Written by Matt Lisac, Parked Pro

Bearberry, AB - Considered one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country, Falcon’s Flight entered its 15th iteration with unseasonably warm weather and a full campground of eager contenders ready to tackle an updated set of Aspen Meadows courses. Located an hour west of Calgary, Bearberry, Alberta’s population nearly doubles during this annual Labour Day weekend event as players arrive from all over the country to enjoy late-summer disc golf and a festival atmosphere on a property built out by long time PDGA rep Ron “Rudy” Falconer. 

Bailey Inglis PDGA #210859

After Rudy’s passing in 2022, the work of running Falcon’s Flight and maintaining/improving the East and West courses was taken up by a team of the most experienced TD’s in Western Canada, alongside the largest volunteer group seen at any event in the country. And this community spirit extends to the hundreds of players that show up, many of whom stay on site in the central camping location between the two courses, meaning that no matter where you are, you’re surrounded by friends, family and competitors. Food trucks are on site, and nights are spent under a star and aurora-filled sky, as glow rounds are followed by fireside s’mores.

But a victory at this A-Tier event is also a coveted spot on every professional’s resumé, and the emotions on the course run to a crescendo as the weekend goes on. 

In FPO, Saskatchewan’s Bailey Inglis, who only played her first professional event in 2023, rose to the top of the field in round 1, ahead of last year’s winner Gabby Lee and Teri Hong. Inglis, who won her first A-Tier in 2023 didn’t show any signs of nerves or trepidation against these seasoned competitors, and extended her lead in round 2 on the longer, more open West course. In round 3, the returning champion Lee piled on the pressure, going from 3rd place to only two strokes back going into the penultimate hole, but suffered an tragic roll into OB, all but sealing the victory for Inglis. Inglis converted her second A-Tier victory in style, collecting a birdie on the iconic triple-mando 18th hole. Inglis will be a name to watch as the level of FPO talent in Canada continues to grow rapidly.

On the MPO side, the youth movement continues to be in full effect. Jackson Pease, Noah Higgins, and PDGA Rookie of the Year leader Luke Levesque (all 21 or younger) spent time in the lead of this tournament that rewards experience and precision more than raw power. But in round 2, reigning Canadian Disc Golf Tour champion Casey Hanemayer reminded the field why he’s a 3-time winner at this event turning a 4 stroke deficit into a 1 shot lead going into the final round. Pushed to the end by Erik Hjorth-Olsen and the 17 year-old Levesque, Hanemayer was the only player to go under par in the final 5 holes, and had his name engraved for a 4th time on the unique Falcon’s Flight trophy.

Luke Levesque, PDGA #201383

“The 15th Falcon’s Flight was better than ever. Rudy’s presence is still felt at every corner of the property, and the team of volunteers had both courses running smoothly all weekend. Congrats to Casey and Bailey for their big wins, and if you’ve never been out here, we want to see in you 2025.”   -TD Don Annettt 

"What can you say about Falcon’s Flight that hasn’t already been said? This is a world-class experience every year. It’s run with love, effort, and attention to detail." - Andre Lodder, CEO Parked Pro Media

This year’s event once again featured a long-drive contest (Ben Loggains and Teri Hong were your winners) and a specially-designed putting course, and wildlife sightings that included an early-morning moose.

The full standings of the CDGT can be found at CDGT.ca

Players can earn CDGT points at all Canadian A-tier and B-tier events.

***

PDGA Canada re-invests Canadian player fees back into the sport in Canada, assisting tournaments, training events, course construction, media like the CDGT, and more. Their support makes Falcon’s Flight and Canadian Disc Golf Tour possible. The CDGT is an exciting new opportunity for players to compete at a high level and showcase their skills on a national stage, in a way that has never been available for players in Canada looking to make the jump to global professional competition. From providing structure, support and sanctioning for tournaments, to helping aspiring professionals reach their athletic dreams, PDGA Canada has been instrumental in bringing Disc Golf into the mainstream in Canada as both a sport and a competitive hobby.

*******
 

Media Contact:

Andre Lodder

CEO - Parked Pro Media Inc.

(250) 308-4558

[email protected]

Additional Resources:

www.cdgt.ca

www.parkedpro.com

youtube.com/@parkedpro