Young Guns Take Center Stage at Red Mountain Open

The sun-kissed terrain of Red Mountain in Mesa, Arizona played host to the inaugural event of the 2026 Zanfel Premier Tour, a partnership between the National Amateur Disc Golf Tour (NADGT) and the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA). As the winter blues gripped much of the country, the desert landscape provided a picturesque backdrop for the competition.

Local TDs Todd and Anissa Quigg brought their expertise to the event, ensuring that players from far and wide had an unforgettable experience. The tournament saw participants from FJ15 to MA70 take part in the North and South courses over three rounds, with some remarkable performances emerging.

In the MA1 division, Chubby Killough proved himself a force to be reckoned with, securing a well-deserved victory. With a 1014-event rating, he consistently delivered birdie or better scores throughout the competition, showcasing his mastery of the game. When asked about his experience, Chubby attributed it to his positive mental state and excellent shot selection, crediting his sponsor Disc Golf HQ for their ongoing support.

Mike Hughes, who caddied for Chubby, was effusive in his praise, highlighting the young player's exceptional skills. "Today I witnessed greatness... Chubby is an incredibly talented kid with a rating of 964," he said on Facebook. "He's a putting machine and has the potential to achieve great things."

Meanwhile, Travis Glover seized his first-ever tournament win in the MA4 division, posting an impressive 856-event rating throughout the competition. Despite feeling some pressure from being at the top of the leaderboard, Travis remained focused, crediting his wife for her unwavering support.

The NADGT's commitment to providing amateur disc golfers with a taste of competitive action was evident in the event's format and atmosphere. The organization aims to bring A-Tier experience to players across the country, hosting 18 events this year. These tournaments not only offer a chance to win prizes but also provide opportunities for participants to qualify for the 2026 National Amateur Disc Golf Championships (NADGC) in Austin.

For just $99, players can enjoy exclusive player packs, including custom polo shirts, hats, and other goodies. Furthermore, winners of divisions with 25 or more participants will receive a paid entry into the NADGC, further incentivizing competition.

As the season unfolds, fans will have the chance to witness top amateur players transitioning to the professional circuit. The NADGT has already begun providing partial tour cards for select finishers from the 2025 NADGC, allowing them to choose from six DGPT events. This initiative aims to introduce talented amateurs to the world of professional disc golf, creating a more inclusive and competitive landscape.

The National Amateur Disc Golf Tour looks forward to bringing excitement and opportunities to players across the country throughout 2026.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/2026-nadgt-zanfel-premier-tour