Champions Cup Returns to Georgia with Bigger Plans

The popular PDGA Champions Cup will be returning to its roots in Appling, Georgia, next year, bringing back fond memories of the inaugural event held on the W.R. Jackson course in April 2022. After initial plans to move the tournament to Milford, Michigan, in July 2023 were scrapped due to overwhelming demand from competitors, staff, volunteers, and fans, the PDGA has decided to stick with the tried-and-true formula that worked so well last year.

Nate Heinold, a veteran tournament director who was set to run the event in Milford, will remain at the helm as the Champions Cup returns to Appling. Heinold, who was part of the team that spearheaded the inaugural event and has experience running large-scale tournaments like the 2019 PDGA Pro Worlds and Ledgestone, is excited about the prospect of continuing to improve the spectator experience.

"We want to give our spectators an even better experience," Heinold said. "We're working with the IDGC staff to make sure the course is in amazing shape, and we'll also be involving local staff from the Augusta area to help with the event."

The return of the Champions Cup to Appling has sparked talks about a potential multi-year deal between the PDGA and Columbia County. According to PDGA Executive Director Joe Chargualaf, discussions are ongoing with Columbia County Parks and Recreation and the Convention and Visitors Bureau about making the Champions Cup an annual tradition.

"Columbia County has always been a strong supporter of disc golf and the events at the IDGC," Chargualaf said. "After seeing the economic impact of the 2022 Champions Cup, we're excited to work with our local partners to make this an annual event."

The 2023 edition of the Champions Cup is set to take place on April 20-23, two weeks after the Masters golf tournament wraps up in nearby Augusta. With a bigger focus on spectator experience and a potential long-term commitment from Columbia County, the PDGA Champions Cup is shaping up to be an even more exciting event than its predecessor.

The gallery follows Ricky Wysocki through the wooded fairways of W.R. Jackson at the 2022 PDGA Champions Cup. Photo: Conrad Meyer / PDGA Media

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(PDGA news article)

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/bring-it-back-champions-cup-returning-idgc-2023