The Buffalo-Niagara region has been selected to host the 2026 Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) Amateur World Championships. It marks the first PDGA World Championship hosted in New York since the 2011 Amateur Worlds in Rochester.
Scheduled to take place across four courses — Bond Lake, Royalton Ravine, Black Diamond at Emery Park, and the Lighthouse at Como Lake — the tournament will challenge competitors with a diverse mix of rolling hills, wooded fairways, and scenic landscapes.
“Hosting the PDGA Amateur Championships is an incredible honor, and we are thrilled to welcome players and fans to the Buffalo-Niagara region for this historic event!” said Sam Castiglione, tournament director. “This marks the first major championship awarded to our region, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to showcase our world-class courses, stunning attractions, and warm hospitality. Together, we are ready to make this event unforgettable!”
The PDGA Amateur World Championships will bring more than 500 amateur athletes to the region, putting a local spotlight on the growing sport of disc golf.
John Percy, president & CEO of Destination Niagara USA, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are excited to welcome the PDGA Amateur World Championships to Niagara County and Western New York. This event will shine a spotlight on our incredible disc golf courses while also introducing players and fans to the unparalleled beauty and attractions of the Niagara Falls region. We look forward to providing an exceptional experience for all attendees and showcasing everything that makes our destination so special.”
Visit Buffalo Niagara and the Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission also celebrated the announcement. “We are thrilled that the Buffalo-area is hosting this first-time PDGA tournament,” said Patrick Kaler, President & CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara. “This is a great opportunity to showcase Buffalo and share the up-and-coming sport of disc golf with the community and the athletes. Erie and Niagara counties have some of the best disc golf courses in the Northeast. Now, 500 amateur athletes will get to experience them. The visiting players will have lots of opportunities to check out our breweries, cultural stops, and highlights. The disc-golf culture fits in perfectly with the community of Erie and Niagara counties.”
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