Why So Many 1100s at Memorial? | Professional Disc Golf Association
Date Published
The article presents a research study on the factors contributing to the recent surge of 1100+ rounds in professional disc golf tournaments, specifically focusing on the Memorial course. The researchers identified several key findings:
1. **Northern players' rating may suffer**: Northern players who participate in the Memorial tournament without prior practice may experience a drop in their rating due to the course's bias towards Super Gold skill level.
2. **Current course layouts are biased towards Super Gold**: The study found that 15 of the 36 holes at the Memorial course provide additional opportunities for scoring separation among Super Gold players, contributing to the high number of 1100+ rounds.
3. **Super Gold players' advantage**: Touring Players with ratings over 1025 average about 3.5 shots better than a random group of Gold level players, indicating that they have an inherent advantage on courses tailored for their skill level.
The researchers suggest that National Tour (NT) courses should ideally be set to specifically challenge Super Gold players or set for Gold players not only in Open but also in other pro divisions. They argue that this can lead to more scoring separation and exciting competition among top players.
To achieve this goal, course designers and NT committees could consider the following strategies:
1. **Adjust hole lengths**: Make holes longer to provide additional opportunities for Super Gold players to separate from the field.
2. **Create open, flatter terrain**: Design courses with minimal foliage and accuracy requirements, featuring extensive OB & mandos to increase scoring separation among players who can throw accurately over or around obstacles.
3. **Balance course conditions**: Strive for a balance between providing challenging holes for Gold-level players and creating opportunities for Super Gold players to showcase their skills.
Ultimately, the researchers' findings highlight the need for NT courses to be designed with specific skill levels in mind, allowing top players to compete at an elite level while maintaining excitement and unpredictability for spectators.
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/why-so-many-1100s-at-memorial