For the past several years I have been attending the Las Vegas Challenge. But, I don’t head to Vegas to compete. Instead, I spend the week as a volunteer. And I LOVE it! It’s so fun to not only help my fellow disc golfers, but I get to see some of the top pros in person. I genuinely love spending the week in Las Vegas as a volunteer.
Disc golf is more than just throwing plastic, it’s a community-driven sport that thrives on the energy and dedication of volunteers. Whether you’re helping out at a major PDGA event or lending a hand at your local club’s weekly league, volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to get involved and grow the sport.
Why Volunteer at Disc Golf Events?
Volunteering at disc golf tournaments gives you a front-row seat to the action and a behind-the-scenes look at how events come together. You’ll meet passionate players, learn the ins and outs of tournament logistics, and often walk away with new friendships, insider knowledge, and maybe even a player pack or lunch for your efforts.
More importantly, your time and energy help make the sport better for everyone. Tournaments rely on volunteers to run smoothly, from setup and scoring to spotting and sometimes even media coverage. Even a few hours of help can make a huge impact on the player experience and the overall vibe of the event.
Ways to Volunteer at Disc Golf Tournaments
- Course Prep: Help clean fairways, paint OB lines, hang signage, and move baskets before the event starts.
- Spotting: Station yourself on tricky holes to help players find discs and confirm whether shots are in bounds (That’s what I do at LVC.)
- Check-In & Merch: Greet players, hand out player packs, or help sell discs and gear at the tournament tent.
- Media & Coverage: If you’ve got a camera or drone, offer to capture footage or photos for the TD or club. (Many bigger tournaments have their own media coverage. But, it would be nice for smaller events.)
- Parking & Crowd Control: Help direct traffic, manage spectators, and keep things flowing smoothly.
- Caddie: Most top pros either have their own caddie, or they don’t want one. But you might find someone else who would love a break from lugging their bag around the entire round
Support Your Local Disc Golf Club
You don’t need a big tournament to make a difference. Local disc golf clubs are always looking for help with weekly leagues, casual tournaments, and community outreach. Running a league night might mean setting up UDisc, collecting entry fees, organizing cards, and posting scores, but it also means creating a space where players connect and grow.
Teaching new players is another fantastic way to volunteer. Offer to run a clinic, host a beginner-friendly round, or just hang out at the course and answer questions. If your club has a social media page, help keep it updated with event info, photos, and shoutouts. These small efforts build momentum and make disc golf more welcoming for everyone.
Some clubs also need help with fundraising, sponsorship outreach, or grant writing. If you’ve got skills in marketing, design, or organization, your contributions can go a long way toward improving courses, hosting events, and growing the local scene.
How to Get Started
Reach out to your local disc golf club or tournament director. Most are thrilled to have extra hands and will find a role that fits your skills and schedule. You can also check the PDGA event calendar, local Facebook groups, or UDisc events for upcoming tournaments that need volunteers.
Don’t be shy, introduce yourself, ask how you can help, and show up ready to contribute. Whether you’re cleaning a course, running a league, or teaching someone how to throw their first backhand, your time and energy help grow the sport.
Final Thoughts
Disc golf is built by people who care. If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved, volunteering is the perfect place to start. You’ll learn a ton, meet great people, and help shape the future of the sport, one event, one league night, one new player at a time.
So grab your clipboard, your camera, or your favorite putter, and jump in. The disc golf community is waiting for you. Speaking from personal experience, you’ll find it very rewarding!
