DGA was established in 1976 by Ed Headrick to form a new international sport and promote the installation and use of disc golf courses around the world. Ed coined and trademarked the term “Disc Golf” and envisioned a game that would explode in popularity. “Steady” Ed traveled around the country to install courses, recruit players, and add members to the Professional Disc Golf Association, a new disc golf association he created to establish the rules of the game.
Innovative Beginnings
In 1977, Ed Headrick and his son Ken developed the first modern disc golf catching device, US Patent #4,039,189, which they trademarked “Disc Pole Hole.” This device created a standardized catching mechanism with hanging rows of chain that could catch a disc thrown from all directions.
Pioneering the Sport
DGA was established to manufacture discs and targets and formalize the fledgling game of disc golf. The first disc golf target was Ed’s pole hole design, which consisted of a simple pole sticking out of the ground.
Legacy and Growth
Today, Disc Golf has become a vibrant and dynamic sport. As of 2024 there are over 15,000 disc golf courses installed throughout the world based on the same DGA disc golf baskets Headrick designed.
The DGA Factory store is here to continue DGA's storied history and provide you high quality disc golf gear tailored to you needs.