York County to Host National Disc Golf Championship and Community Festival at Winthrop (09/28/26)

HIGHLIGHTS

• The United States Disc Golf Championship (USDGC) and the Throw Pink Women's Disc Golf Championship will bring together the world's top disc golfers and an energetic community to celebrate an event that combines world-class competition and a community/festival experience.
• Now in its 28th consecutive year in Rock Hill, the championship will take over the area around the Winthrop Coliseum and Winthrop Lake area.

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA - One of York County's biggest annual outdoor events will take place Oct. 8-11 at the iconic Winthrop Arena Course.

The United States Disc Golf Championship (USDGC) and the Throw Pink Women's Disc Golf Championship will bring together the world's top disc golfers and an energetic community to celebrate an event that combines world-class competition and a community/festival experience.

Now in its 28th consecutive year in Rock Hill, the championship will take over the area around the Winthrop Coliseum and Winthrop Lake area.

This year's field includes defending USDGC Champion Anthony Barela, defending Throw Pink Champion Missy Gannon, and reigning World Champions Silas Schultz and Eveliina Salonen. Check the fan schedule here.

Fans can expect four days of world-class competition alongside a vibrant Championship Village, featuring live concerts, 60+ vendors, food trucks, kids' activities, art experiences, and more. Evening festival activities begin at 5 p.m. each day, with free admission after 5 p.m.

Great Expectations for Championship and Fan Experience

Organizer Jonathan Poole with Innova said the championship has always been about more than crowning a champion and has evolved into becoming one of the biggest celebrations of disc golf in the world. "For nearly three decades, Winthrop has been the place where our community comes together," Poole said. "We want someone who has never thrown a disc to feel just as welcome as someone who has followed the championship for 28 years."

Winthrop Athletic Director Chuck Rey said for nearly three decades, the U.S. Disc Golf Championship has been synonymous with Winthrop University and Rock Hill community. "We are proud to continue hosting one of the premier events in the sport and to welcome the world's best players and fans back to our campus," Rey said, adding one of Winthrop's own student-athletes qualified for the tournament last year, a reflection of the sport's continued growth and impact on the Winthrop campus. "We look forward to another outstanding tournament and championship experience that reflects the strong partnership between Innova, the city of Rock Hill, York County, and Winthrop University."

While the event puts York County on the national stage, it also creates an incredible experience for York County residents, said Andy Clinton, president and CEO of Visit York County. "Where else can you see the world's best disc golfers and then stick around for a community festival with live music, food, and family fun all in one place?" he noted.

Highlights of the 2026 Festival include:

*Free nightly concerts at 6 p.m. during the Fresh & Now Evening Concert Series, featuring such touring acts as Dizgo, Abby Bryant, Dangermuffin, DJ Hek Yeh, and others. Check the entertainment schedule here.
*Food trucks with a mix of local favorites and new options
*Kids' Zone with games, inflatables and other activities
*Live art installations and interactive community experiences

Ticketing Information
Passes start at $35. Entry after 5 p.m. is free for everyone which includes the nightly concert series.

Kids Passes are only $9 for the entire week and include a free disc golf disc.

Winthrop students, faculty and staff with a Winthrop ID get in free. Active-duty military and veterans enjoy free admission with ID.

Tickets are available online now at www.usdgc.com.

For more information, contact Grant Zellner at [email protected] or at 405/863-6300.