PDGA’s ‘Throw Pink’ Campaign: How October Play Raises Funds for Breast Cancer Causes

Pink initiative links increased women's participation in disc golf with fundraising for breast cancer–related causes. During October—the global Breast Cancer Awareness Month—the PDGA commits $2 per female competitor playing in a gender-based division at C-tier and above events worldwide. For October 2026, the PDGA will donate those per-player amounts to Throw Pink.

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of illness and death globally. The article cites World Health Organization data showing breast cancer was the most common cancer in women in 164 of 186 countries and caused an estimated 694,000 deaths globally in 2024. Approximately 80% of breast cancers occur in women without specific risk factors other than sex and age.

Throw Pink is described as a nonprofit that encourages women and girls to get active through disc golf while raising funds and awareness for women's health causes. Its stated emphases are breast cancer prevention, education, screening, patient support, and direct assistance. The organization has raised over $200,000 for women's cancer initiatives through disc golf programs.

• PDGA tracks participation across sanctioned events worldwide and aggregates the per-player amounts to donate after October concludes.

Tournament directors can run CEP charity events to raise money directly for Throw Pink or another qualifying 501(c)(3). The CEP process in summary:

• Sanction a C-tier event as usual.
• Submit a CEP application and follow CEP charity guidelines (approval is typically quick).
• Use a 501(c)(3) charity to qualify.
• Create the event page on Disc Golf Scene and set donation amounts or waive the $15 temporary membership fee to encourage new players.
• Publicize the per-player donation amount.
• After the event, donate to the charity within 30 days and send the receipt to PDGA event support.

The PDGA invites people affected by breast cancer to share stories to promote awareness, encourage regular mammograms, and offer hope. Organizers also provide links to search for October events on PDGA.com and Disc Golf Scene.

• Players: Register and play in gender-based divisions at C-tier+ events in October to trigger the $2 PDGA donation per tournament played.
• Tournament directors: Consider sanctioning a CEP charity event, choose a 501(c)(3), set and publish donation mechanics, and send receipts within 30 days.

The PDGA suggests using PDGA.com and Disc Golf Scene to find and register for October events.