From three competitors at a single event in 2012, Australia’s WGE participation has grown into a nationwide celebration involving hundreds of women and dozens of clubs.
2012
The beginning — 1 event, 3 women
Australia’s first Women’s Global Event entry: a single event with just three female competitors. Small but significant — a starting point for what would become a national movement.
2014
2 events, 19 women
A second event was added and the field grew to 19 women, more than six times the original entry.
2016
2 events, 7 women
Participation dipped to 7 women across 2 events this cycle.
2018
2 events, 26 women
Numbers bounced back strongly to 26 competitors across 2 events — the strongest result to that point.
2021
A step change — 7 events, 87 women across the country
The 2020 postponed WGE was held on May 8th, 2021. Australia fielded 87 women across 7 events competing in 11 divisions — a massive increase on every prior year. Events were held all around the country with many women serving as TDs or co-TDs: Cassie Sweetten, Kairi Koobakene, Sue Summers, Caryn Cameron, and Sharon Costa. For Shark Disc Park in South Gippsland it was the venue’s first ever tournament. A standout was the Perth event — the only female-only event in the country — where TD Sue Summers worked extensively to promote through local media and community networks, drawing 37 women on the day. Following the event, Sarah Lee launched a women’s league in Adelaide focused on accessibility and gender equity.
2022
100 women, 7 events — women TDs lead the way
In August 2022, 100 women competed across 7 events: Run the Chains at Chichester, Melbourne Celebrates, Adelaide Parklands, WGE Sydney (Presented by Disc Connection), Dubbo, Mundaring, and Koala Park. Five of the seven events had women as tournament directors — Sue Summers, Julie O’Donoghue, Janet Ford Adams, Emilie Cameron, and Lisa Wallis. Standout performers included Gina Hill (3rd, FA1), Cassie Sweetten (55th, FPO), Gail Lynch (4th, FA70+), and 81-year-old Merle Milentis competing in her first ever tournament, finishing 17th in FA70+.
2024
Record participation — 9 events, 120 women nationwide
The 2024 WGE was Australia’s largest ever, with 120 women competing across 9 events on 18–19 May. Events were held in Perth, North Ryde, Jindabyne, Chermside, Inverleigh, Millicent, Adelaide, Chelsea, and Canberra. A notable feature was the number of women stepping up as first-time TDs or assistant TDs. The FA4 division was the largest with 43 players, many competing in their first ever event. Globally, Cassie Sweetten placed 5th in FP40 and Anita Weber secured 8th in FJ18. ADG covered all PDGA and ADG sanctioning fees for women-only events.
“Some new players played casual rounds but felt too intimidated to go straight into the mixed league. They found the women’s league much more inviting. They have now been able to build the skills and confidence to start playing the mixed league days, random format days and even ADG tournaments.”
These tips were shared by players and TDs at the 2024 Women’s Global Event.
“Don’t overthink it.”
Focus on having fun. The competitive element will come naturally as you get more comfortable with the game.
“Use lower-speed discs.”
Building form and confidence with slower discs first makes a real difference. You’ll be throwing farther, more consistently, sooner.
“Don’t compare yourself to others.”
Everyone starts somewhere. Disc golf is a personal journey as much as a competition.
“Embrace the camaraderie.”
The disc golf community is genuinely welcoming and supportive — especially at women’s events.
Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced player, WGE events are designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and fun. ADG actively supports women stepping into leadership roles — as players, tournament directors, and community builders.
