Wildflower Disc Golf Tour: the missing piece in women’s disc golf!
The disc golf world is no longer a place primarily for the bros. The ladies have come out in full force, at least in Texas, and I love that for us!
When I first started playing in 2018, I was fortunate enough to be in 
Houston where there was already a thriving women’s scene. Chicks Chasing Chains was established in 2017 by (my best friend 👯♀️), Nikki Wyatt. Only a few short weeks after picking up a disc, I found CCC via Facebook, and the rest is history (I plan to share more about CCC in a later blog).
The tournament scene at the time was a different story. We did get a few women’s only tournaments a year; Texas Women’s Championships, the (once every two years) Women’s Global Event, and the United State’s Women’s Disc Golf Championships, if you were fortunate enough to travel to it. Those events were always well attended and looked forward to by all, but few and far between compared to co-ed tournaments.
We were fortunate to have a lot of great co-ed tournaments in the Houston area, with usually enough women to make at least one card per event. We were also lucky to have several TD’s (tournament directors) who would reach out to us and ask how they can best accommodate us. For that we were grateful…but something was still missing (mostly port-o-potties but I digress), even if we didn’t know what it was quite yet.
Women in disc golf isn’t the same as men in disc golf. We don’t expect special privileges, but we do have different needs and priorities.
For the longest time, one of the biggest issues we had was restrooms. It seems silly or trivial, but for women, it’s not. Not having access to facilities can easily be the difference between me being able to play a tournament or not. I hate that for us, but it’s the honest truth. I don’t mind peeing in the woods, I grew up in the country and know how to rough it. However, come period time, it’s a whole different story. The sad part is, many women have had to resort to changing a tampon in the woods, at least once in their disc golf careers…because it was either do that, or not play at all. Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should (have to) though.
I’ve had male TD’s say things like, “I don’t understand the issues with women and restrooms or why they’re so obsessive about it,” to which I have to *bluntly* remind them that, “oh by the way, we do bleed,” and usually it takes that level of bluntness for it to hit them, as to why it really matters. After that they usually are more understanding and accommodating, but it takes a swift and honest reminder. Our bodies are different, and sometimes we have valid needs for those extra accommodations.
Another common reason women do or don’t sign up for a tournament is their priorities and responsibilities. I don’t have a family or children myself but all of my disc golf friends do. They don’t have the flexibility to drop 50 to 100 dollars every few weekends to play a tournament, on top of finding a sitter…especially if it isn’t accommodating to their needs or skill level. Not to say the father’s of those same children don’t have the same issue, but let’s be real…the majority of the time, these expectations fall on the mom. Over time (especially once the covid boom wore off and inflation started to rise), less and less women were signing up for tournaments because the tournaments became more frequent, more costly and they couldn’t as easily justify putting their extra resources there anymore.
Several other possible deterrents with co-ed tournaments:
- Non-women’s friendly players packs
- Max weight discs or something super beefy. I got so many max weight over stable discs I had no use for. Before I learned about the Buy/Sell Facebook pages, I was just stuck with them. Even now I prefer getting useful discs I can actually throw, just so I don’t have to deal with the selling or trading of them.
- Lack of size inclusion with apparel. So often I have gotten shirts that I had to just throw in the donate box because they were men’s only and way too oversized to me useful to me.
- It doesn’t have to be anything crazy, but a few lightweight or less stable discs and some women’s sizes to choose from, goes a long way in boosting morale during check-in and encouraging ladies to sign-up!
- Mixed cards
- While I realize if there is a division less than 2 or 3, there is no other option…but this has definitely deterred countless women from signing up for co-ed events. Playing a tournament can be intimidating enough, especially as a newer player or a woman. So getting carded with men doesn’t always inspire more confidence. Personally I have played with so many amazing and supportive co-ed cards, but that’s not always the case. I’ve heard more than my fair share of men complain about being carded with women. I’m bold enough to clap back if I hear it, but not everyone is and they shouldn’t have to. Imagine finally getting over the hurdle of signing up for a tournament, and then hearing someone doesn’t want to play with you, or has a negative attitude towards you. That doesn’t set the best tone for your tournament or future ones. Whereas in women’s only tournaments, there’s no worry because every card is full of only women!
- Course layout
- When I first started I didn’t care. I would play any event, on any course, with any length of layout. The more I’ve played, the more I see how much it matters.
- Pro and advanced layouts are definitely not women or beginner friendly. Most events do at minimum have A and B pool, but that is not always the case. Even so, sometimes the B pool layout is still extremely long. I don’t mind difficulty if the holes are a more reasonable length, relative to par…in fact, I prefer more difficult courses. The issue is primarily where the length exceeds what any of the women, or other less advanced players can reasonably achieve. If enough of us are taking a 10 on a par five…maybe just create a shorted tee, that makes it more enjoyable for everyone in that division or pool.
