Grandstand Finish | Professional Disc Golf Association

The upcoming 2023 PDGA Champions Cup presented by Bushnell is set to be a thrilling event, thanks to recent course modifications aimed at enhancing the playing experience for competitors and spectators alike. The tournament, which will take place in just a few weeks, has undergone significant changes to select holes on the W.R. Jackson Memorial Course.

One of the most notable adjustments is the new finishing position of hole 18, which will now conclude in the open field behind the International Disc Golf Center clubhouse for both MPO and FPO fields. This change not only increases the difficulty of the final hole but also provides a grandstand finish for spectators, allowing them to witness the action up close.

According to course designer Will Schusterick, who reviewed the modifications with local, regional, and touring level professionals, this alteration will add an exciting element of risk and reward to the tournament. "You get more anticipation for that final hole when there's more challenge and more risk of potentially having that stroke swing on hole 18," he explained.

The new finishing position also offers ample space for thousands of spectators to gather and watch the action unfold, making it a unique and memorable experience. Schusterick emphasized the importance of providing an engaging spectator experience, stating, "The best thing about the change is that people will be able to watch... That's a major thing nowadays with the spectators at each tournament."

In addition to the changes on hole 18, the tee shot on hole 14 has been relocated in line with the FPO pad. This adjustment maintains an extended tunnel shot similar to the existing drive while alleviating congestion behind hole one and the 18th green.

Schusterick also made adjustments to other holes to suit the overall style of W.R. Jackson. For example, dropping from a par 5 to a par 4 on hole 14 makes it more in line with the difficulty players expect from an elite course. "You're lowering from five to four, so they still need to attack and have a really good tee shot," he explained.

Furthermore, FPO pin placements will be introduced on holes 6, 11, and 13 to make par threes more attackable for the field. This change aims to increase scoring opportunities after relatively few birdies were achieved in 2022.

To accommodate the increased spectator interest, nearly twice as many spectators are expected this year, and the viewing experience has been elevated thanks to the new tee location of hole 14. The area previously off-limits due to safety precautions from tee shots on 14 will be opened up, giving spectators greater freedom to move between several holes close to the clubhouse.

Schusterick believes that these changes have transformed the course into a more inviting and exciting space for spectators, stating, "You're right by hole one, can watch 18 putting, can walk over to holes 13 and 14... It creates the atmosphere of coming in to watch disc golf and not feel like it's a struggle to see discs fly."

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/grandstand-finish