Disc Golfers Thrive on Unique Okinawan Course

The picturesque Nakijin Village General Athletic Park in Okinawa hosted the 14th Okinawa Open, an event that showcased the unique blend of skill and adaptability required in disc golf. The tournament brought together a talented field of players from various parts of Asia, who were drawn to the island's tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural beauty.

The Asia Tour has been making its way across the continent, with previous events taking place on the largest island in the Philippines and other locations in Japan, Hong Kong, and Taipei. However, Okinawa proved to be a distinct challenge, with its unique local rules and breathtaking scenery presenting a fresh set of obstacles for competitors.

For Su Mei Yang, the event marked a significant milestone as she extended her winning streak from the Lipad Pilipinas to Japan. With a commanding eight-stroke victory in FPO, Yang demonstrated her expertise on the course, showcasing her exceptional accuracy off the tee and solid putting skills. The Taiwanese veteran proved to be unassailable, despite a slight setback in Saturday's testing conditions.

In contrast, the MPO battle was fiercely contested throughout the weekend. Jacky Chen, who happens to be Su Mei's son, emerged victorious after a hard-fought three-way struggle with Manabu Kajiyama and Joey Bruno. The win marked Chen's second appearance on the 2026 PDGA Asia Tour, and he demonstrated his resilience under pressure.

The course itself presented several challenges, including strong gusts of wind that forced players to adapt their strategies mid-round. However, it was the unique local rule – which allowed competitors to play from the water if they could see the disc in the shallows – that added an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the tournament.

The iconic 13th hole, overlooking a picturesque beach and distant Kouri Island, proved to be one of the highlights of the event. Players teed off from the cliffs above the beach, attempting to land near the basket on the sand below. The stunning scenery was matched by the skillful play on display, with Chen's long, straight drive on the 13th hole being a particular highlight.

The battle in MPO saw no more than two strokes separating the top three players at any point during the tournament. Chen eventually secured his win after a thrilling finale, which included a crucial edge-of-circle putt that sealed his victory.

As the tour heads to its final stop in Shanghai, the standings are set to be closely contested. Su Mei and Chia-Fang's performances have put them firmly in the running for the ultimate prize, with the Taiwanese players likely to emerge as strong contenders if they can maintain their form.

The 2026 PDGA Asia Tour has been a resounding success so far, with each event showcasing the unique character of the region. As the tour comes full circle, disc golf enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the final showdown in Shanghai, which promises to be the most competitive and exciting event yet.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/family-win-chen-yang-win-okinawa