Building the Future of Disc Golf – Åland Open and The Future of Disc Golf Initiative

Breaking New Ground: Lessons from Åland Open 2023The Åland Open has always aimed to do more than host a disc golf event—it serves as a platform to market Åland as a destination. Unlike traditional tournaments that focus on drawing large audiences or participants, the Åland Open prioritizes creating reasons for viewers to visit Åland. This shift in focus underscores the importance of having the right players, offering them high-quality experiences, and leveraging their influence to promote Åland. Initiatives like "show up money," premium event-branded products, and player-driven content help establish a new standard for marketing-driven events.

Step Two: The Evolution of Åland Open

1. The Road to the European Championship 2023In August 2023, Mats Adamczak engaged in discussions at the European Championship in Tallinn with key disc golf figures, including Discmania founder Jussi Meresmaa and The Magic of Disc Golf producer Stian Johnsen. Their shared insight was clear: for disc golf to grow, the sport needs to attract a broader audience, not just hardcore fans. These conversations, paired with earlier talks with Juha Rantalaiho at the European Open 2023, reinforced the importance of investing in juniors.
   

2. Future Event TimingSecuring the right date for Åland Open has been challenging due to fierce competition for prime slots in late July. To sidestep this challenge, the focus shifted to creating a junior-centric event, a demographic underserved in professional disc golf.
   

3. PDGA Europe Meeting in October 2023 In Cádiz, Spain, Mats Adamczak and Rickard Sköld presented their vision to PDGA Europe’s board: an annual junior tournament in August, with a long-term goal of hosting the Junior World Championship in Åland by 2028. They proposed four qualification methods to maximize participation and expand disc golf’s reach. PDGA Europe endorsed the plan, launching Åland Open in 2024.

   
   

   

   
   
   
   

4. In November 2023 were Åland declining an Elite Series Event for 2024Åland Open was considered for the 2024 Elite Series but pivoted towards a junior-focused tournament instead.
   

5. Meeting PDGA’s Executive DirectorIn February 2024, Mats met with Doug Bjerkaas, PDGA’s new Executive Director, to advocate for initiatives like free streaming channels and junior development. Doug, already familiar with the Åland project, expressed strong interest.
   

6. Collaborations with Disc Golf Industry LeadersAt the 2024 European Open, Mats and Rickard connected with major industry players like Discmania founder Jussi Meresmaa, PDGA International Director Brian Hoeniger, OTB Founders Danny Corbett and Steve Braud and Ale Disc Golf Park owner Vincent Schaffler. Discussions included expanding the junior initiative and outreach to prominent players secured interest for Åland Open 2025.

   
   

   

   
   
   
   

7. Establishing the Leadership TeamBy late summer 2024, Mats, Rickard and Stian (owner of Lille Leland, one of the world’s best courses) refined the event’s concept. They emphasized both elite competition—offering European Open 2026 spots to top junior winners—and broader participation through a concurrent junior summer camp.
   

8. Second PDGA Europe MeetingIn November 2024, Mats and Rickard presented an expanded vision to PDGA Europe in Milan. This meeting culminated in a three-year agreement with PDGA Europe, with additional support from the U.S., spearheaded by Steve Dodge (The father of Disc golf Pro tour and the owner of Maple Hill) under the banner "The Future of Disc Golf."

   
   

   

   
   

9. Press Conference for Åland Open 2025On December 12, 2024, the Åland Open and The Future of Disc Golf were officially announced during a widely viewed press conference. Over 2,000 attendees tuned in on YouTube to witness the unveiling of this groundbreaking initiative.
   

The Future VisionThe Åland Open and The Future of Disc Golf are not just tournaments—they represent a new way to grow the sport by engaging juniors, leveraging elite player influence, and creating unforgettable experiences. With a strong foundation built on collaboration with global disc golf leaders, Åland is poised to become a hub for both the sport’s elite and its rising stars, firmly positioning itself as a beacon of innovation in the disc golf community.