It is seen as a "watershed" moment for the sport as the world rankings could become an increasingly important tool in deciding the inclusion of certain countries at major multi-sport events in future.

The United States have the honour of topping the first ranking table with Canada, New Zealand, Finland and Estonia completing the top five.

Sweden, the Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Germany and Japan round out the top ten.

The rankings, which will be updated every six months, were decided by adding the total number of points from PDGA ratings and World Team Disc Golf Championship (WTDGC) events together.

WFDF Disc Golf Committee chairman Charlie Mead said he was pleased with the new rankings system.

"As a first attempt I am really pleased that we have been able to agree on a process that reflects the current status of disc golf nations," he said.

"I am sure there will be ongoing developments in the years to come as WFDF members and PDGA affiliates recognise the means to improve their position on the ranking table."

WFDF President Robert Rauch added: "WFDF is pleased to promote an awareness of the relative strengths of the many countries where there is competitive disc golf play.

"We thank Charlie Mead and the members of the WFDF Disc Golf Committee for their work in developing this system and especially thank the PDGA for their cooperation and support."

The next WTDGC will take place in 2019.