Collegiate Disc Golf Classic Breaks Gateway Records | THE BUZZ Disc Golf

The St. Louis area played host to a weekend of exciting disc golf action as the city welcomed the largest collegiate qualifier ever held – the 1st Annual Gateway Collegiate Classic. The event, organized by the St. Louis Disc Golf Club and supported by local and regional colleges, drew an impressive 22 teams from across the country, showcasing the growing popularity of collegiate disc golf.

The competitive atmosphere was palpable as teams battled it out on two challenging courses in the St. Louis area. However, it wasn't all about competition – the event also provided a unique opportunity for players to network and socialize with each other in a fun and relaxed environment. A pre-qualifying doubles event at the Crystal City Underground DGC, affectionately known as "The Cave," brought together more than 100 golfers from both local teams and visiting colleges.

The coordination between the St. Louis Disc Golf Club and collegiate organizers was seamless, with local knowledge and expertise combining with enthusiasm and excitement to create a truly unforgettable experience for participants. The event's success has set a new standard for future qualifier events, showcasing the benefits of collaboration between city clubs and participating colleges.

What made this weekend truly special, however, were the values displayed by the collegiate golfers themselves. From school spirit to camaraderie and sportsmanship, the competitors demonstrated an exemplary level of class that bodes well for the future of disc golf. Whether cheering each other on or offering support after a poor shot, it was clear that these young players are not only talented but also committed to upholding the values of their sport.

The St. Louis Disc Golf Club is thrilled to have hosted this successful event and looks forward to building on its success in future years. As plans are already underway for next year's event, which may include a Kansas City-hosted qualifier in addition to the spring tournament in St. Louis, one thing is certain – collegiate disc golf is here to stay and grow.

The results of the Gateway Collegiate Classic saw Western Illinois and Murray State emerge as the top teams, securing bids to the prestigious National Collegiate Disc Golf Championships set for April 12th-15th in North Augusta, SC. The full list of top finishers and individual scores can be found below:

**Results**

NCDGC Bid-Winners: Western Illinois, Murray State

Overall Finish (Top 10):

1. Purdue University – 389

2. Western Illinois – 411

3. Illinois – 411

4. Arkansas – 412

5. Murray State – 412

6. Ferris State – 416

7. Mississippi St. – 420

8. Kansas – 421

9. Alabama-Huntsville – 422