Disc Golf's Toughest Warriors Gear Up for Battle at Iron Hill Park

Deep within the historic town of Newark, Delaware, lies a disc golf course that has earned a reputation as one of the most demanding in the country - Iron Hill Park. As the home of the Delaware Disc Golf Challenge (DDGC), this challenging venue is set to host some of the world's top players, including last year's champion Sarah Hokom.

The DDGC, which takes place over the weekend, has a history that dates back to 2018 when Holly Finley came agonizingly close to claiming the title with a sixth-place finish. This year, she returns with renewed determination to take home the coveted prize.

Iron Hill Park is no ordinary disc golf course. The dense canopy of trees casts a shadow over the fairways and greens, making it difficult for players to navigate even on sunny days. Add to this the numerous boulders scattered throughout the 10,280-foot course, and it's little wonder that some players have been known to describe it as "brutal."

But despite its formidable reputation, Iron Hill has a special place in the hearts of many top players. Holly Finley, who finished eighth at the PDGA Pro World Championships just days before arriving at Iron Hill, was full of praise for the course during a practice round.

"I love playing here," she said. "It's one of my favorite courses on tour. The woods are amazing - I wish there were more like this."

Catrina Allen, who finished fourth at the DDGC in 2018 and went on to compete in the PDGA Pro World Championships just days later, is also set to return this year. When asked if she would have played the following Monday after Worlds, she replied without hesitation: "I wouldn't care. I'm not sore. I'm not tired."

While some players may choose to take a break after five days of competition in Peoria, Allen and others are more than ready for the challenge that Iron Hill presents.

The DDGC has attracted a strong field this year, with top players including Hokom and Catrina Allen vying for the title. While Paul McBeth and Paige Pierce have opted to take the weekend off after becoming five-time world champions in Peoria, Hokom is determined to defend her crown and prove that she's still one of the best.

The battle for the DDGC title will begin bright and early on Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. EDT, with scores and stats available live on udisclive.com. Post-production round coverage from JomezPro, The Disc Golf Guy, and Gatekeeper Media will also be available for fans to catch up on all the action.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/its-brutal-its-beautiful