Advanced Players Take Center Stage at Am Worlds

For the first time in history, the spotlight shines brightly on the top advanced players as they gather in Evansville, Indiana, to compete in the 2022 PDGA Amateur Disc Golf World Championships presented by Toyota. Beginning this Tuesday, 336 players from MA1 and 75 from FA1 will face off over five rounds at four different courses.

The increased number of participants reflects a significant change in the PDGA Worlds format. The MA1 field has grown from 286 competitors last year to a record-breaking 336, while the FA1 field boasts 32 more players than in 2021. A total of nine countries will be represented this week, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany, Iceland, and Japan.

Among the top-rated players vying for a world title is Aidan Scott, the highest-rated player in the MA1 field. Scott finished third at last year's Am Worlds in Orlando and will be looking to redeem himself this time around. Ilkin Groh, on the other hand, aims to complete his sweep of the amateur PDGA Majors by claiming the top spot here.

Paul Krans, ranked second in the Advanced field, also returns after finishing runner-up at the USADGC earlier this year. Jordan and Morgan Lynds, both from Florida, will lead the FA1 field, closely followed by Cadence Burge, who finished second in MJ15 at last year's PDGA Junior Worlds.

International players such as Japan's Kuniko Yoshioka (871 rating) and Iceland's Maria Eldey Kristinardóttir and Germany's Carina Weidner (856 and 855 rated respectively), will also be competing for a world title. Other notable players, including Rebecca Minnick and Alexis Kerman, look to build on their recent success at the 2022 College Disc Golf National Championships.

The competition format consists of four rounds with a shuffle following the second round on Wednesday. After Friday's round, the top 20% of MA1 (68 players plus ties) and the top 25% of FA1 (19 players plus ties) will advance to the finals on Saturday.

Coverage of the event can be found on the PDGA YouTube channel, with Central Coast Disc Golf providing next-day post-produced action for MA1 and The Disc Golf Guy covering FA1 within a week. Mixed Doubles and Field Events have already kicked off this weekend, with Cadence Burge and Aidan Scott taking home the title in Mixed Doubles.

Additionally, 217 players participated in the 2022 Amateur Worlds Field Events on Sunday, which included competitions such as EDGE Skillshot, Long Drive, Mini Disc, and Putting. The stage is now set for an exciting five-round competition, with all eyes focused on the top advanced players vying for their chance at a world title.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/all-eyes-indiana-2022-pdga-am-worlds