South Carolina Gamecocks Reign Supreme at SECO

The collegiate disc golf season kicked off with a bang as the Innova Southeast Collegiate Open (SECO) took center stage in Appling, Georgia. This premier event, held at the International Disc Golf Center, drew 24 teams from across the Southeast, all vying for one of three Bye Seeds and a spot at Nationals in April.

The tournament format featured two rounds of team doubles on different courses, followed by a singles competition played over 27 holes. The singles round proved crucial, accounting for 60% of each team's total score. As the cards came in, Tennessee Tech seemed poised to take the lead, but the South Carolina Gamecocks had other plans.

The two-time defending SECO champions carded impressive rounds, including two 17-under 79s and an 11-under 85, which propelled them to a four-stroke lead heading into the final round. But it was their dominating performance on Sunday that sealed their fate. They shattered the team doubles course record with a 10-under 59, edging out Tennessee Tech by seven strokes.

The win marked the Gamecocks' third consecutive SECO title and cemented their status as one of the top teams in collegiate disc golf. Their undefeated streak at the International Disc Golf Center remains intact, dating back to their inaugural appearance at the course.

But the SECO was more than just about the Gamecocks' dominance. Other teams also made significant strides, earning their way to Nationals. South Alabama and Kennesaw State upgraded their 1st Round Seeds to Bye Seeds, while Georgia Tech secured one of the remaining Bye Seeds alongside Ole Miss and East Tennessee State.

The tournament staff ensured that there was plenty to enjoy beyond just the golf. The weekend featured a range of side events, including a Dueling Rings of Fire competition, a Hott Shott putting contest, and a Light Up the IDGC night round presented by NightFlightDiscGolf.com. Players also received excellent player packs, complete with custom umbrella, meals, LED lights for night golf, and exclusive discs.

The SECO marked an exciting start to the collegiate disc golf season, and teams are already looking forward to the next events on the schedule – two Premier Qualifiers and three Select Qualifiers this Fall. The Gamecocks' win is sure to propel them up the Innova-Champion Collegiate Disc Golf Rankings, with their next release due out on October 2nd.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/gamecocks-three-peat