Junior Disc Golf Champions Crowned in Inaugural USJDGC
Date Published
The inaugural United States Junior Disc Golf Championship has come to a close, with nine new junior national champions emerging from the competition. The event, held at Smugglers' Notch Resort in Vermont, brought together competitors from over 30 states and two Canadian provinces for a week of action-packed disc golf.
Among the youngest champions was five-year-old Caleb Cilley, who claimed the MJ6 title after persevering through three rounds on challenging courses. Addison Lowery, a visitor from Georgia, took top honors in the FJ8 division, while Finn Etter, a Vermonter with home course advantage, dominated the MJ8 competition.
In the girls' divisions, Ava Meyer cruised to victory in the 8-and-under category, boasting an impressive three PDGA wins and a third-place finish at Junior Worlds. Lily Marr won the FJ15 division by a wide margin, while Lilly Ruthen and Luke Taylor secured comfortable victories in their respective MJ12 divisions.
However, not all competitions were one-sided. In the closely contested MJ10 division, Jai Badajos edged out Wyatt Mahoney with a dramatic 15-foot putt on the final hole. The tension was palpable as spectators watched the two competitors battle it out for the title.
The oldest boys' divisions saw thrilling battles come down to the wire. Evan Scott emerged victorious in the MJ15 category after fending off Zach Arlinghaus's comeback attempt, while Alden Harris claimed the MJ18 title with a stunning 3-under-par 60 on the Gold layout of Fox Run.
Harris's impressive performance earned him a spot in the record books, as his score currently stands as the course record. The event also showcased the resort's amenities and hospitality, offering a unique experience for junior players and their families.
The inaugural USJDGC was made possible through the efforts of Kids Disc Golf, Smugglers' Notch Resort, and a team of four organizations, including Chris Young from the Green Mountain Disc Golf Club and Eagle Wings Disc Golf. The event's success has set the stage for an even more exciting second edition in the future.
The juniors got a taste of the festivities during their stay, with fireworks kicking off Thursday's opening ceremonies and a fun putting championship finals held at the FunZone 2.0 at Smugglers' Notch Resort. The event also featured a special player's pack, courtesy of premier sponsors Innova, Discraft, Dynamic Discs, and Upper Park Designs.
As the inaugural USJDGC comes to a close, the stage is set for an even more thrilling second edition next year. For now, congratulations are in order for the new junior national champions and all participants who made this event so unforgettable.
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/usjdgc-wrap