- A challenging layout doesn’t have to be 10,000 feet long. It’s possible on most courses to create a shortened but challenging layout for the lower divisions, without completely compromising the integrity of the courses design. Plus this is great for pace of play!
- Ratings
- The dreaded rating system.
- Similar, and coinciding with the course layout are ratings. The same way I used to feel about course distance, I felt about rating. I would play any event, regardless of how outrageous the layout was for my skill level…and even if I knew a course would tank my rating. I wasn’t going to let a rating killer deter me from playing an event. I still won’t let it keep me from playing a tournament at a course or event I truly love, but I’ll no longer do it for just any event.
- When you have lower divisions rated against pro or advanced divisions, it is a recipe for disaster (for us in those lower divisions). In most cases, this affects the women the most because most of us lack the distance of the men.
- Our favorite TD’s are the ones who give us our own pool, and we’re only rated against other women! Some will also pair MA4 (novice) with all the FA and FP divisions, which is also another more fair and efficient way to handle pools, layouts and ratings.
- Cost
- It adds up. If we’re going to spend money, we want it to feel worth it. With all women’s events, we do! They’re catered to women in every way and it truly justifies the cost and time away from families or work.
- Paying $50+ dollars for a tournament where you don’t necessarily feel included or valued isn’t the move for most of us anymore. That’s not a knock to co-ed tournaments and TD’s. That’s just the reality. Most events are catered to the Pros and more advanced divisions. Women’s events have found a way to add value from top to bottom, and make sure everyone (regardless of skill level) feels included.
- Incentive
- Okay maybe this one it just for me but also plays into why a women’s tour or a tour of any kind is important. I think playing tournaments that are part of a “tour” create more incentive. My first few years I played everything under the sun. I played nearly a tournament every weekend and weekly flexes. Eventually I felt the burn out and decided to dedicate my extra resources to traveling to unique tournaments or playing tour associated events. The next few years I dedicated the majority of my disc golf time and money, to tournaments on those that were a part of the Dirty Dozen Tour ran by Dynamic Discs Carrollton or the Heart of Texas Tour ran by MINT Discs. In my opinion, tours create more incentive to play because of year end awards and ranked standings. You get to see how you matched up against others in your division, which to me is motivating. I’d be willing to bet that the majority of people who sign up for one tour event, come back for more.
- Stand-alone women’s events are great, but a tour is even better. It gives people a great reason to come back to the next one!
- Tournament length
- Aside from the first event of the year and the finale. All of the WFDGT events are one day. One day events tend to be more cost efficient, especially when traveling to them. It’s one less day the mom’s that play have to find childcare, and it’s one less day of spending money on accommodations.
- One day events are more accessible. Granted there are plenty of co-ed events that are one day, those numbers have dropped significantly since covid (at least in our area). Multi-day events might be easier on the body, but are tougher on the wallet.
- Overall experience
- The Wildflower events are truly an experience. Many of us use them as a way to treat ourselves. It’s a weekend away from (most) responsibilities, it’s an excuse to travel around the state, and it’s giving yourself time to yourself and to bond with old friends, and make new ones.
I’m sure there are more reasons that contribute a low women’s turn-out at co-ed events, and the need for a women’s tour but those the big ones (in my opinion and experience).
I should remind anyone reading that this isn’t a diss to male TD’s or any specific tournaments. It’s just the reality of being a female in a male dominated sport. Things get overlooked and those areas for growth provided the perfect opportunity for an all women’s disc golf tour…ran by women!
So now we fast forward to 2023, when The Wolfpack (Des Reading, Krissie Fountain, Renae Farr & Stephanie Vincent), launched the Wildflower Disc Golf Tour. I truly believe none of us knew how much we really needed a women’s tour, until we got it. The inaugural season had nine stops throughout the year, and averaged about 65 women per event. It was a huge success, and proved that women will show up…when provided with the resources and support they need!
I made it to 6 of the 9 events the first year (2023), and each of them were some of the best and well thought out events I’ve ever played. I’ve played the United States Women’s Disc Golf Championships every year since 2019 (aside from the cancelled 2020 one), and each event really feels like a mini version of that. That is how thorough and special each TD makes every Wildflower event feel. I only made it to 3 in 2024 and honestly I regret it. I feel like I missed out on quite a few run rounds and good memories! 2024 was a year I decided to work more and save more money though, so I sacrificed quite a bit of disc golf in the process.
