Sarah Hokom Wins Wire-to-Wire at 2016 USWDGC

The picturesque Sabattus Disc Golf complex in rural Maine was abuzz with excitement as the 2016 United States Women’s Disc Golf Championship (USWDGC) drew to a close. The tournament had been a thrilling ride from start to finish, with unpredictable weather conditions adding an extra layer of challenge for the competitors.

When we arrived on site, the warm sunshine and temperatures in the upper 70s were a welcome respite from the chilly mornings that soon followed. As the final round got underway, the early morning temperatures plummeted, dipping into the upper 30s and lower 40s. The cold air made for stiff hands and firm discs, but it was clear that none of this would deter the women competing in the tournament.

The field was tight across all 12 divisions, with many competitors vying for their respective US Women’s titles. In the Masters Women’s and Novice Women’s divisions, sudden death playoffs were required to determine the winners, while other divisions saw nail-biting finishes that could have gone either way.

At the top of the Open Women's division was Sarah Hokom, who had built a cushion of four or more strokes going into the final round. However, Paige Pierce, Madison Walker, and Holly Finley were hot on her heels, pushing Hokom to deliver a strong performance on The Eagle course.

The challenging par 62 layout proved to be a true test of skill, with trees and OB creek threatening to derail even the best-laid plans. As the round wore on, Hokom's lead began to dwindle, and by the sixth hole, she found herself tied at the top with Madison Walker. The battle was far from over, however.

Both Hokom and Walker dug deep, relying on their precision driving skills to navigate the treacherous terrain. In the end, it came down to a series of crucial birdies for Hokom, who sealed her victory on holes 14, 15, and 17. With a three-stroke lead going into the final hole, Hokom played a stellar drive, pitched up, and tapped in for her second US Women’s title.

The crowd was electric as Hokom celebrated her win, capping off an incredible performance that saw her claim her third PDGA Major title overall. As we reflect on the tournament, it's clear that the hard work of owner Peter Ruby, Josh Seeley, and their team at the Sabattus Disc Golf complex made all the difference in creating a truly special venue for the women to compete in. We can't wait to return next year!

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/hokom-crowned-us-womens-champion-second-time