of the sport
Two early coordinators of the sport are George Sappenfield and Kevin Donnelly, who, through similar backgrounds and the help of Ed Headrick at Wham-O, were able to individually spread the sport in their California cities. Donnelly began playing a form of Frisbee golf in 1959 called Street Frisbee Golf. In 1961, while a recreation leader and then recreation supervisor for the City of Newport Beach, California, he formulated and then began organizing Frisbee golf tournaments a…
See also
• Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on disc golf
• International Disc Golf Center
External links
• The History of Disc Golf on YouTube
• The History of Flying Disc Sports in New England