Sex Differences in Disc Golf Performance: Implications for Eligibility Criteria for Women's Competitions

Abstract

Disc golf is becoming increasingly popular, but there is no published information on performance differences between males and females. The aim of this study was to investigate sex differences in disc golf performance in recent years and to discuss the implications of these sex differences on eligibility criteria for women's disc golf competitions. We used publicly available data sources from the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) and Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) to compile performance data related to player ratings, throwing distance, throwing accuracy, and putting success at the professional, amateur, and junior levels. In the Pro class (n = 16,843), the median male player rating was 936 compared with 851 for females (P < 0.001). In the amateurs, over 5000 males had a higher rating than the best female player. In throwing for distance, males threw 23%–54% further than females (P < 0.001). Differences in accuracy were smaller but significant, with males outperforming females in measures of throwing accuracy in the Pro class (average 70.9% vs. 63.4% fairway hits; P < 0.001) and putting consistency (median 82% vs. 69%; P < 0.001). In junior competitions, boys showed higher ratings and better performance than girls, with clear differences already observed at age 10 (e.g., median rating 775 vs. 529; P < 0.001). In conclusion, male disc golfers outperformed female players in player rating, throwing distance, and accuracy in the professional, amateur, and junior divisions. Disc golf governing bodies struggling with setting eligibility criteria for women's disc golf competitions may use these results to better inform policy.