Magnolia Open Still Running Strong | Professional Disc Golf Association

**TITLE:** "Magnolia Open Celebrates 13 Years of Empowering Female Disc Golfers"

**META_TITLE:** "Women's disc golf tournament breaks barriers & grows community"

**META_DESCRIPTION:** "The Magnolia Open, one of the longest-running women's only tournaments in the US, brings together female competitors from across the southeast to celebrate equality and excellence in disc golf. Learn about its 13-year history and impact on the sport."

**ARTICLE:**

Every year, the International Disc Golf Center in Appling, Georgia becomes a hub for female disc golf enthusiasts as they come together to participate in one of the longest-running women's only tournaments in the country - the Magnolia Open. This past weekend marked the 13th anniversary of the event, which has been instrumental in promoting gender equality and fostering a sense of community among female players.

The tournament was initially conceived by Addie Strozier and Karolyn O'Cull, two PDGA employees who recognized the need for more women-only events to support growing interest in the sport. Since its inception in 2009, the Magnolia Open has evolved under various organizers, including Sara Nicholson, who expanded the event's reach from around 10 competitors to over 60 in just a few years.

Under the guidance of current Assistant TD Kaleigh Powers, the tournament has continued to grow and adapt to changing circumstances. Although attendance numbers have not fully recovered from the COVID-19 hiatus in 2020, Powers notes that the event has seen growth in other areas, such as an increase in local participation, with over 80% of players hailing from the Augusta area.

The Magnolia Open also provides a unique opportunity for young girls to be inspired by the sport and its female role models. Two junior competitors were among this year's participants, leaving Powers with "chill bumps" as she witnessed the potential being unlocked in these young athletes.

For Augusta native Haley Childs, who has been participating in the Magnolia Open since 2014, women-only events like this one hold immense value. By creating a platform for female competitors to shine and celebrate their achievements, the Magnolia Open promotes empowerment, equality, and inclusivity within the disc golf community.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/magnolia-open-still-running-strong