Divisions - Professional
Definition: Professional Divisions are the competitive tournament divisions in disc golf in which players compete as professional-class competitors. These divisions include the open professional divisions, such as MPO and FPO, as well as age-protected professional divisions such as MP40, FP40, MP50, FP50, and continuing through the senior masters’ categories. In PDGA tournament play, professional divisions are generally associated with cash competition rather than the trophy or merchandise-based structure used in amateur divisions.
Why It Matters: Professional Divisions represent the highest competitive tier in disc golf tournament play. This is the top structure for elite players to compete against similarly qualified competitors while also allowing age-protected professionals to continue competing within appropriate masters’ categories. Understanding professional divisions is important for players, spectators, tournament directors, and new disc golf fans as these divisions determine eligibility, competitive grouping, payout structure, and the expected level of performance.
Term Observations:
- MPO stands for Mixed Pro Open and is the primary open professional division. The term “Mixed” does not mean male-only; mixed divisions are open to eligible players regardless of gender.
- FPO stands for Women’s Pro Open and is the premier professional division specifically for women players.
- Age-protected professional divisions allow professional players to compete within masters age brackets, such as 40+, 50+, 55+, 60+, 65+, 70+, 75+, and 80+.
- Professional status is closely tied to payouts. Players in professional divisions commonly compete for money, while amateur divisions are generally structured around trophies, prizes, or player packs.
- Tournament Directors do not always offer every professional division. The divisions available at a particular tournament depend on the event tier, expected field, player demand, and PDGA requirements.
