Santa Cruz Masters Cup Revolutionizes Course Layout for a Sustainable Future
Date Published
As one of the most prestigious professional disc golf tournaments in the world, the Santa Cruz Masters Cup has been a staple of the sport for over three decades. However, with the ever-changing landscape of disc golf, local organizers have recognized the need to modernize and adapt to ensure the course's continued relevance and sustainability.
For the 2019 PDGA National Tour, the DeLaveaga Disc Golf Club has implemented an array of modifications designed to preserve the iconic "DeLa" course. This decision was driven by a pressing concern: the long-term viability of one of the most highly trafficked disc golf courses globally. With its hillside terrain prone to erosion and environmental degradation, club members have carefully balanced competing interests from various stakeholders, including city officials, neighbors, fire departments, and the PDGA.
Tournament Executive Director Braden Coolidge explained that preserving the course's integrity was a top priority: "We're managing the interests of multiple parties to ensure our course thrives into the future." To this end, modifications include altering pin placements, rearranging hole configurations, and addressing safety concerns.
One of the most noticeable changes is the revised starting point for the tournament. Players will now begin on hole 25 instead of the traditional hole 1. This change allows players to tackle a more challenging section at the beginning of their round, rather than saving it for later. According to Tournament Director Matt Beatty, this shift has proven popular with amateur players, who praised its fresh approach.
Hole 27, once known as "Top of the World," will now be played fourth in the course rotation. Its pin placement has been adjusted to reduce the risk of errant shots entering tournament central, a welcome change that adds a more relaxed tone to the event.
Additional changes include introducing a mando on hole 9, increasing the difficulty level of "I-5" from a par 3 to a par 4, and concluding the course with a shortened version of hole 6. These modifications aim to strike a balance between preserving the course's challenging nature and addressing flow concerns.
Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department officials have acknowledged the club's dedication to maintaining the course. City Field Supervisor Mike Godsy praised the DeLa club for their commitment: "It's a world-class course, so we very much appreciate the use and engagement."
Ultimately, the goal of these changes is clear: to preserve a jewel of the disc golf world for future generations. As Coolidge noted, hosting an event of this caliber requires exceptional management skills, but with the right approach, it can be done successfully.
With the course's revamped layout in place, the Santa Cruz Masters Cup is poised to continue its tradition as one of the premier professional disc golf events on the planet.
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/sustainable-santa-cruz