Gilbert Mounts Epic Comeback in CDGT Win | Professional Disc Golf Association

**TITLE:** Canadian Disc Golf Tour Kicks Off with Thrilling TCO Event in Kamloops

**META_TITLE:** Canadian Disc Golf Tour Launches with Exciting Tournament Capital Open

**META_DESCRIPTION:** The inaugural Canadian Disc Golf Tour event, the Tournament Capital Open, drew 400 competitors from across Canada and abroad to Kamloops' scenic Rose Hill and MacArthur Island courses. Read on for thrilling highlights and updates.

The Tournament Capital Open (TCO), an A-tier event presented by Dynamic Discs, marked the start of the Canadian Disc Golf Tour (CDGT) in Kamloops, a city that has earned its reputation as the "Tournament Capital" due to its ideal disc golf terrain. The three-day tournament took place across two meticulously designed courses: John Houck's Rose Hill and Eric McCabe's MacArthur Island.

The event attracted nearly 400 top-notch players from Canada, the United States, Germany, and Estonia, who competed for a total of $10,000 in added cash prizes. These talented competitors showcased their skills amidst unpredictable weather conditions – including rain and strong winds – that tested even the most experienced players' abilities.

In the thrilling MPO division final round, Thomas Gilbert stole the show with an impressive eight consecutive birdies, ultimately securing his victory over Max Regitnig and Casey Hanemayer. This exciting conclusion was highlighted by a spectacular ace on the lead card in the final holes. Meanwhile, Regitnig's run-up to the final round was marked by exceptional play.

The FPO division saw an intense showdown between top-ranked players Julie Moens and Gabby Lee, as well as newcomer Sofia Dönnecke. In a nail-biting finish at MacArthur Island, Julie Moens successfully defended her title against these formidable opponents. This remarkable performance was particularly impressive considering she had given birth just before the event.

Dynamic Discs presented the Tournament Capital Open, with video coverage of all lead/feature MPO cards and some FPO coverage provided by Parked Pro Media. Fans worldwide can now enjoy post-produced highlights from the MPO division through this platform. The presence of top-rated Canadian players like Thomas Gilbert, Max Regitnig, Casey Hanemayer, and newcomer Jade Smith added to the tournament's excitement.

The 2023 Tournament Capital Open featured one of the deepest FPO fields ever assembled in Canada, comprising talented players such as the Moens sisters (Jordan and Julie), tour veteran Briana Ainsley, Jo Henderson from the Approachable podcast, and many more. The event also provided opportunities for up-and-coming competitors to shine.

The success of the TCO is thanks in part to PDGA Canada's re-investment of player fees into various initiatives, including tournaments, training events, course construction, and media coverage like the CDGT. This collaborative effort enables top-notch competitions like the Canadian Disc Golf Tour, providing a unique platform for Canadian players to compete at an international level.

"We're thrilled with the support we received from PDGA Canada," said Andre Lodder, CEO of Parked Pro Media. "Carrie Neal and the rest of the TD team worked tirelessly to ensure the event's success, and we can't wait to see the competitors take on this new challenge."

Reflecting on the experience, Tournament Director Carrie Neal expressed her satisfaction with how everything went: "The weekend was a blast! We had fun events like an ace run challenge, karaoke, and nighttime glow golf. Regardless of scores, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves."

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/gilbert-mounts-epic-comeback-cdgt-win