Mark Your Calendars for July 16–19 2026 at Brighton Ski Resort
We have extraordinary news to share with our ElevateUT Disc Golf community: Salt Lake City has officially secured the 2026 United States Women’s Disc Golf Championship (USWDGC) a PDGA Major Championship! From July 16–19, 2026, the world’s top women disc golfers will converge on the majestic Wasatch Mountains—and we can’t wait to welcome them.
The Journey to Hosting a PDGA Major
This milestone has been years in the making, beginning at a Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant Workshop where Scott Belchak from ElevateUT Disc Golf met Evan Baurle of Sports Salt Lake. That chance meeting sparked the idea of bringing a prestigious PDGA Major back to Utah—the first since James Conrad’s legendary “Holy Shot” captured the world’s attention at the 2021 PDGA World Championships.
Although our initial bid fell just short, the enthusiasm within Utah’s disc golf community refused to wane. We regrouped, strengthened our partnerships, and returned with a renewed commitment to showing the PDGA why Salt Lake City is the perfect venue for hosting another top-tier event. Now, thanks to the dedicated efforts of organizations like ElevateUT Disc Golf, Team Thunder Puss , Sports Salt Lake, and the Utah Sports Commission, that vision is becoming a reality.
When the 2026 United States Women’s Disc Golf Championship kicks off at Brighton Ski Resort, it will stand as a testament to the perseverance, collaboration, and unwavering passion of all who believed in showcasing Utah’s world-class disc golf potential.
Meet the PDGA Major USWDGC TDs
Noel Covey (PDGA #68512)
Noel’s disc golf journey began in 2008 when her brother introduced her to the sport. She quickly found it was more than just a hobby—it was a way to build meaningful connections with family and friends. By 2014, she officially joined the PDGA, immersing herself deeper into the local community. In 2017, Noel stepped up her involvement by becoming a tournament director, league director, and a board member of the Salt Lake City Tunnel Runners (SLCTR). Motivated by her passion to see more women on the course, she founded the SLCTR Ladies Night League and Luv Dubs, Utah’s only co-ed doubles tournament. Now a dedicated board member of Team Thunder Puss, Noel continues her mission of championing women’s disc golf statewide.
Rob Bullen (PDGA #25817)
Rob is no stranger to large-scale tournaments—he served as Assistant Tournament Director
for the 2021 PDGA World Championships, a role that placed him at the forefront of one of disc golf’s most memorable events. Rob has spent decades nurturing the sport in Utah, contributing to its explosive growth and popularity. His extensive experience with planning and executing major events, coupled with his infectious enthusiasm, makes him an invaluable asset to the 2026 USWDGC organizing team.
The Impact of Municipal Support
A cornerstone of securing a Major Championship is strong backing from local governments and civic organizations. In Utah, Draper City has led the way by developing the River Bottoms course, while Salt Lake County continues to invest in improvements at Creekside. These venues have become vital hubs for both casual players and competitive events, highlighting just how enthusiastic our communities are about disc golf.
Looking ahead to 2026, we’re also hopeful for upgrades to the Roots course. When a tournament of this magnitude comes to town, it often brings renewed focus on course quality—from installing new baskets and tee pads to adding parking and other amenities. These enhancements don’t just benefit the championship; they create a stronger infrastructure for the local disc golf community, ensuring that Utah remains a premier destination for players of every skill level.
Brighton Ski Resort — The Ultimate Mountain Venue
Nestled among the towering peaks of the Wasatch Range, Brighton Ski Resort provides the perfect backdrop for the 2026 United States Women’s Disc Golf Championship. With dramatic elevation changes, lush mountain scenery, and crisp alpine air, this iconic Utah destination promises a unique and exciting competition environment.
What makes Brighton especially well-suited for a PDGA Major is its private ownership, which allows for flexibility in delivering a full-scale event experience. From on-site food and alcohol services to year-round staffing trained in managing large crowds, Brighton is equipped to handle both player and spectator needs seamlessly. Ample parking and carefully maintained facilities further streamline event logistics, ensuring a smooth and welcoming atmosphere.
Additionally, each hole at Brighton features its own natural “stadium seating” in the form of sloped terrain, letting spectators take in the action from ideal vantage points. The combination of challenging alpine layouts and scenic backdrops will not only test the skills of world-class athletes but also create a truly memorable experience for everyone in attendance.
The ElevateUT Disc Golf League — Funding the Future
In our commitment to uniting the local disc golf community and ensuring a top-notch USWDGC in 2026, ElevateUT Disc Golf is launching a new fundraising initiative—effective immediately. When you participate in an ElevateUT Disc Golf League, one dollar from your player fee will go toward supporting the championship.
But here’s the exciting part:
Dollar-for-Dollar Credit: Every dollar you contribute will accrue on your personal account.
Exclusive Access: These credits can be used toward special event tickets and merchandise—items only available to league participants.
Starting in March, we’ll be running eight leagues a week across Utah as part of our Cryptid Series, reaching from Spanish Fork to Tooele to Ogden. This expanded schedule offers more chances than ever for players of all levels to get involved, hone their skills, and support women’s disc golf in our state.
Ready to get started? Find a league at leagues.elevateut.com and begin contributing to Utah’s biggest women’s disc golf event—one round at a time!
How You Can Help
While we’re thrilled to host the 2026 United States Women’s Disc Golf Championship, we can’t do it alone. We need YOU—the vibrant and enthusiastic Utah disc golf community—to help make this event a success. A major championship requires a robust volunteer base, from assisting with course preparations to managing event logistics. Every pair of hands truly makes a difference.
If you’re interested in learning more or stepping up as a volunteer, please visit teamthunderpuss.org/2026-uswdgc. By signing up for updates, you’ll be among the first to hear about volunteer roles, training opportunities, and ways you can directly contribute to elevating women’s disc golf in Utah.
Thank you for your ongoing support. Your involvement will help ensure that the 2026 USWDGC is not only a top-tier tournament but also a memorable celebration of everything that makes Utah disc golf special.
Stay tuned for more updates, and we’ll see you at Brighton Ski Resort in 2026—where we’ll all experience Women’s Disc Golf, Elevated!
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