Finnish Pro Dominates Ethiopian Open Disc Golf Championship
Date Published
Finland's Tapani Aulu made a triumphant return to competitive play after a long winter in Scandinavia, dominating the inaugural PDGA Tour event in Africa. The Open division champion effortlessly navigated the challenging 1599 meter / 5250-foot Assosa University course, carding impressive rounds of 43 and 44, with an astonishing 21 birdies, 15 pars, and only one lost box on a single hole throughout the day.
Aulu's versatility was on full display as he consistently hit crisp forehands and backhands off the tee, and made precise putts to dead center chains. This exceptional skillset earned him the top spot in the Ethiopian Open championship, leaving the competition in awe of his prowess.
Chicago-based Kevin Derrick secured a respectable 2nd place finish with a solid afternoon round of 48, earning his first professional cash prize. South African disc golfer Jon-Pat Myers rounded out the top three, showcasing his expertise in the sport.
Local talent Suleman Mohamed, Ethiopia's number one disc golfer, had a strong start but struggled in the unseasonably cooler temperatures and rainy conditions during the afternoon round. His impressive bogey-free six shots in the morning were not enough to secure him a podium finish.
Zambian Elem Katambo impressed as the top Amateur competitor, finishing at 2 under par. Meanwhile, PDGA member Eshetu Alemu took home the trophy in the Recreational division, impressively carding a division-best 59 in Round 2 to come from behind and claim victory.
The Ethiopian Open disc golf championship created a historic occasion for all involved, allowing traveling pros to share their expertise with local enthusiasts. Co-TD Yohannes Desalegn and fellow organizer John Luetzow worked tirelessly to make the event a success, attracting national media attention in the process. This exceptional team effort is a testament to the growing popularity of disc golf in Ethiopia.
To everyone involved, from Assosa University to Innova Champion, local businesses, and international sponsors who contributed to this remarkable achievement, we extend our heartfelt gratitude - "betam betam ameseginallu" (thank you very much)!
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/flying-finn-crowned-emperor-ethiopian-open