Disc Golf Greats Converge on Smugglers' Notch Resort for World Championships

Deep within the picturesque Green Mountains of northern Vermont, a unique gathering is taking place. The 2019 PDGA Pro Masters Disc Golf World Championships have drawn 163 top-notch disc golfers from around the world to Smugglers' Notch Resort. These experienced athletes, aged from their forties into their eighties, boast an impressive array of accolades and are now vying for the coveted title in one of the oldest and most prestigious age-protected divisions.

This year's event marks the third installment of the Pro Masters World Championships, which was introduced as a separate entity after the success of the 2018 PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships. The participants will be competing on two expertly designed courses: Fox Run Meadows and Brewster Ridge. While both courses offer unique challenges, they cater to different playing styles - Brewster Ridge demands precision and technical skill through dense woodlands, whereas Fox Run Meadows provides opportunities for players to unleash their long-range shots amidst the rolling Green Mountain terrain.

The Pro Masters 40+ division is one of the largest, with an impressive lineup including reigning champion David Feldberg. However, he will face stiff competition from renowned disc golfers such as Barry Schultz (2013 and 2017 Masters champ), JohnE McCray (2016 Masters champ), Steve Rico, and others who are seeking to dethrone him.

Feldberg has already showcased his exceptional skills by defending the Divisional Doubles title he won in Kansas City last year, alongside his partner Patrick Brown. Moreover, Feldberg dominated other events at the Masters World Championships, securing victories in putting competitions, mini golf, and the Skillshot Challenge presented by EDGE during Field Events on Sunday.

The competition will also feature a thrilling showdown between Kim Giannola and Courtney McCoy, who battled it out in a sudden-death playoff for the Pro Masters Women 40+ title last year. However, they will face stiff competition from Elaine King, widely regarded as one of the greatest disc golfers of all time with an impressive 272 career wins, including seven world titles.

Winning a PDGA World Championship demands not only raw talent but also mental endurance. The athletes competing in this event must be prepared to play at their best over five consecutive days on Smugglers' Notch Resort's challenging terrain. Yet, the Pro Masters World Championships offer more than just competition; they provide a unique blend of disc golf with an array of exciting non-competition activities for both participants and spectators.

For those unable to attend in person, Central Coast Disc Golf will provide throw-by-throw coverage later this week, while Smuggs TV will produce recap-style coverage. Live scoring will be available throughout the event on pdgalive.com from start to finish. The action begins on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. ET with the A-Pool (Pro Masters 40+ and Pro Masters 50+) competing on Brewster Ridge, while other divisions take on Fox Run Meadows.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/2019-masters-worlds-preview