For 2025 I’m already signed up for the first event, the Prickly Pear Classic at Sprinkle Valley in Austin, Texas, and I hope make as many of the stops as possible this year…if not all of them! I really want to play them all, and use it as an opportunity to showcase each tour stop through the blog and my YouTube channel. Not only do I hope it helps encourage other women to come out and play, I want the Wolfpack, Mint Discs and everyone involved to get the thanks and recognition deserved. I also hope that maybe this will inspire other women’s disc golf tours to pop up around the world! I know several other states have women’s tours, but they’re still few and far between compared to the amount of regular tournaments and tours out there.
I truly wish that every woman who plays disc golf, has the opportunity to play and be a part of something as special as the Wildflower Disc Golf Tour, at some point in their disc golf career.
This blog definitely took a different turn than I was expecting, but here we are lol…
I planned on recapping the WTF Open video I released on YouTube last week, and giving a little insight into the WFDGT and the upcoming schedule. It appears my mind had other plans. I think awareness is key to change though, and you can’t change if you aren’t aware. So if even one TD sees something in this post and uses it to improve the women’s side of the sport, or it encourages someone new to run a women’s event…then I consider that a win and well worth my long winded rant.
In conclusion, I’m so grateful for the women’s disc golf community we have here in Texas and for all those who have stepped up and filled in those opportunity gaps. While tournament turnout all over the world has been slowing back down to pre-covid numbers, I know the future is bright…especially within the women’s scene!
If you’ve made it this far…say hi in the comments! I’d love to know where you’re reading from and what kind of women’s disc golf scene you have locally. Share your goals, inspirations, aspirations or just say hi!
I’ll drop my socials below, as well as links to find all the Wildflower Disc Golf Tour information. Don’t hestitate to reach out for any guidance, support, inspiration or suggestions. So many of us love to help and love to learn. Let’s unite and #growthesport of women’s disc golf!
Thanks for reading, and come back next week for more!
Happy throwing,
PDGA #113587
Resources:
www.wfdgt.com
www.chickschasingchains.com
Instagram:
@kelsiesweeten
@chickchasingchains
@wildflower_disc_golf_tour
January 10, 2025 @ 1:29 am
I love this! Will you be my best friend??
January 10, 2025 @ 1:43 am
forever. <3
January 10, 2025 @ 1:54 am
Well said Kelsie! These words ring so true. I’m very thankful for the Wildflower Tour and am grateful, so so so so grateful for finding CCC.
January 10, 2025 @ 5:37 am
We’re so happy you found CCC too!
January 10, 2025 @ 3:52 am
Really insightful post!
January 10, 2025 @ 5:37 am
Thank you! Hope you’re doing well!
January 10, 2025 @ 4:32 am
Amen! I mean, AWOMEN!! I absolutely love love love this! Well said and agree. I didn’t know what I didn’t know, but thanks to CCC and the Wildflower tour my eyes have opened and have focused! Thank you Kelsie for writing this. Much love and respect ✌️
January 10, 2025 @ 5:37 am
Thank you so much! 🫶🏼
January 10, 2025 @ 5:00 am
Great read Kelsie!! Thank you for sharing this, lots of great points. Looking forward to playing with you on the Wildflower tour! 😁♥️
January 10, 2025 @ 5:38 am
Thank you! Cannot wait to play with you this year!
January 10, 2025 @ 12:50 pm
I really enjoyed reading this. So many good points. Thanks for sharing!
January 10, 2025 @ 5:26 pm
Thank you! 🫶🏼
January 10, 2025 @ 1:24 pm
Great blog! I’m still a relatively new player and still learning all the disc golf terms and the disc numbers, etc stumbled across my first WDGT event last year – Sunflower Showcase and am hooked on the tour! Hope to play more events this year – my husband will caddie for me and it’s a great way to get away for the weekend and met some like minded women! Great blog, look forward to reading more……
January 10, 2025 @ 5:27 pm
You picked a great event as your first one. The Sunflower Showcase is super special to us! We look forward to seeing you at more events!
January 10, 2025 @ 4:39 pm
Awesome read Kelsie! As well, if you need anything, please reach out!
January 10, 2025 @ 5:27 pm
Thank you! 🫶🏼
January 11, 2025 @ 3:51 am
Awesome insight! I love hearing this point of view and you’re absolutely right! Women run events are more fun. I love helping at wildflower events, the vibes are impeccable, the players are appreciative, it’s honestly the best.
Great point about length of course, especially in tournaments that are 2 round 1 day. I realize some people want to push that but we are in Texas. It’s damn hot most of the year. We don’t need to play 18,000+ ft.
Can’t wait for the next one!
January 14, 2025 @ 12:10 am
Thanks for always coming out and showing support for the ladies! You’re the best!
