Local Disc Golfers Shine at Pleasant Valley Classic
Date Published
The Pleasant Valley Disc Golf Classic in Fairmont, West Virginia, was the stage for some exceptional disc golf action on September 11, 2010. This prestigious tournament drew an impressive field of 80 players, with a $2479 pro purse up for grabs. The event was made possible by the generous support of Lead Sponsor, the City of Pleasant Valley, which contributed both cash and merchandise to the prize fund.
The competition took place on two highly regarded courses: the Seth Burton Memorial course and the Orange Crush course. The Seth Burton Memorial course is a beautiful layout that winds its way around a large hilltop, featuring mature trees and well-manicured fairways. In contrast, the Orange Crush course is a more rugged terrain, carved out of the woods below the hilltop.
Brad Schick emerged victorious in the Open Division, claiming the top prize of $525 with an impressive score on the Seth Burton Memorial course. His unofficially rated 1053 round on the 57 SSA layout gave him a comfortable lead over his competitors, securing his spot at the top of the podium.
However, it was not just about the winners. Richard Gladden, a veteran disc golfer aged 79, had set himself a goal to shoot his age plus 100 and achieved this impressive feat on the Seth Burton Memorial course. The course is named in honor of Richard's grandson, who is also a renowned disc golfer.
The competition was fierce, with several players pushing themselves to new heights. In the Pro Masters division, K.B. Clark took home the title after a nail-biting finish that went down to the wire. Clark carried a one-shot lead into the final hole but ultimately fell short, finishing with a 5 on the tricky 17th hole.
Other notable performances came from local player Joshua Smith, who tied for third in the Open Division and secured his spot at the USDGC through the West Virginia qualifying event. This achievement will no doubt inspire other players to strive for excellence in the sport.
In addition to the top finishes, several divisions required sudden death rounds to determine the winners. Tim Foley emerged victorious in the Intermediate Am division, while Corey Ellis took home the prize in the Rec Am division. These thrilling finishers added an extra layer of excitement to an already electrifying event.
The Pleasant Valley Disc Golf Classic was a resounding success, showcasing the skill and determination of disc golf enthusiasts from across the region. With its beautiful courses, top-notch competition, and generous support from local sponsors, this tournament is sure to remain a highlight of the disc golf calendar for years to come.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
Brad Schick wins Open Division taking home $525
JUST THE FACTS:
Pleasant Valley Disc Golf ClassicFairmont, West VirginiaSeptember 11, 2010 TD Phillip Burton80 players $2479 Pro PurseSeth Burton Memorial & Orange Crush coursesPartly cloudy and near 70Lead Sponsor: City of Pleasant Valleywith $1000 cash and $500 merchandise
Click here for results
WINNERS:
MPO - Brad Schick, FPO - Lori Merriman, MPM - K. B. ClarkMA1- Shelby Dering, FW1 - Freida Francis, MS1 - Larry Zaccagnini, MA2 - Tim Foley, FW2 - Kim Nemkovich, MA3 - Corey Ellis, MA4 - Zach Taylor, MJ2 - Derek Schmidt, MJ3 - Eric Cappellini
Richard Gladden, 79, meets his goal to shoot his age plus 100. The Seth Burton Memorial course is named after his grandson.
Players had a major test playing both the Seth Burton Memorial course primarily designed by World Champ, Johnny Sias, and the newer, rougher terrain Orange Crush course developed and maintained by the local club. The Crush came in at 63 SSA with PA visitors, Jerry Gotcher and Chris Deitzel with the hot 1000 rated rounds. Brad Schick came back in the afternoon on the Seth Burton with an unofficially rated 1053 on the 57 SSA layout to win Open by 7.
The Seth Burton course goes in a big circle around the sides and top of a large hilltop. It's nicely mowed with mature trees scattered about. The track follows the park road that circles the park so it's a regular challenge to stay inbounds between the road and the woods line. The Crush is carved out of the woods below the Seth Burton and also circles the park. It's designed so the 9th holes of both courses end about the same point so players may play the front nine on one and the back nine on the other.
K.B. Clark demonstrating his Grandmaster flexibility on his approach to elevated hole 1 on the Orange Crush
Clark carried a one shot lead over Robin White into the final hole, the tricky hole 17 on Seth Burton. The primary fairway is straight ahead with a tight line in between the woods and an old set of fenced paddle tennis courts. the pin is around the backside of the OB fenced area. K.B. startled the group trying to drive around the right side of the fenced area but didn't get far enough right, ending up against the fence. He had to recover as shown with a forehand roller over the fence corner.
Robin played the regular fairway safely down the left side but his approach didn't make it around the fence far enough. He took a 4. K.B. got his third shot within 20 feet but his potential winning putt skipped off the nubs resulting in a 5. K.B. did manage to win the Pro Masters division on the first hole of sudden death when Robin's tee shot hit an early tree. Two other divisions went to sudden death where unrated Tim Foley beat Chris Boyer in Intermediate Am and Corey Ellis beat Shane Leiggi in Rec Am.
Local player Joshua Smith tied for 3rd in Open and wins the West Virginia qualifying spot to the USDGC.
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/pleasant-valley