Building an Inclusive Future — Part III. What the Community Thinks Should Change

In 2021, the German Disc Golf Association launched a nationwide survey titled “Discgolf für Alle” (“Disc Golf for Everyone”) to explore gender dynamics and inclusion within the sport, involving over 400 participants across gender identities.

You can read the part I here and part II here.

Image: Ivo Kraus, EDGL

How to Make Disc Golf More Inclusive—According to the Community Itself

After uncovering the gaps in participation and the realities of exclusion, the “Discgolf für Alle” study asked one more crucial question: What can we do about it?

The responses were not only thoughtful but also action-oriented. A total of 350 players—including 99 women, 4 TINAQ individuals, and 247 men—offered concrete ideas on how to make disc golf more accessible and welcoming for everyone.

What Players Suggest: Ideas from the Community

The suggestions fell into seven main categories, with some standout themes:

1. Exclusive events and safe spaces for women and TINAQ individuals to try disc golf without pressure. “Create opportunities for women to play together. It’s easier to learn when you don’t feel watched or judged.”

2. More visibility for diverse role models—showcasing women and TINAQ players in media, tournaments, and club leadership. “If you never see someone like you on the course or on the podium, it’s hard to imagine you belong.”

3. Beginner-friendly formats like relaxed weeklies, mixed-gender doubles, and social events rather than just competitive tournaments.

4. Outreach and education, both within clubs and in public-facing communication, to raise awareness and reduce unconscious bias.

5. Infrastructure upgrades, such as access to toilets and practice baskets—especially important for new and underrepresented players.

Many of these ideas closely aligned with what non-players had said would help them get started: low-pressure environments, social connection, and feeling safe and welcome.

Five Steps Toward a More Inclusive Disc Golf Scene

Based on the full study, the working group behind the project proposed five overarching goals for the future:

1. Create visible role models – Highlight women and TINAQ players in the spotlight.

2. Support empowerment – Offer coaching, networking, and leadership pathways for underrepresented groups.

3. Improve and diversify offerings – More varied events and learning formats.

4. Upgrade infrastructure – Make sure every course supports all users, not just the most experienced.

5. Foster inclusive community culture – Encourage awareness, openness, and active anti-discrimination.

As the authors of the study conclude:

“No single solution will solve the problem. Only a combination of actions—structural, social, and cultural—can create lasting change.”

The message is clear: the disc golf community has the insight and the will to grow. The next step is making that growth inclusive.