Lightning Strike Delays Alabama Disc Golf Championship, Ken Climo Sets Scorching Pace
Date Published
The start of the Alabama Disc Golf Championship got off to an explosive beginning, literally and figuratively. Just as players were teeing off, a huge lightning bolt struck less than a mile away, forcing a 40-minute delay. Tournament Director David Glass explained that they normally bring in players when the lightning detector shows activity within 3-8 miles, but this storm came in quickly with no warning.
"We have to keep the players safe," Glass said. "I guess every lightning storm has to have its first strike - we're just glad it wasn't any closer." The storm passed through relatively quickly, with only a few more strikes occurring 20 miles away.
When play resumed, mid-day showers continued, but Ken Climo was on fire. He carded an unofficial round rating of 1080 with a 10-stroke under-par score of 50. Climo's consistent play was evident in his scorecard, which featured only 2s and 3s, including an impressive eagle on the par-5 Hole 18.
While Climo set the bar high, other players are nipping at his heels. Bradley Williams shot -9, Nikko Locastro -8, Will Shusterick -7, and Dion Arlyn -6. Nate Doss, Garret Gurthie, Paul Macbeth, and Barry Schultz are also within striking distance, all shooting -5.
On the ladies' side, Valerie Jenkins took an early lead with a 65. Sarah Hokom is two strokes back at 67, while Catrina Allen and Courtney McCoy are tied for third another two strokes back after carding 69s.
In the Pro Masters division, Phil Arthur leads with a two-under 58. Dean Tannock is three strokes behind in second place, and several other players are tied for third another three strokes back.
The Grandmasters leader is Lavone Wolfe at +2, holding a single stroke lead on Dr. Rick Voakes in second place.
To see the full scores from Friday's play and tomorrow's tee times, visit the PDGA website: www.pdga.com/tournament_results/61925.
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/aldgc-day-1