Underdog Holyn Handley Stuns Field with Thrilling Comeback Win

The 2023 Throw Pink Women's Disc Golf Championship had it all – suspenseful play, nail-biting finishes, and a Cinderella story for the ages. On Championship Sunday at Winthrop Arena, the FPO field was in high gear, with players shooting double-digit scores each day. However, one competitor from the chase card had other plans.

Holyn Handley, starting six strokes behind the lead, approached the final round with a realistic goal: securing a podium finish. "I didn't think winning was possible, given how well everyone was playing," she said in an interview after the tournament. Handley's objective was to play solid golf and earn a top-three spot.

Meanwhile, the lead card faltered initially, while Handley picked up momentum. She played aggressively, staying focused on her game rather than checking scores on UDisc. It wasn't until she approached the final hole that she realized her 11-under score put her in contention for the win. "I felt nervous when I saw the crowd's energy change," Handley admitted.

With newfound pressure and a two-stroke lead over Kristin Tattar, Handley faced an unexpected test of nerves on the 18th hole. A wayward drive landed out of bounds, followed by another OB approach shot. Her third attempt – a 34-foot putt to save bogey – proved successful, although it was her first bogey of the round.

Tattar, who had never birdied the infamous 18th at Winthrop, capitalized on Handley's mistake and forced a playoff with a stunning birdie. The stage was set for an epic showdown between two players with no prior playoff victories in FPO PDGA events.

The first playoff hole saw both competitors play cautiously, but Tattar's drive went long out of bounds. Handley took her safe shot to the island green, while Tattar's second attempt made it onto the green, setting up a difficult bogey putt. With a straightforward up-and-down for par, Handley sealed her victory.

"I was thrilled with my approach," Handley said, "and then Kristin's mistake gave me an opportunity I couldn't pass up." This dramatic win marked Handley's first tour victory and the first time a chase card player has taken home the title at the TPWDGC. As the Disc Golf Pro Tour continues, the best FPO players will face off in the 2023 Championship, with Handley's inspiring story serving as a reminder that anything can happen on the course.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/chase-card-champion