Women's Disc Golf Championship Makes Triumphant Return After COVID-19 Cancellation
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The 2020 Women's National Disc Golf Championship is set to revive an iconic event that was thought to be lost forever. In 1999 and 2000, the Women's National Disc Golf Championship took place alongside the United States Disc Golf Championship in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Directed by Innova co-founder Harold Duvall, this pioneering tournament was specifically designed for women and paved the way for the modern United States Women's Disc Golf Championship.
The COVID-19 pandemic had dealt a devastating blow to disc golf events worldwide, forcing the cancellation of several high-profile tournaments, including the 2020 USWDGC. However, in a remarkable display of collaboration and determination, the PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) and Innova have joined forces to revive the original Women's National Championship at its birthplace – Winthrop University.
From October 7-10, the venue will welcome an Open Women's field that promises to be one of the most competitive in recent history. "We are thrilled to host this event, especially given the challenges we've faced due to COVID-19," said PDGA Director of Operations Mike Downes. "This is a testament to our commitment to supporting women's disc golf and providing elite players with the platform they deserve."
The revival of the Women's National Championship was sparked by conversations between Innova and the PDGA, which began in April 2020. With the cancellation of several USDGC qualifiers and world championship events, organizers saw an opportunity to showcase America's top female players.
"We wanted to bring the event back, not just as a nod to its history but also as a way to provide a much-needed boost for our sport during these difficult times," said Jonathan Poole, USDGC and WNC Event Director. "We're excited to have this chance to put women's disc golf in the spotlight."
The return of the Women's National Championship has sparked enthusiasm among top players, including Madison Walker, who was consulted about the event. Walker lobbied for the tournament name to be changed to honor Kristin Tattar, the 2019 United States Women's Champion from Estonia.
While it remains uncertain whether Tattar will be able to attend due to COVID-related travel restrictions, Poole and his team are committed to ensuring that all participants have a voice in shaping the event. "We want to hear from our top players and make any necessary adjustments to create an exceptional experience for everyone involved," he said.
Details on registration and course updates will be announced shortly. As the disc golf community comes together to celebrate this momentous occasion, one thing is clear: the Women's National Championship is back, and it's ready to shine a light on women's excellence in disc golf.
This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/womens-national-championship-returns-2020-major