McBeth Sets Blistering Pace as Jonesboro Open Kicks Off

The stage is set for an electrifying three-week run at the Disc Golf Pro Tour, with northwest Arkansas hosting the final regular-season stop before the USDGC and DGPT Championship. The 2020 Play It Again Sports Jonesboro Open presented by Prodigy got underway in style on Friday, as Calvin Heimburg and Paul McBeth delivered scorching performances at the challenging Disc Side of Heaven course.

Heimburg set the bar early with a 12-under-par round, but McBeth was hot on his heels. The afternoon session saw McBeth match Heimburg's impressive score, further cementing his reputation as one of the sport's leading players. The two golfers laid down a marker for the rest of the field, who struggled to keep up with their blistering pace.

Paige Pierce continued her dominance of the event, posting a commanding 10-under-par round to take a six-stroke lead into moving day. As she prepares for the Women's National Championship next week in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Pierce is well aware of the importance of staying sharp. With five Jonesboro titles already under her belt, she's clearly on a mission.

McBeth reflected on his decision to attend this rescheduled event, which usually takes place in the spring. He cited the private course's unique design as a valuable learning experience, one that will undoubtedly inform his work on his own backyard track. "It motivates me to get home and build something like this," he said with enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Thomas Gilbert and Reid Frescura rounded out the top card for moving day, shooting 9-under and 8-under respectively. The chase card is stacked with talent, featuring Garrett Gurthie, Andrew Presnell, Chris Dickerson, and Michael Mayo.

On the women's side, Hailey King sits in second place at 4-under-par, with Jessica Weese and Catrina Allen tied for third at 2-under par. Krissie Fountain joins Emily Beach, Kat Mertsch, and Ellen Widboom on the chase card, all vying to stay in contention.

The Disc Golf Network will bring live coverage of the Jonesboro Open from 1:35 p.m. ET, with fans able to catch all the action as it unfolds. With such a talented field competing at this iconic course, one thing is certain – the next few days are going to be thrilling!

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/mpo-tied-top-pierce-torches-opening-day