Unleashing the World's Best at Am Worlds 2016
Date Published
As the sun rises over Madison, Wisconsin, a new era of disc golf supremacy is about to unfold. The city's courses are buzzing with excitement as hundreds of top amateur and junior players prepare to clash in the five-day pursuit of PDGA Amateur or Junior Disc Golf World Championship glory. While some have arrived early to fine-tune their skills on the layouts, nothing can guarantee a win – every competitor knows that the true test begins only when the official competition starts on Tuesday.
In the lead-up to the main event, 34 teams have taken to the Token Creek course for the Amateur Mixed Doubles competition, while 17 Junior Divisional Doubles teams are tackling the notoriously tricky Hiestand Park layout. With its demanding 27-hole track, Token Creek will put even the most seasoned duos through their paces, and only time will tell which teams have what it takes to come out on top.
Among the favourites in the Mixed Doubles event are Gavin Rathbun #60436 and his teammate Kona Panis #27832. Fresh from a thrilling sudden-death playoff victory at the 2016 United States Amateur Disc Golf Championship, this young Innova-sponsored duo is hungry for more – and with their combined PDGA Player Rating of 1811, they're not to be underestimated.
But don't count out other formidable teams just yet. Mike Jewel #53915 and his wife Tiara Jewel #62354 boast an impressive combined rating of 1811, making them the highest-rated teammates in contention. The Best Shot and Modified Alternate Shot formats promise a thrilling competition that's far from predictable – anything can happen when these talented pairs take to the courses.
As Saturday comes to a close, Sunday will usher in a whole new wave of excitement with the Field Events getting underway. This means new world titles up for grabs: Long Drive, Putting, SkillShot, and Mini Disc Golf. For those who make it through to Semis and Finals on Saturday, the stakes are high – but everyone's fighting for their honour, division pride, and a chance to claim that ultimate Am Worlds title.
Follow along as the action unfolds each day via Facebook and Twitter, with hole-by-hole scoring available on pdgalive.com. The road to PDGA Amateur or Junior Disc Golf World Champion glory begins now – will you be cheering on your favourite competitors from the sidelines?
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/2016-am-worlds-begins-mixed-and-junior-divisional-doubles