National Collegiate Disc Golf Championships Bring Unpredictable Changes to South Carolina Facility

The National Collegiate Disc Golf Championships (NCDGC) will be a unique experience for student-athletes from 36 universities who descend upon the Hippodrome Disc Golf Complex in South Carolina. This year, only four of the facility's six courses will be used for the eight-round, four-day tournament, with Old Glory being shelved due to changes in the facility's management structure.

According to Tournament Director John Baker, the loss of Old Glory is a significant change, but it has brought new opportunities for teams. "These students are playing for almost more than their personal pride," he said. "They're playing for school pride, they're playing for their university...That just adds another element beyond the game and the competition itself."

Baker, who is in his second year running the tournament, acknowledged that this season brought its own set of challenges. Course schedules were only released last week due to the uncertainty surrounding the facility's management changes. However, Baker emphasized that the delay was necessary for the best possible experience for players.

Despite the changes, PDGA Director of Operations Mike Downes remains optimistic. He points out that most of the tournament action will take place on one side of the complex, creating a more communal and cohesive atmosphere. The observation deck at tournament central offers an unparalleled view of over 50 holes of action.

The spotlight will be placed on the venue's Dunipace Dunes course, which has been nurtured into maturity by tournament staff. This 5,650-foot par-55 track boasts plenty of elevation, providing stunning views of the surrounding region and serious rollaway potential. Tournament Director John Baker is excited to showcase this new feature: "We've built the Dunipace Dunes course, and it's time for it to be the flagship course."

Student-athletes like Ferris State University co-captain Sam Mrdeza are adjusting to the changes. A senior graphic design major and four-time NCDGC participant, Mrdeza acknowledges that Old Glory was a fan favorite. However, he is impressed by Dunipace Dunes: "I like Dunipace a lot. It's the open course down here, so it's definitely needed to be the open course with lots of OBs."

The true spirit of the NCDGC lies not in the courses but in the teamwork and school pride that permeates every aspect of the event. As teams walk out their university's fight song during opening ceremonies, waving flags and bumping chests in full uniform, it's clear that this tournament is more than just another day on the calendar.

"It's one of the things that everyone looks forward to each year because it is so unique and so special," Mrdeza said. "It's Nationals. Just to be invited to be at a national event, or qualify for one – it's phenomenal."

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/organizers-make-lemonade-out-national-collegiate-disc-golf-championship-changes