Becoming a course designer

[solomon.trenton]

If you are one, how did you get started? What qualifies you as one and what does it take to become licensed or accredited?

[harr0140]

Very interested, in this also, but I need to play more courses and improve my game before anyone would want me to design a course.

Now if I had some land to design a course and implemen it, that would go a long way to showing how good of a course I can design!

[Cgkdisc]

I would read up all you can on course design/development at the websites of the PDGA, DGA, Innova and Millennium for starters. Then, check out the website for the Disc Golf Course Designers group: http://www.discgolfcoursedesigners.org/discgolfwiki/index.php5

The best way to learn is to get involved with projects in your area and assist another experienced designer in the region, such as those listed on the DGCD site, if there's not one in your town.

[the_lung]

If you are one, how did you get started? What qualifies you as one and what does it take to become licensed or accredited?

There is no formal certification from the PDGA available, nor colleges which offer a curriculum for disc golf course design, nor state licensing program for course designers. But you should consider joining the Disc Golf Course Designers (DGCD) group (http://www.discgolfcoursedesigners.org/discgolfwiki/index.php5?title=Main_Page), which consists of more than 120 members. At this point, there are no professional requirements for becoming a member other than a one time initial fee to cover a membership card, some printed materials, and website hosting costs. The DGCD is an independent group with a wide range of experience, from associate members who are interested in learning about course design and keeping up with developing methods and technologies in the field, all the way up to senior and master designers who have created many courses.

[osbogosley]

If you understand all the ways that pros and good players can find to get a shot to the basket, You can be a good course designer. Try your best to add variety. Here are some of the features I think are important: My first hole is 275 flat with a few trees to avoid, basket is visible. Didn't start with a long throw to help warm up before ripping a big throw. 2nd 270 open for hyzer or anhyzer to a pin with tree trunks around it. 3rd a big hyzer for rhbh. 4 is open in a wind ally and 335. 5 is open but 400 ft. and different direction than 4. 6 up hill with trees and 425 ft. 7 is 746 ft par 4. That is the long part that you can warm up to as you play them. After that it becomes more technical but never shorter than 250. If you are patient on the front nine birdies are easier on the back where you can put the pressure on and close in for the win. The theme was to introduce new players to the game and teach them. This is small town Tx. and things are going great. Years ago I was one of the best over 35 players and got to play with a lot of the guys who are still among the best. There is no substitute for seeing how the best tear apart a course. Larry Mann #3946