Ladies Shatter Records at 4th Annual Magnolia Open Disc Golf Tournament
Date Published
The International Disc Golf Center in Appling, GA played host to the 4th Annual Magnolia Open, an action-packed event that brought together 31 ladies eager to put their skills to the test. The tournament's success was palpable, with many expecting a substantial increase in attendance for next year's edition.
Organizers went above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience for participants. A warm welcome awaited the ladies upon arrival, thanks to the tireless efforts of Alan Kane, Jason Allind, Noel Leseueur, Mom, and Old Man Wallis, who transformed the IDGC into a picturesque setting complete with PDGA feather banners.
The weekend kicked off with check-in and random draw doubles on Friday, led by Old Man Wallis. As competitors settled in for the night, some ventured out for birthday celebrations, while others opted to enjoy KanJam, Cornhole, and pizza, courtesy of Autumn Grace's culinary skills.
Saturday morning marked the beginning of the main event, with a shotgun start at 10:00am. The ladies took turns showcasing their prowess on the Jim Warner Course, followed by an intense round on the Headrick course. After a catered BBQ dinner sponsored by Mot's BBQ and the IDGC, the evening turned into a lively party, complete with karaoke led by Jason Allind.
Despite a late night of revelry, Sunday's proceedings were relatively brief, consisting of just one disc golf round. The ladies then participated in a thrilling Ring of Fire competition for additional prizes. This event has become an integral part of the Magnolia Open tradition, featuring both standard and mini basket versions using mini marker discs.
Throughout the tournament, competitors demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. Victoria Scott emerged victorious in the Junior division, showcasing her expertise gained from winning the SC Junior State Championships this year and placing second at the PDGA World Championships event.
In other divisions, Heidi Schaffner dominated the Advanced Masters category with a 12-stroke victory over Sherri Tyler and Robyn Tindall. Lauren Bonine took home the Recreational division trophy by an impressive eight strokes over Sydney Evans, who traveled from Minnesota to participate. Erin Prescott secured the Intermediate Division title, edging out Susan Leseueur by three strokes.
The Advanced Grandmasters division saw Donna Stanley claim victory in a closely contested battle with Tracy Lacue and Diane McDaniel, all of whom displayed remarkable sportsmanship throughout the weekend.
In the Professional Division, a familiar rivalry between Sarah Stanhope Cunningham and Elaine King was rekindled. Although Cunningham led going into the final round, King's incredible score on the last hole narrowly missed securing the win. Cunningham ultimately claimed her fourth FPO title at the Magnolia Open by a single stroke.
Additional side events added to the weekend's excitement included Hott Shotts, where Susan Leseueur won a Disccatcher basket with a score of 390 out of 500, and a women's disc golf trivia contest, which Elaine King triumphantly claimed. A big thank you is extended to Andrew 'Big Dog' Sweeton for ensuring the tournament's smooth operation.
The Magnolia Open would not have been possible without the unwavering support of its sponsors and volunteers. A special mention goes to Brian Graham, who has consistently championed women's disc golf initiatives.
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/women-disc-golfers-take-over-the-international-disc-golf-center