Masters Cup Tradition Continues in Santa Cruz with a New Twist

The Santa Cruz Masters Cup has been a staple of professional disc golf for over three decades, and this year's event promises to be just as exciting. As one of the most iconic tournaments on the PDGA National Tour, it attracts top players from around the world. The 33rd edition of the Masters Cup will take place from May 18th to 20th at two different locations - DeLaveaga Disc Golf Course and DeLaveaga Golf Course.

For a long time, the tournament was held exclusively on the DeLaveaga Disc Golf Course, which has been in operation since 1984. However, as the sport grew in popularity, the event started to outgrow its confines. The venue's limitations, including limited parking and facilities, made it challenging for organizers to host a major event.

Tournament Director Braden Coolidge explained that the decision to move the final round to the golf course was not taken lightly. "We were forced to," he said. "As the demand grew, we had to adapt to keep up with the rest of the modern professional disc golf scene."

Initially, some players and fans were hesitant about the change. Drew Gibson, a well-known player, even expressed his disappointment on social media, saying that finishing on the golf course stripped the spirit of DeLa from the event. However, Coolidge took the opportunity to meet with Gibson and other prominent players to listen to their feedback.

Coolidge also shared his own perspective on the benefits of moving the final round to the golf course. "We now have more space for spectators, which eases the financial constraints of holding a National Tour event," he said. "Plus, there is proper cell service, and we can accommodate more players."

The move has slowly gained acceptance among stakeholders. Top touring pros like Paul McBeth and Nate Doss, who was born the same year as the Masters Cup, have expressed their support for the change.

"I think it's a good mixture of two completely different types of golf," said Valarie Jenkins, a multiple-time Masters Cup winner. "It throws in another element to bring us to the ball golf course."

The golf course has received positive reviews from players, with McBeth ranking it as his second-best converted track on tour. Coolidge designed the layout with Jon Baldwin to preserve the DNA of DeLa, and it achieves that end by incorporating hillside basket placements, use of available woods, and plenty of risk/reward shots.

The Santa Cruz Masters Cup is an event not to be missed, especially for fans who appreciate a good challenge. With its unique blend of disc golf and traditional golf, this year's edition promises to be one of the most exciting yet.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/icon-evolves