General | January 15, 2026 | 9:09

The 2026 PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships presented by 1st Phorm will bring the pinnacle of professional disc golf back to Southeast Michigan from August 26–30, 2026, marking a historic return of the sport's premier championship to Kensington Metropark in the Detroit region. 
 
Ticketing offerings for the 2026 event start at $10 for General Admission and $295 for VIP. VIP passes are on sale now, and are available exclusively at the Worlds ticketing website.  Additional VIP passes will be made available February 17 and March 10, while General Admission passes will go on sale March 24.
 
The event will be contested on two world-class courses—Toboggan and Black Locust—both located within Kensington Metropark. The championship is hosted by Ledgestone Disc Golf and the PDGA in partnership with the Detroit Sports Commission, Huron-Clinton Metroparks and the Livingston County Convention and Visitor's Bureau, uniting regional tourism leaders to support what is expected to be one of the most significant disc golf events ever staged. 
 
A Global, Elite-Only Championship 
The 2026 Professional World Championships will be a pro-only event, featuring the sport's top competitors from around the world. The field is expected to include: 

• 208 Mixed Professional Open (MPO) competitors 
• 92 Female Professional Open (FPO) competitors 
• Athletes from more than 30 countries 

This elite format ensures that fans will witness the highest level of competition disc golf has to offer, as the world's best players compete for a world title on two of the most challenging courses in the sport. 
 
Historic Firsts and Record-Setting Expectations 
The 2026 event is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious World Championships in PDGA history, highlighted by several major milestones: 

• 20,000+ spectators expected 
• Largest Pro Worlds purse in history, projected at $300,000+ 
• Record spectator capacity and engagement 

With more than 300 volunteers and 125+ event staff, the scale of the event reflects the continued growth of professional disc golf on the global stage. 
 
Unprecedented Infrastructure and Fan Experience 
The 2026 World Championships will feature major upgrades that will set it apart from previous editions. Ledgestone Disc Golf is making unprecedented infrastructure investments, with the event budget approaching $1.5 million. These upgrades include infrastructure enhancements, improved spectator viewing areas, expanded hospitality, and enhanced media operations. 
Additionally, RFID technology will be deployed to improve credentialing, access control, and fan experience, creating a more seamless and secure experience for spectators, staff, and media. 
 
Leadership Perspectives 
Nate Heinold, Event Director, emphasized the scale and ambition of the championship: 
"The 2026 PDGA Pro Worlds event is going to be a landmark event in the history of our sport. The Ledgestone team is making unprecedented investments in this event, with expected spending approaching $1.5M. We plan on delivering two Worlds class courses, the largest Pro Worlds payout of all time, a $300,000+ infrastructure plan and experience of a lifetime for our players and spectators alike." 
 
Amy McMillan, CEO of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, highlighted the regional significance of the event: 
"We're proud to team up with Ledgestone, the Detroit Sports Commission, and the Livingston County Convention & Visitors Bureau to bring this championship back to Metro Detroit. We can't wait to welcome the world to our courses and to welcome the region to be a part of a world-wide disc golf experience." 
 
Doug Bjerkaas, PDGA Executive Director, noted the historic context of the championship: 
"2026 will be a special year. Not only will the PDGA be celebrating our 50th Anniversary, but the Professional Disc Golf World Championship will be returning to Michigan for the first time since 2008. Whether fans are on site spectating or tuning in to the Disc Golf Network, I am sure they are in for a treat as they watch the highest level of competition in our sport." 
 
Marty Dobek, Executive Director of the Detroit Sports Commission, reflected on how the championship aligns with Detroit's evolving sports identity:
"What's exciting about this championship is how naturally it fits into Detroit's broader sports story right now. We're seeing continued growth in non-traditional and emerging sports, and disc golf is a great example of how passionate fan bases and destination-quality venues can come together to create something special. Events like this expand who we reach, how people experience our region, and what Detroit is known for as a sports destination."