It's been a long and trying week at the 2023 PDGA Amateur and Junior Disc Golf World Championships.
More than 800 players were tested in a number of ways: Mother Nature, the courses and the strong competition that traveled to the Peoria, Illinois area from around the world.
Things heated up in the chase for a PDGA World title on Friday at the 2023 PDGA Amateur and Junior Disc Golf World Championships.
And, yes, Mother Nature played a factor as storms forced a tournament-wide weather delay. At this point, the 800-plus player field is used to it and continues to battle through.
Poor air quality from wildfires forced suspensions on Tuesday and a full cancellation of Wednesday's rounds. The Air Quality Index improved, but the weather's second punch included heavy lightning, wind and rain on Thursday, forcing even more suspensions.
(Latest update as of 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 28)
After reviewing the most recent data regarding the air quality in the Peoria, Illinois area, the PDGA and tournament staff have made the difficult decision to suspend play on Wednesday for the day, resulting in changes to the schedule for the rest of the week.
This is a decision that did not come lightly, and one made with the safety of all competitors in mind.
They've battled and endured weather, fierce competition and some of the toughest courses that central Illinois has to offer.
Now it's time for the final push at the 2022 PDGA Masters and Junior Disc Golf World Championship.
Competitors will hit the course Saturday morning for the semifinal rounds after Friday's cut. From there the top four from most of the divisions will descend on Northwood Park for one last challenge: the final nine.
There are tight battles everywhere, both at the top of the leaderboard as well as near the cut for the finals to see who will get nine more holes in Peoria and who will push for a podium finish at a World Championship.
Victoria Eriacho-Paul tees off to start 2022 Junior Worlds. Photo: Justin Anderson / PDGA
The phrase ‘it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon’ doesn’t apply anymore when a PDGA World Championship is on the line.
On Wednesday, the 287-player field at the 2022 PDGA Junior Disc Golf World Championships raced out the gates in the Peoria, Illinois area, kicking off a week of disc golf with a competitive opening day.
Some of the 10-division field played two rounds to start their championship and the others will see that schedule on Thursday. The courses were tough, like the Junior 18’s trek through Wildlife and Sunset Hills.
PDGA Junior Worlds offers a fun and fierce competition every year. Photo: PDGA Media
The list of PDGA Junior Disc Golf World Championship alumni is loaded with names you will very easily recognize.
PDGA Pro World Champions and PDGA Major winners like Nate Sexton, Paige Shue, Paul McBeth, Kona Panis and Valarie Jenkins all competed at the Junior Worlds level before rising in the disc golf ranks.
It's a trend that has continued as recent Junior World Champions, like Gannon Buhr, have shown their ready to compete at the elite level.
