Chubby Killough Takes Top Honors at Red Mountain's Zanfel Premier Tour Opener

The National Amateur Disc Golf Tour (NADGT) has officially launched its 2026 season with a bang, hosting the first event of the Zanfel Premier Tour at the renowned Red Mountain course in Mesa, Arizona. This premier disc golf destination offered the perfect backdrop for competitors to showcase their skills and compete for top honors.

While some regions were still grappling with winter's chill, Arizona basked in its best weather of the year, providing ideal conditions for players to test their mettle. The event saw a diverse range of participants, from FJ15 to MA70, all vying for bragging rights and the coveted player packs.

In the Men's Amateur 1 (MA1) division, Chubby Killough emerged as the champion, edging out the competition with an impressive scorecard. With a 1014-event rating and a staggering 63% birdie or better performance over three rounds, Killough cemented his position at the top of the leaderboard.

When asked about his experience, Killough attributed his success to his well-prepared card each round, which allowed him to maintain a clear headspace. He also expressed gratitude towards his sponsor, Disc Golf HQ, and caddie Mike Hughes for their unwavering support.

Mike Hughes, who had the privilege of caddying for Killough, shared his own thoughts on the young phenom's performance: "Today, I witnessed greatness... Chubby is an 15-year-old Am with a rating of 964. He shot a -15 on the difficult Red Mountain south course, earning a rating of 1061 in the process!" Hughes noted that Killough's skills are not limited to his impressive throwing ability but also his exceptional putting prowess.

In another notable achievement, Travis Glover claimed victory in the Men's Amateur 4 (MA4) division. With an impressive 856-event rating, he dominated the competition throughout all three rounds, showcasing his mastery of the course.

Glover attributed his success to his ability to focus on his game, rather than worrying about being at the top of the leaderboard. He also expressed heartfelt thanks towards his wife for supporting him and allowing him the freedom to pursue his passion for disc golf.

The NADGT is dedicated to providing amateur players with opportunities to compete in A-tier events, offering a unique blend of competition and camaraderie. The organization has expanded its reach this year, hosting 18 A-Tier tournaments across the country. These events not only offer exciting competition but also valuable prizes, including player packs, gift cards, and subscriptions to various disc golf services.

The NADGT is proud to introduce its top finishers from last year's National Amateur Disc Golf Championships (NADGC) to the Pro Tour, providing them with a chance to compete alongside the world's best players. This move underscores the organization's commitment to nurturing talent and giving amateurs the opportunity to shine on the international stage.

As the 2026 season unfolds, disc golf enthusiasts can expect an exciting mix of competition, camaraderie, and personal growth. The NADGT invites all interested in hosting a Qualifier event to visit their website for more information and a quick form to get connected with NADGT staff.

With its continued focus on providing opportunities for amateur players, the NADGT is poised to make this season one to remember. Stay tuned for updates from across the country as these talented individuals strive to take their skills to the next level!

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/2026-nadgt-zanfel-premier-tour