Collegiate Disc Golf Championships Kick Off in April
Date Published
The 2015 National Collegiate Disc Golf Championships (NCDGC) got underway on April 15th at the Hippodrome Disc Golf Complex, bringing together hundreds of collegiate disc golfers from over 60 universities in the United States. This prestigious event is one of the most complex and exciting tournaments in the sport, with teams and individuals competing for titles in three different divisions: National Championships, First Flight Championships, and Second Flight Championships.
The NCDGC has experienced remarkable growth since its inception nine years ago, starting with just 24 players from six schools. Today, it's a thriving event that showcases the increasing popularity of disc golf among college students. According to Tournament Director Alan Kane, "The grassroots growth of this event is truly amazing. We're seeing more and more schools take part, and we're excited to see where this momentum takes us."
Kane emphasized that the collegiate faction of disc golf is still in its early stages, with only 137 different schools participating in College Disc Golf events so far. However, he's optimistic about the future, stating, "We're just hoping we can build the tracks fast enough, because the collegiate disc golf locomotive is coming, fast." The next goal for Kane and his team is to reach 1,000 participating colleges and universities by expanding their regular season programs.
The NCDGC features a unique format that includes six different disc golf events running concurrently. Teams and individuals compete in three divisions: National Championships, First Flight Championships, and Second Flight Championships. Each division has its own set of rules and formats, ensuring an exciting experience for players and spectators alike.
Team Doubles Play is one of the most interesting aspects of the tournament, where two sets of teammates (one ODD and one EVEN) take turns teeing off on each hole, followed by a team decision on which lie to play from. This format allows for each player to tee off an equal number of times, while teams can compete as whole units.
Substitutions are allowed in the National Championships division, with teams limited to using a maximum of six players and able to substitute players between rounds. However, no substitutions are permitted during any round of play, ensuring that each team has a fixed lineup throughout the competition.
The NCDGC also offers several exciting extras, including the Distance Competition, Hott Shott putting competition, and a free PDGA Pro Clinic led by Paul McBeth #27523 and Nate Sexton #18824. The event is expected to draw large crowds, with some predicting that it may set new attendance records.
In addition to competing in the NCDGC, players can participate in the McBeast Challenge, a single-round tournament hosted by Paul McBeth and Nate Sexton. This unique competition requires players to use only three discs: two provided in the player pack (a McPro Roc3 and a Thunderbird or Krait) and their own putter as the third disc.
The 2015 National Collegiate Disc Golf Championships is an event not to be missed, with its complex format, exciting competitions, and talented players. Whether you're a seasoned disc golfer or just starting out, this event has something for everyone.
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/college-disc-golfers-ready-battle