With the 2013 National Tour Elite Series presented by Vibram coming to a close, there is no better place to crown our final champions of the year than at the illustrious Maple Hill course in Leicester, Massachusetts.  The Vibram Open has always been a player favorite since it was introduced to the National Tour in 2008.  Perhaps it is due to the fact that the course at Maple Hill Farm is one of the game’s most challenging, fair, and well-manicured tracks around the country.  Or maybe it has to do with the countless side events that are prepared by Steve Dodge and his amazing tournament staff.  Or, quite possibly it is the excitement of seeing another tour season come to a close with the crowning of two new National Tour champions.  Any way you look at it, the Vibram Open is sure to capture the excitement and intensity of another dramatic season and produce some amazing disc golf action.

The event kicks off this Wednesday with the five spots play-in, a tradition at this invitation-only event.  Players who missed their opportunity to grab an invite throughout the year are testing their merit as they compete for the final five spots in the tournament.  The rules are simple: have one of the five lowest scores of the day on the Maple Hill course, get a spot in the tournament.  Next up is the ever-popular “Media Day”, where fans can mingle with the players at the PDGA National Tour clinic and the “Meet the Pros” sessions, then compete at the Vibram Open Skills Challenge, where the world’s top players will face off against some uppity newcomers and some New England local heroes for prizes and bragging rights.  The evening closes with a player’s meeting for the competitors followed by a player party so some last minute steam can be blown off before the competition heats up throughout the course of the weekend. 

As the tournament commences, competitors will be treated to an outstanding venue, intense competition and the fun, festive atmosphere that makes the Vibram Open such a unique event.  After tournament rounds end, the party is just beginning each night, as side games include putting contests, ice cream socials, table tennis tournaments, pie eating contests, and…well, you get the point.  Included in the festivities is the presentation of the “Big Dog” Award, an honor named after the PDGA’s own Andrew Sweeton.  The award is presented to the person who plays with integrity and most embodies the spirit of the game.

Last year’s winners were of the Vibram Open were Cale Leiviska and Catrina Allen, who is also making a serious push at becoming the 2013 National Tour Champion.  Will Cale and Catrina repeat, or will another fierce competitor from this star-studded field take home the title as this year’s Vibram Open Champion?  This isn’t a tournament to be missed, and you don’t have to, as all the action is being brought to you live on discgolfplanet.tv.  Also, be sure to check in throughout the weekend on PDGA.com to see live scoring, photos, and results of all the action.  Enjoy the show!