It’s true. Part of me enjoys one round a day but part of me likes knocking out a whole tournament in a day. Just depends on the weather I guess lol. There’s no perfect system, everyone has their own preferences. The shortened layouts definitely help it become more doable and more helpful for the lower divisions though!
January 11, 2025 @ 3:45 pm
Such a great read!!! You made so many great points! I was a newbie when the Wildflower Tour began and I can honestly say I look forward to each one… I didn’t make as many as I wanted last year due to family or work obligations.. but I am so going to do my best to make majority of them this year. the Wolfpack works so hard on this and it gets better every year.. and girl I totally get the need for potter potties !! I have played co-ed tournaments where none were available or the next one was like Holes away .. as an older women can’t hold it that long and sometimes the woods or course doesn’t offer the privacy to go pee in the woods. Without risking your whole moon showing to a perfect stranger! So yes they are muc needed!! Anywho look forward to seeing you next wknd!
January 14, 2025 @ 12:08 am
Thanks for reading and commenting! We are definitely spoiled with the Wildflowet Tour now but I’m not mad at it. I hope to be at more this year also, so can’t wait to see you there!
January 12, 2025 @ 1:12 am
Great post – really enjoyed reading your POV.!
Two general thoughts:
1. I wish more women would ALSO play the co-ed events. I like them both and I feel like I see fewer women at the co-ed tournaments now.
2. Would love to see child care start to be offered as an option at tournaments. You make a great point that it can be a challenge. I think that could really help more women be able to play tournaments. I don’t have children, but I’d happily pay a “childcare support fee” (give me that instead of the Ace pot any day) or something to help hire childcare.
January 14, 2025 @ 12:07 am
Thank you!
The majority of us in Houston, played the majority of co-ed events in our area, prior to the Wildflower Tour starting. I was tempted to touch more on how it has female lowered participation at co-ed events but didn’t want it to seem like it was a bad thing. The unfortunate reality is, most women have to choose between one or the other. I have my select favorites every year I’ll play, but for the most part…sticking to Wildflower events makes most sense now! I wish there was a way we could all do both, but time and money prevail.
I think maybe one way co-ed tournament participation could be boosted again were if an event or two contributed to overall Wildflower tour points…but not sure if that’s anything they may opt to add in the future or not.
Really I think the bigger issue is just the economy and saturation of the scene. Pre-covid, tournaments weren’t as frequent. So they were a treat when they happened, and we all flocked to them. Now there’s so many, it spreads the potential fields thin. I’d love to see less tournaments and flexes again. Bring back quality over quantity, thus bringing back the appeal of a lot of the iconic tournaments we knew and loved!
The childcare is an interesting idea but if it could be executed, could probably work well! I like it!
January 13, 2025 @ 9:39 pm
Kelsie,
This is Adam in SC. My son & I run inexpensive events & are offering all events this year free for all FA & FJ players.
I’m friends with Sarah Cunningham, Noelle Erb, Missouri Wolff, & Sara Nicholson. I’ve had lots of discussions about women’s DG and how to grow it. This is a great article.
Thanks for sharing.
January 13, 2025 @ 11:50 pm
Hi Adam!
Thanks for reading and commenting. That is absolutely incredible that y’all are offering free entry this year for FA’s & FJ’s! What a cool way to boost sign-ups in those divisions. I’ve never even thought of that, it’s such a great idea!
Thank you for everything you’re doing to #growthesport! We appreciate TD’s like you!
January 14, 2025 @ 3:12 am
Thanks for the great article! I’m a founder of the Electric City Disc Golf Club in Great Falls Montana. This year I’m hosting my 2nd annual all women’s tournament, the Maiden Montana Tournament on May 17th! Last year I sanctioned it as part of the PDGA’s Women’s Global Event and we had 17 players ranging from 8yr old to 70 years old!!! I’m so looking forward to another great event and appreciate women like you and the ones in the comments.
January 14, 2025 @ 4:46 am
Congratulations! Thats a great turnout! I’m sure it’ll grow every year too, that seems to be how it’s been for us. I’ve been to Great Falls quite a few times but never gotten to play there. Hopefully one day I’ll get to and we can meet!
January 22, 2025 @ 4:33 pm
Thank you for putting this out there for others to read. Everything is well put and needed to be said I have not been playing disc golf for very long , but all of this I have noticed through the community as well.
It was a pleasure playing with you this weekend and getting to know you. Look forward to more tournaments with you.❤️🥏
January 22, 2025 @ 6:21 pm
Thank you! Tournaments have come a long ways for women but there’s still a ways to go!
Fun playing with you this weekend too. Hopefully do it again soon!