What Competition Divisions Are There in Disc Golf?

Disc golf competition divisions are divided into three main groups: professional, amateur and junior divisions. A player’s division is determined by gender, age and, for amateurs, also skill level. Pro divisions compete for cash prizes, while amateur and junior divisions compete for trophies, gift cards and product prizes. The division system follows the model used by the sport’s governing body, the PDGA, which is also used by the Finnish Disc Golf Association. This helps every player find a division that matches their level and age group.

What is the difference between pro and amateur divisions?

The biggest difference is in the prizes: pro divisions play for cash prizes, while amateur divisions play for trophies, gift cards and product prizes. Pro divisions are based on gender and birth year. Amateur divisions also take the player’s skill level, meaning PDGA rating, into account. Accepting a cash prize gives the player pro status. In practice, returning to amateur status is possible no earlier than one year after the last accepted cash prize.

What do MPO and FPO mean?

MPO and FPO are the highest open divisions in the sport. MPO, or Mixed Pro Open, is open to everyone regardless of age or gender, although the players are almost always men. FPO, or Female Pro Open, is an open division limited to women. The same logic applies throughout the division system:

• M divisions are open to everyone, meaning mixed divisions, such as MPO and MA1.
• F divisions are limited to women, such as FPO and FA1.

The first letter therefore always tells you who is eligible to participate, and the following part indicates the level or age group.

What are the amateur divisions?

Amateur players have four skill-based divisions, which are divided by PDGA rating. Rating is a number that describes a player’s level and is built from tournament results. The higher the rating, the higher the division the player belongs in. The mixed amateur divisions are:

• MA1 (Advanced): open to all amateurs, the highest amateur division.
• MA2 (Intermediate): rating under 935.
• MA3 (Recreational): rating under 900.
• MA4 (Novice): rating under 850.

The women’s amateur divisions follow the same structure: FA1 is open to all, FA2 requires a rating under 825, FA3 under 775 and FA4 under 725. Rating limits prevent higher-level players from entering lower divisions, keeping competition more balanced.

Are there age and junior divisions?

Yes. Both professional and amateur players have age-based divisions, and juniors have their own divisions as well. A player becomes eligible for an age-protected division during the calendar year in which they reach that age. For example, a player can enter MA40 in the year they turn 40. Age divisions start at 40 and continue upward in steps, such as MP40, MP50, MP60 and MP70. Junior divisions are also based on birth year, ranging from under-18 divisions down to younger age groups, such as MJ18, MJ15 and so on. A player may always choose to play in a younger, meaning more demanding, division if they want to.

Which division does a beginner belong in?

A new competitive player usually starts in the lower amateur divisions, such as MA3 or MA4. A beginner does not yet have a PDGA rating, so in the first events they can usually play in the lowest divisions without restrictions. Rating is formed when you play sanctioned events, and it later determines which divisions you are eligible to enter. All sanctioned events follow the same rules of play regardless of division. In Finland, competing requires membership in an SFL member club and a competition licence, which is purchased through SuomiSport. PDGA membership is included in the licence price. The player is responsible for registering in the correct division, and their own rating can be checked on the PDGA website. For a new player, starting disc golf is best done at a steady pace, because moving into competition feels most natural once basic technique and rules are under control.

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