Thor Wallgren, a 55-year-old Swedish disc golf professional and tournament director, is on a mission to grow the sport in Paraguay. Having recently relocated to the country, Wallgren speaks to The Asunción Times about his background, the culture of disc golf, and his hopes for the sport’s future in Latin America.
Disc golf is a sport where players throw flying discs at a target basket, aiming to complete a course in the fewest throws, similar to traditional golf but with discs instead of balls and clubs. It is played on outdoor courses with natural obstacles like trees and elevation changes, following rules much like golf.
Disc golf beginning and move to Paraguay
Wallgren, who started playing disc golf in 2014, is a tournament director certified by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA). Comparable to the FIFA, it is the sport’s global governing body. “I run tournaments,” Wallgren explains. “As a tournament director, you arrange the tournament and you are also the judge, the referee for everyone.”
His move to Paraguay was driven by a desire to escape the European weather and find a comfortable base outside Sweden. After exploring options in Africa, he settled on Paraguay. “I thought, Paraguay, I can see no problem here. I just love it. It is very comfortable.”
A champion on the international stage
Thor Wallgren recently travelled to Guatemala to compete in two significant events. At the first event, he amazed in the low-level Mixed Amateur Level 3 divisions. “I won that one,” he proudly states.
Second was the first ever Latin America Championship, which saw 100 players travel from all over the region. To qualify, players needed to be a citizen of a Latin American country, or, in Wallgren’s case, have a permanent residence in one.
Playing in the Mixed Amateur 50 years and older (MA50) division, he finished the three-day tournament in second place. “This means at the moment, I am the second best 50-year-old or older guy in Latin America.”
When asked if the Latin America Championship could one day come to Paraguay, Wallgren’s answer is an enthusiastic confirmation of his life’s plan: “This is why I came to Paraguay! I started a company, have bought land, and plan to build a course on it.”
Describing disc golf
For those unfamiliar with the sport, Wallgren describes disc golf in simple terms: it is played much like ordinary golf, but with flying discs instead of clubs and balls. However, he stresses its unique culture. “That relaxed way of playing a sport gives disc golf a unique feeling, and it attracts a unique kind of people. You do not find many angry people playing disc golf. They are all super kind.”
Thor highlighted a key difference from many traditional sports: the reliance on player integrity. “We do not use referees during a tournament. You have to be a gentleman when you play disc golf. If you cannot be that, you will not play in the sport.”
You can watch this video in Spanish to understand more how the game is played. Subtitles available in multiple languages.
The founding of disc golf
The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) was founded in 1976 by “Steady” Ed Headrick, Operating as a member-based organisation, the PDGA establishes the official rules, manages player ratings, and oversees a comprehensive global tour structure. The PDGA sanctions thousands of annual events for both amateur and professional members, including the prestigious PDGA Majors (such as the World Championships), and the tiered PDGA Tour Series. The PDGA is headquartered at the International Disc Golf Center (IDGC) in Appling, Georgia, in the United States from which it manages its operations and drives international expansion.
Thor Wallgren is ranked 897 in the Global Ranking and 377 in the Global Series 2025. Career-wise, he has 12 victories in 126 outings.
The Paraguayan disc golf community
The local disc golf scene is small, but growing. Wallgren estimates the community in Paraguay numbers around 70. Currently, the group is made up of slightly more foreigners than locals, but he is confident this will change. “Did you see the growth? It will bring more Paraguayans later,” he says. At the moment, most games are played in Asunción’s Ñu Guasú Park, and attract a dozen people, depending on the weather.
Additionally, Thor Wallgren and the group of players The Asunción Times is meeting, are proud to tell us the creation of an official association dedicated to disc golf in Paraguay. “The club’s purpose and goal is to promote the growth of the sport disc golf in Paraguay, as well as support the club’s members in developing as competitive and recreational disc golfers,” Wallgren says. Further announcement will be made in February 2026.
For more information, enter the disc golf group on WhatsApp! Want to read about, or join, another evolving sport in Paraguay? Find the Paraguay Gaelic Football Team.
