Finding Community Through Tournaments | Professional Disc Golf Association

Britt Sawyer stumbled upon a new community when she picked up a starter pack of discs on a whim after a friend invited her to try disc golf. What started as a casual hobby quickly turned into a competitive pursuit for the Colorado native. Sawyer found a welcoming women's league in Boulder, which encouraged her to participate in tournaments and test her skills.

Within a short time, Sawyer began entering competitions around Colorado and accumulated an impressive 22 wins, including qualifying events that earned her a spot among the top competitors at the National Amateur Disc Golf Tour Championship in Austin, Texas. Among the 1,268 participants, 46 women are vying for victory in the FPO division, while 76 women from various age groups are competing.

For Sawyer, tournament play offers an opportunity to connect with fellow female disc golf enthusiasts and push her skills to new heights. "I love playing tournaments because I get to see a lot of women out there," she said. "The chance to compete against so many talented ladies is really exciting."

As the NADGT Championship got underway at 12 courses across Austin, Sawyer faced challenging conditions, including high winds. She navigated these obstacles with poise and finished with the second-hottest round of the day on the hill country course at Flat Creek Estate.

Sawyer's experience in playing open courses back home gave her an edge on this unique layout, allowing her to experiment with different shots and strategies. "I tried to play it smart in the wind," she said.

The reigning FJ<15 PDGA World Champion, Aria Castruita, currently leads the tournament by a single stroke over Sawyer. Lydia Lyons and Madison Parrott round out the top spots heading into Friday's action.

In the MPO division, a five-way tie at the top after Thursday's opening round sets the stage for an intense competition. The B Pool has a three-way tie, while Taylor Green holds a slim lead in the C Pool.

The tournament will continue across 12 courses throughout Austin on Friday, with live coverage on the Disc Golf Network beginning Saturday. After the cut, DGN will broadcast the finals for MPO and FPO on Sunday.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/finding-community-through-tournaments