Matt Orum Ends 20-Year Wait to Win MVP Open at Maple Hill

The thrilling conclusion to the 2023 Disc Golf Pro Tour season unfolded at Maple Hill over the weekend, hosting the final DGPT Playoff event. The tournament saw an emotional moment of triumph for one player and a dominating performance from another.

Matthew Orum's long-awaited victory was a testament to his dedication and perseverance. With 12 podium finishes and 60 top-10 results in 137 events spanning two decades, Orum finally broke through at the MVP Open. His journey began 20 years ago at the 2003 DG Hall of Fame Classic, where he competed as a young player.

Orum's path to victory was marked by an incredible back-nine run on Sunday, during which he carded seven consecutive birdies. As each made putt fell, his emotions grew, culminating in a euphoric celebration from both the crowd and his peers. With every step closer to the finish line, the chants of "Roll Tide" and "MattyO" echoed through the grounds of Maple Hill.

Orum's run was capped off by a crucial 60-foot connection on hole 11, followed by two more Circle 2 makes on holes 13 and 17. The tension reached its peak as he faced down a pressure-packed putt on 17, leaving no doubt about his intentions. As the final card completed their round, Orum was crowned champion, silencing any doubts that may have lingered.

The championship leaderboard saw Calvin Heimburg, Simon Lizotte, Eagle McMahon, and Ben Callaway occupy the lead card, but none could match Orum's dominance. Aaron Gossage made a valiant push from the chase card to finish in second place. Ricky Wysocki also mounted a challenge, ultimately tying for fourth with McMahon.

Meanwhile, Hailey King solidified her position as one of the top players on tour by winning her second DGPT title at Maple Hill. In a closely contested match against Kristin Tattar, King relied on her strategy to maintain a clean game plan throughout the four rounds.

King's dominance was evident in her impressive statistics: she led the field in strokes gained tee-to-green and fairway hits. Her calm demeanor and attention to detail allowed her to secure a convincing victory, wrapping up the competition with a tap-in birdie on 18.

The closing stretch of the tournament belonged to King, who overcame an early slump to claim her second DGPT win of the season. Tattar, in her pursuit of a Major grand slam, was unable to maintain her lead and finished tied for second with Ohn Scoggins. Eveliina Salonen took fourth place, while Holly Finley secured fifth position and earned herself a spot in the upcoming DGPT Championship.

Orum's triumph serves as a testament to his unyielding commitment to the sport, while King's victory underscores her exceptional skill and strategic prowess on the course. As both players look to build upon their recent successes, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the 2023 season.

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