National Champion Crowned at 2023 College Disc Golf Championship

Tailey Rowley's passion for disc golf was sparked by a chance encounter on campus at Brigham Young University. A random player approached her, inviting her to join the university team. This serendipitous meeting set Rowley on a path that would eventually lead her to become a National Champion in College Disc Golf.

The 2023 College Disc Golf National Championship took place at North Cove Leisure & Disc Golf Club in Marion, North Carolina, where Rowley was one of two champions crowned on Thursday. In the Women's Singles division, she battled fiercely until the final moments, claiming victory and hoisting the trophy alongside her community.

As Rowley herself noted, she was surprised by the size and enthusiasm of the College Disc Golf community. "It's been awesome," she said. "I've had such a fun time every weekend going to tournaments, becoming family with my team." This sense of camaraderie is a hallmark of the sport, which emphasizes community and friendly competition.

The Women's Singles final was a nail-biting affair, with Rowley entering the last two holes three strokes behind the lead. However, she managed to snatch the lead and hold onto it, despite some tense moments when she "peaked at the scores a few times just because I was nervous." Her ability to stay focused under pressure ultimately secured her victory.

Missouri's Alexis Kerman put up a strong challenge, birdieing 17 and 18 to take second place. Wisconsin's Ceci Vollbrecht rounded out the podium, completing an impressive display of skill and determination.

Before Rowley's triumph, Micah Jones from Anderson had claimed the first College Disc Golf National Champion title in the Men's Division III Singles, securing a two-stroke win.

The competition is far from over, with several titles still up for grabs. In the Women's Team field, Rowley and her partner Hannah Hunter are tied with the defending champions, Missouri's Kerman and Renae Beasley, four strokes clear of the rest of the field. The final two days of action promise to be just as intense, with many more thrills and spills in store for spectators.

In other developments, the Men's Division I team standings saw some movement after the first singles round, with Clemson taking the top spot, followed closely by Houghton. Meanwhile, Oklahoma Christian's Caleb Fennell holds a narrow lead in the Men's Singles division, one stroke ahead of Clemson's Shane McCullen and Missouri's Noah Free.

As the tournament enters its final stages, excitement is building among competitors and spectators alike. With so many talented players vying for titles, anything can happen, making this championship one to remember.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/champions-crowned-action-heats