Paul McBeth roars after hitting the winning putt at Winthrop. Photo: Conrad Meyer / PDGA
Paul McBeth remembered the spot, literally and figuratively.
It came down to a playoff with a PDGA Major title on the line. He had been there before, earlier this year at PDGA Pro Worlds and earlier in his career at Winthrop.
“There used to be a log right there and I missed the putt from there,” McBeth said of his 2014 playoff in Rock Hill. “It was a good spot to make that one.”
Chris Dickerson, the 2020 USDGC champion, leads by three strokes. Photo: Conrad Meyer / PDGA
There are no easy shots coming down the stretch in Rock Hill, both on the course at Winthrop and as the United States Disc Golf Championship hits the midway point of competition.
Both of those instances are when the already-high pressure amps up even more.
“There are no easy shots coming down the stretch with the wind, the slopes and fast greens,” Ricky Wysocki told the Disc Golf Network’s Terry Miller. “You have to focus on every shot until the road is completely finished.”
A little out of position, the 2018 PDGA World Champion made the decision to err on the side of caution on the approach and was left with a 65-foot look at birdie.
He cashed it.
Gregg Barsby lines up a shot during the first round of the USDGC. Photo: Kevin Huver / PDGA
2019 USDGC Champion James Conrad will be on Wednesday's feature card on the Disc Golf Network.
It takes every shot — hyzers, straight shots, turnovers, you name it — to navigate the Winthrop Arena.
But it doesn't just demand a complete repertoire, it demands precision.
"Winthrop, more than any other course, challenges you to stay in bounds, to throw accurate shots," 2020 USDGC Champion Chris Dickerson said. "All of those shots need to be in bounds."
It also adds an added amount of pressure as one the longest-running and prestigious stops on the disc golf tour as the final PDGA Major of the year.
Chris Dickerson is the defending United States Disc Golf Champion. Photo: Alyssa Van Lanen / PDGA
This season has proven that — week-in and week-out — anything can happen on the PDGA Elite Series.
That sets up for what promises to be a thrilling week at one of disc golf's most revered locations.
The final PDGA Major of the year, arguably one of the most prestigious and anticipated events outside of a World Championship, the United States Disc Golf Championship kicks off on Wednesday. The inaugural Throw Pink Women's Disc Golf Championship, like its counterpart, will test the best in the sport on the hallowed grounds of Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Patrick Brown taps out on 18 to win his third U.S. Masters championship. Photo: Kevin Huver / PDGA
After completing a wire-to-wire win, Patrick Brown got a little emotional on the 18th green at Harmony Bends.
All the practice, the patience and the lessons learned boiled over after taking down the title in MP50 at the 2021 PDGA Tim Selinske U.S. Masters Championship.
“It’ll really hit when I called my mom,” Allen said. “I almost dropped out on Monday to be with her. She had a bad surgery and a rough go, but she told me to come play and there was a reason I was supposed to be here. So, it’s special in many ways.”
As a disc golf coach in central Ohio, Schick, a 30-plus-year veteran of the sport, is teaching the game to new players week-in and week-out.
“The sport is just exploding right now – everywhere,” Schick said. “I teach lessons three nights a week and I don’t know any of these players that are looking to learn the game. Before, it was word of mouth from people in our club or area, but now it’s just all brand-new people who are hooked and want to improve.”
Hosfeld and Rainey are tied at the top at 14-under par. Bill Rohe is one stroke back. LaRon Harris is four out of the lead with 18 holes to play in Columbia, Missouri.
Ohn Scoggins putts during round two of the U.S. Masters. Photo: Conrad Meyer / PDGA
Ohn Scoggins suffered an injury setback early in the round, but she powered through and her competitors, who are vying for a PDGA Major title like her, were there to help each step of the way.
Literally.
“It was painful, but there’s nothing I can do but play through it,” said Scoggins, who maintained her one-stroke lead in FP40 at the 2021 PDGA Tim Selinske U.S. Masters Championships. “It bothered me so much, sidearm, backhand or just standing there. This is the first time I’ve gone through something like this, so I hope tomorrow is better.”
