Dynamic Discs Glass Blown Open 2019 Set to Bring High-Stakes Competition to Emporia, Kansas

The Dynamic Discs Glass Blown Open (GBO) is one of the most highly anticipated events in the world of disc golf. Taking place this week in Emporia, Kansas, the tournament has become synonymous with excellence over its 16-year history. As the second stop on the 2019 PDGA National Tour, the GBO attracts massive quantities of competitors and features a range of side events and a festival atmosphere.

For Tournament Director Doug Bjerkaas and his team, planning the GBO is an ongoing challenge. Each year, they aim to surpass the previous year's event, which has resulted in consistent innovation and improvement. However, finding ways to top last year's achievements can be daunting, especially when it comes to expanding the size of the tournament.

In order to enhance the quality of the event without increasing its size, Bjerkaas and his team made significant changes for this year's GBO. One notable change is the extension of the four-day competition schedule from Wednesday through Saturday, allowing for a showcase final round in the Open and Open Women's divisions. This flexibility also enables organizers to adapt to unpredictable Midwest weather conditions.

In an effort to improve player experience, the FPO division will now play exclusively at the Emporia Country Club on a redesigned layout that clocks in at 9,229 feet. The decision was made after last year's experiment with playing at multiple venues proved unsuccessful.

Paige Pierce, four-time GBO Champion, expressed her enthusiasm for this year's changes, particularly the return to a single venue and the upgraded course design. "I think it's awesome," she said. "I really love that we're playing one course and that it's the best course in town."

To further enhance player experience, staff invested in various improvements at the Emporia Country Club. The most striking changes include:

* New tee pads, relocated from existing cart paths to fresh pours

* Pre-existing solo pads extended by four feet to cater to players with varying styles

* Hole 2's redesign involved a slight alteration to its shape and layout

* A new hole was introduced at position 12

* The pin on hole 18 was moved closer to the bleachers, creating an even more dynamic playing environment

In addition to these changes, tournament organizers have also planned a Rainwater Razz Round – a three-hole loop that will challenge top finishers from both MPO and FPO fields. Spectators will be encouraged to participate in this unique event, which promises to add an entertaining twist to the traditional disc golf experience.

As Bjerkaas noted, "Apparently it is a heck of a good time." With its emphasis on quality over quantity and innovative design, the Dynamic Discs Glass Blown Open 2019 aims to set a new standard for disc golf events.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/how-are-they-going-top