Junior Disc Golf Champs Battle It Out in Vermont
Date Published
The inaugural United States Junior Disc Golf Championship (USJDGC) is underway, bringing together 87 junior competitors at Brewster Ridge Disc Golf Course in Smugglers' Notch, Vermont. This exciting event has been months in the making, with a team of dedicated professionals from Kids Disc Golf, Eagles Wings Disc Golf, the Green Mountain Disc Golf Club, and Smugglers' Notch Resort working tirelessly to make it a reality.
Matt Grayum, Founder and Director of Kids Disc Golf, is the driving force behind this innovative tournament. He conceptualized the event with Jeff Spring, Tournament Director of the Green Mountain Championship and Pro World Championship, who enthusiastically agreed to host the championship at Smugglers' Notch Resort. Chris Young, President of Vermont's Green Mountain Disc Golf Club, added his support, and the planning began.
Josh Grayum, Matt's brother and co-director at Kids Disc Golf, is serving as Tournament Director for the event. He expressed satisfaction with the fierce competition emerging in various divisions during the first round on Friday. Many divisions are neck-and-neck, setting up thrilling matches for the second round on Brewster Ridge.
The FJ12 division is leading the pack, with Lily Ruthen holding an impressive 11-stroke lead. As a two-time Junior World Champion, Ruthen aims to add another title to her collection. Other standout performances include Justin Gilbert and Alden Harris' tie at the top of the MJ18 division, while local Tom Shanley holds an advantage in knowing the course from competing in previous events.
Meanwhile, Uriyah Kelley and Phil Kozlowski are battling for the lead in the MJ10 division, with five other competitors within striking distance. In the MJ8 category, Finn Etter, a Smugglers' Notch local who has grown up playing on the courses, is making waves alongside Hunter Grayum.
Off the course, Kids Disc Golf brought Dustin and Hannah Leatherman from Eagles Wings Disc Golf to join the planning and execution team. As veterans of the sport, they have played an integral role in implementing the event's every detail. Hannah even hosted a free pro clinic with Paige Pierce on Friday, which was just one of many activities organized for the participating kids.
The event has been warmly welcomed by Smugglers' Notch Resort, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and multiple awards from SKI Magazine. The resort's staff is thrilled to partner with Kids Disc Golf, as it aligns perfectly with their mission to cater to families and young guests.
As competitors return to Brewster Ridge for the second round on Saturday, they will be looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead at Fox Run Meadows in the final round on Sunday. With increased distance and out-of-bounds areas, the field is set for dramatic shifts in the standings. The stage is now set for an unforgettable conclusion to this inaugural championship event.
Follow the hole-by-hole scoring at PDGALive.com!
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/inaugural-united-states-junior-disc-golf-championships-first-day-books