Disc golf world championships coming to Madison in 2027
MADISON – For the first time in more than 30 years and for only the third time in history, the disc golf world championships are coming to North Alabama, in particular Madison, Huntsville and Madison County. The PDGA, the global governing body of disc golf, announced this area has been selected to host the 2027 Amateur Disc Golf World Championships.
“With our large disc golf community, we are honored to be selected to host the world championships in 2027,” said Mark Russell, Executive Director of the Huntsville Sports Commission. “We will make this a memorable experience for all of the players, staff, fans and officials.”
The tournaments will be played on four courses in the immediate area: John Hunt Park (Huntsville), Sharon Johnston Park (New Market), Mastin Lake Park (Huntsville) and Sunshine Oaks Park (Madison). All four courses are either new or recently re-tooled to meet the needs of the modern game.
“This is a special opportunity for our entire community, especially here in Madison, to welcome the world championships,” said Madison Mayor Paul Finley. “We have a large and growing disc golf community that has worked hard with city leaders to make sure our courses meet the requirements to host an event of this size.”
The local disc golf scene goes back decades as the area has twice hosted the PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships in both 1983 and 1993. Besides, the immediate area is also home to three distinguished PDGA Hall of Fame members. Tom Monroe, the originator of disc golf in Huntsville, was an 8-time PDGA Masters (50-plus) World Champion. He passed away in 2024. Dean Tannock, better known as “Dean-O,” is best known as a fierce competitor including winning a Masters World Championship and a U.S. Grandmasters title. Lavone Wolfe, a multi-time world champion with over 150 victories including 68 PDGA wins, is a 1994 Hall of Fame inductee. He continues to compete and is a certified master course designer and either designed or co-designed the four courses set to be used in 2027.
Wolfe, a long-time resident of Madison, provided a quick course description for the four locations of the 2027 tournaments:
John Hunt Park- Designed by Larry Burge and Lavone Wolfe 11,807 Par 68
The course is a pro level has a moderate elevation requiring full flight drives. Many shots require advanced angle control and placement with significant out of bounds throughout the course. In spite of the length there are many shots requiring advanced technical elements and control. The course is well kept and offers beautiful vistas.
Sharon Johnston Park- Designed by Lavone Wolfe 7706’ Par 58
Medium length course designed to cater to both recreational level and advanced players with nine holes having both permanent and long targets in place. Beautiful vistas and an immaculately kept park add to the appeal. The course is very technical and has some of the most difficult greens in North Alabama. The park is well kept with excellent facilities and parking.
Sunshine Oaks Park- Designed by Lavone Wolfe 8100’ Par 60
Medium to long course with an excellent variety of wooded and open shots. The course is flat and typically affected by the prevailing southwest winds. The course caters to all levels of players with nine holes having permanent short and long targets, The course and park are well kept and have excellent facilities and parking.
Mastin Lake Park- Designed by Henry Rogers with Lavone Wolfe 4612’ Par 54
Short technical wooded course with moderate elevation.
Local PDGA pro Larry Burge will serve as the 2027 tournament director. The course at John Hunt Park will serve as the base for the championships and be the home of the final round of the event. The locale will serve a special setup that is only in place for the tournament.
The event is projected to attract more than 450 competitors for a week of competition and surrounding activities, generate more than 2,500 room nights and have an estimated economic impact of more than $2.1-million.
