Top Pros Battle Scorching Heat in 2012 PDGA World Championships
Date Published
The opening round of the 2012 PDGA Disc Golf World Championships has come to a close, with four world champions from the past four years leading the men's open division at Renaissance Park. The scorching heat and humid air proved to be a significant challenge for players, but some managed to rise above the conditions.
Nate Doss, 2011 world champion, and Avery Jenkins, 2009 world champion, were neck and neck throughout the long five-hour round, eventually finishing tied at 8-under par. Their impressive play was enough to keep them in contention despite the grueling conditions.
Meanwhile, Eric McCabe, 2010 world champion, struggled with the heat, but managed to post a score of 5-under par after a tough day that improved as it went on. He trails the leaders by six strokes and has plenty of room for improvement in the remaining rounds.
David Feldberg, 2008 world champion, from the Pacific Northwest, seemed to be struggling with the humid climate, finishing the round at 6-under par. His performance may indicate a need for adjustment as he acclimates to the southern heat.
The competition is fierce, with Will Schusterick, one of the hottest pros this year, taking an early lead in the men's open division after shooting an impressive 11-par score. He recently won several high-profile tournaments, including the Fukui Open in Japan and the Dynamic Discs Glass Blown Open.
In a three-way tie for second place, just one stroke behind Schusterick, are Ricky Wysocki, Devan Owens, and Paul McBeth. Wysocki, last year's PDGA Rookie of the Year, has been touted as a potential "sleeper" player this season, and his strong start suggests he may be a force to be reckoned with.
In the Master's Division, 12-time world champion Ken Climo and JohnE McCray are tied for first place after scoring an incredible 20-under par. Patrick Brown and Jay "Yeti" Reading trail closely behind in second place.
As the tournament continues on Wednesday, players will face new challenges at Nevin Park and Bradford Park Disc Golf Courses for the men's open division, while the masters division returns to Renaissance Park.
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/2012worlds/news/schusterick-leading