Legacy Lives On: Brent Hambrick Memorial Open Returns to Columbus

The Brent Hambrick Memorial Open (BHMO) is back in Columbus, Ohio, after a year-long break, marking the final event of the 2016 PDGA National Tour. This iconic tournament has a special place in the hearts of disc golf enthusiasts worldwide, paying tribute to the late Brent Hambrick, a Disc Golf Hall of Fame member who lost his battle with leukemia in 1997.

Brent's impact on the sport is immeasurable. He embodied an unwavering passion for disc golf, spreading enthusiasm and encouraging newcomers to join the community. His dedication to excellence and professionalism raised the bar for tournaments worldwide. The BHMO has become a premier event on the pro tour, with over $60,000 donated to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society since its inception.

The tournament takes place on two courses: the 27-hole Brent Hambrick Memorial DGC, built on flat land around Hoover Reservoir, and the temporary 18-hole Hoover Dam West course. This year's format features a three-day competition, with players competing for all three rounds except the Final 9, which utilizes some holes from the temporary course.

Local player Brad Schick, a two-time BHMO champion, expressed his enthusiasm for the new format: "I'm looking forward to having more time to enjoy Columbus and relax. With the changes on the permanent course, I expect it to play at least 3-4 strokes harder."

The competition is fierce in both divisions, with Catrina Allen dominating the Open Women's standings, while Paul McBeth and Ricky Wysocki are neck-and-neck for the number one spot in the Men's division. However, numerous battles are brewing beneath the top spots, leaving room for exciting finishes.

Live scoring, pictures, videos, and live-streaming video will be available on PDGALive.com, @pdgalive Twitter, and @pdga Instagram. Tune in tomorrow at 9:30am EDT for Round 1 of the 2016 Brent Hambrick Memorial Open and follow along all weekend as we celebrate the legacy of Brent Hambrick.

The BHMO boasts a world-class list of past winners, and this year's competition promises to be just as electrifying. With its rich history and commitment to charitable causes, the Brent Hambrick Memorial Open is an event not to be missed.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/national-tour-finale-ready-rock-2016-brent-hambrick-memorial-open