European Disc Golf Championships Kicks Off in Croatia
Date Published
The biennial European Disc Golf Championships has reached a new milestone with its largest representation yet. This week, 200 of Europe's finest disc golfers from 27 countries have gathered at the LifeClass Termi Resort in Croatia's northernmost county of Medimurje to compete for the coveted continental championship title.
The event, hosted by the European Disc Golf Federation and Lagoda Disc Golf, is a testament to the growing popularity of disc golf on the continent. Players were selected by their national associations and team captains based on merit, making this a unique privilege for those who have made it through to the competition.
The 2018 EDGC has seen an influx of newcomers from countries such as Ukraine, Serbia, and Portugal, alongside established powerhouses like Finland and Sweden. The diverse field is set to face a challenging course designed by Californian Jon Baldwin and Tournament Director Dinko Šimenc.
Measuring 2,530 meters in length and featuring 18 holes, the course promises to be a true test of skill for competitors. While the Open division favorites, including Germany's Simon Lizotte and Denmark's K.J. Nybo, will undoubtedly put up strong challenges, other contenders like Finland's Leo Piironen and Väinö Mäkelä will also be vying for top spots.
The Open Women's competition is also set to be fiercely contested, with rising star Eveliina Salonen from Finland looking to replicate her 2016 success. Fellow Suomi teenager Henna Blomroos gives chase alongside Sweden's Sofie Björlycke and Estonia's Kristin Tattar.
In the Pro Masters field, multi-time French national champion Sylvain Gouge, semi-retired Swede Markus Källström, and Denmark's Thomas Rasmussen will be among those competing for a share of the €17,000 purse. Meanwhile, the battle of the MJ18 young guns led by Finland's Oskari Vikström is one to watch.
The tournament format features staggered starts per day from Wednesday through Saturday, with a cut to the top 50 percent (plus ties) for the final round. Competitors will be vying not only for individual glory but also for their country's pride and a place on the medals podium.
As the competition reaches its climax, players are wished "sreću i veliku vještinu" by their Croatian hosts – good luck and great skill! Follow along with the event to catch all the action unfold.
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/croatia-prepared-crown-european-champions