Rookies of the Year Crowned in Disc Golf

The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) has crowned its latest Rookies of the Year, with Grady Shue from North Carolina and Sandi Hendel from Ontario, Canada taking top honors. The pair earned their spots through a points competition that rewards players for strong finishes at major tournaments.

Shue, 22, burst onto the scene in 2017 with an impressive 35-event schedule, winning seven tournaments including the Kentucky State Disc Golf Championships and the Fall Disc Golf Classic. Although he was initially unaware of his chances, Shue's late-season surge helped him secure a narrow victory over second-place finisher Brenden Tetloff.

"I'm still surprised," Shue said in an interview. "It's something I never thought would happen, but it just kind of came together."

Hendel, 40, set her sights on the award from the start and made good on her goal with a remarkable 19-event schedule. She won 12 tournaments, including a win at the CCR Open, and finished with a total of 124 points.

"It's like getting a cherry on top," Hendel said. "I've always set goals for myself, and this one was no exception. I'm thrilled to be the first Canadian woman to take home the Rookie of the Year award."

Both Shue and Hendel faced challenges in their first year on tour, but they both performed well at major events. They will look to build on their success as they head into the 2018 season.

In addition to the Rookies of the Year awards, the PDGA also recognized its Players of the Year. Paige Pierce took home her second Open Women's Player of the Year title after dominating the competition with 20 wins in 28 events. Ricky Wysocki won his third Player of the Year award, capping off an impressive season that included two major victories and three National Tour titles.

Wysocki's back-to-back Player of the Year titles are a testament to his consistency and skill on the course. "It's amazing to win something and have it validated," Wysocki said. "That's what I think about when I win."

Pierce echoed similar sentiments, saying that her second Player of the Year award is a reflection of her long-term strength on the course.

"The recognition of being consistent player, consistently at the top, is what Player of the Year stands for," Pierce said.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/shue-hendel-earn-rookie-year-honors