Gender Gaps and First Steps into the Sport — Part I. A Study Sheds Light on Gender Disparities

In early 2021, the German Disc Golf Association (DFV) launched a nationwide survey titled “Discgolf für Alle” (“Disc Golf for Everyone”) to explore gender dynamics and inclusion within the sport. The motivation came from growing reports of exclusion, unequal participation, and even sexist incidents. The survey involved over 400 participants and aimed to uncover why women and TINAQ individuals (trans, intersex, non-binary, agender, and queer/questioning) remain underrepresented in disc golf—and what changes are needed to make the sport more inclusive.

Image: EDGL. Mauri Levandi

Fast forward to April 2025: The findings were presented once again during a public online event and published in an updated report. The results remain strikingly relevant. Despite disc golf’s continued growth in Germany and across Europe, the sport is still perceived as male-dominated—not only in its demographics but also in its culture and structures.

The DFV working group emphasized that this is not a scientific publication but a call to action based on lived experiences and grassroots insights. Their conclusion was clear: the issues identified in 2021 are still present in 2025, and meaningful change will require a joint commitment from clubs, tournament organizers, and players alike.

Although disc golf has seen steady growth across Germany, its gender imbalance is stark. According to the DFV member database at the time of the survey, only 11% of registered disc golfers identified as female and 0% as diverse. The remaining 89% were male​.

Social Entry Points—and Exit Triggers

The study found that many women and TINAQ individuals begin playing disc golf because of social connections—friends, family, or partners—rather than individual interest or exposure through media. This contrasts with male players, who reported a wider range of entry points, including seeing people play in public spaces or discovering the sport online​.

When asked what kept them in the sport, women and TINAQ respondents most frequently mentioned “shared time with my partner” and “being out in nature”, while men more often cited competition and improving their skills. One female respondent wrote:

“It’s a great way to spend time outdoors, but I wouldn't have found it without my boyfriend.”

Despite similar average years of playing—6 for women and 6.8 for men—the study shows a noticeable gap in how welcomed players feel. Men overwhelmingly reported feeling comfortable in the disc golf community, while women’s responses showed wide variance. One respondent shared:

“Some days I feel completely part of the group. Other days, I’m reminded I don’t quite belong.”

Structural Gaps in Participation

Club membership and tournament activity also revealed disparities. While 82% of male respondents were current or former club members, only 60% of women said the same. The gap widened in informal events like weekly club rounds (so-called "weeklies")—a key community touchpoint. Women and TINAQ players reported significantly lower participation, even though such events are seen as beginner-friendly​.

These discrepancies extend to tournament play as well. Only 57% of female players participated in competitive events, compared to 77% of men. This raises the question: is disc golf truly accessible for all, or only for those who already feel entitled to take space?