2023 BC Open Sets Record for Largest Ever Canadian Tournament | Professional Disc Golf Association

**TITLE:** "Disc Golfers Unite: Record-Breaking BC Open Celebrates Camaraderie and Excellence"

**META_TITLE:** "BC Open Sets New Participation Record in Canadian Disc Golf"

**META_DESCRIPTION:** "The 2023 British Columbia Open welcomed a record-breaking 577 competitors, with top pros like Casey Hanemayer and Sofia Dönnecke taking home wins. Discover the excitement and camaraderie of this esteemed disc golf event."

**ARTICLE:**

The British Columbia Open has cemented its status as one of Canada's premier disc golf events, attracting a record-breaking 577 competitors to Langley, BC. This year's edition of the tournament, which has been running since 2005, featured an impressive lineup of touring professionals from both Canada and the US.

Among the notable participants were multiple-time winner Scott Withers, Chris Nelson, Carter Ahrens, and home-country heroes Casey Hanemayer and Max Regitnig. The event also drew in a host of highly-rated players from across North America, solidifying its reputation as one of only two USDGC/TPWDGC qualifying events in the country.

The competition unfolded over three courses: Raptor's Knoll, Canada's second-highest rated course on UDISC, and temporary In Design-made courses at an outdoor equestrian facility. The professional divisions saw intense action, with Scott Withers, Ahrens, and Kirby Snyder initially taking the lead in MPO (Men's Professional). However, Casey Hanemayer, a BC native with a rating of 1014, delivered two outstanding rounds to secure his first win at the event by an impressive five strokes.

Hanemayer's final round was nothing short of spectacular, as he birdied nine consecutive holes on the back nine, cementing his place in disc golf history. Withers and Nelson took home the coveted USDGC qualifying spots, while Hanemayer basked in the glory of his well-deserved victory.

In FPO (Women's Professional), Victoria native Sofia Dönnecke emerged as a dominant force, producing a 950-rated tournament that left her rivals in awe. By pacing the field by seven strokes and securing an under-par score for the event, Dönnecke signaled her arrival as a legitimate threat to top contenders in any tournament she enters. She also earned the sole TPWDGC qualifying spot.

The BC Open's success can be attributed in part to its experienced tournament director, Craig Sheather, who returned to directing duties after a decade-long hiatus. Under his guidance, the event attracted a large and dedicated team of volunteers, as well as crucial support from local disc golf supply companies.

"This year's BC Open was an incredible celebration of camaraderie, spirit of the game, and competitive drive," said Sheather in a post-event statement. "We're thrilled to have set a new participation record and look forward to building on this momentum for future events."

Andre Lodder, CEO of Parked Pro Media, echoed Sheather's sentiments: "To see 577 players at a tournament in Canada would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. This event was a pivotal moment for the Canadian Disc Golf Tour and disc golf as a whole."

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/2023-bc-open-sets-record-largest-ever-canadian-tournament