Mission

CHANGE OF COURSE

Disc golf is a rapidly growing recreational activity and competitive sport with more than 15,000 courses installed worldwide. With a proper implementation, a disc golf course can bring local communities together and even become a tourist attraction that bolsters local economies. However, disc golf course design has traditionally been a DIY affair, led by local volunteers who are laymen in land planning, community design, and sustainable design practices. Because of this, they usually miss the mark — especially in regard to environmental protection and aesthetics. An attractive design is critical in making disc golf accessible to the broadest base of potential users, but most disc golf courses end up being a mishmash of ideas, styles, and building techniques. Without proper planning, they quickly begin to degrade — turning beautiful landscapes into run-down areas that are pockmarked with bare, hardpan soils and erosion. These issues have become so prevalent that the PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) warns that "design expectations and requirements have advanced to the point where land stewards run the risk of making a poor choice by placing inexperienced local player volunteers in charge of their course design." In support of sustainable design practices, the PDGA Environment Committee launched the Throw Green Initiative.

PDGA throwgreen logo
disc golf basket surrounded by bare, hard soil and exposed tree roots
❌ A disc golf "green" from a professional tournament. It has the typical hard, compacted soil and exposed roots commonly seen near baskets and other high traffic areas on courses. Not only is this unattractive, but it creates a tripping hazard for players and threatens the lives of nearby trees.
disc golf basket inside of a dark brown dirt 'island' lined with blue rocks
✅ A disc golf green surfaced with compost topsoil for an aesthetic and comfortable experience. Native plants are protected from foot traffic with rock circles. It also serves as an "island" during play for increased challenge and fun.

DGLA designs disc golf that is sustainable, family-friendly, cohesive, and legitimate to the eye of the general public.

Disc Golf Landscape Architecture (DGLA) is a full-service professional firm dedicated to designing disc golf courses that engage the public with a unique and sustainable landscape experience. DGLA crafts meaningful disc golf facilities that respect your community, your soils and your site's landscape ecology. We approach disc golf course design through the broad lens of landscape architecture, and will tailor the process that fits your project and site — from undeveloped natural areas and disturbed landscapes to open space networks and existing parks. We develop custom professional service and design contracts that will fit your budget and goals. Our mission is to meet the growing demand of disc golf with dedicated, accessible facilities that conserve ecological integrity, highlight natural beauty and human artistry, and inspire local communities.