2007 Bowling Green Amateur Championships
Over 700 PDGA members converged on Kentucky the last weekend in March with the goal of becoming a 2007 Bowling Green Amateur Champion. Although only 10 champions were crowned, every participant can boast that he or she was a part of disc golf history. Larry Bledsoe and the Bowling Green Disc Golf Club hosted the most amateur players (719 golfers) ever at a PDGA event.
The JumboToss - Event participants throw a shot from around a basket for prizes and fame
Eight courses were played simultaneously this year, which meant that resources and volunteers were critical in this daunting task. However, the record turnout did not fluster experienced tournament director, Larry Bledsoe. On Sunday, I asked him what he expects in the future and he replied, “We can’t get much bigger in terms of players, but we will continue to work on the little things to help make the event run smoother.”
Besides the shear number of people, there were a few other components that made this weekend memorable. Starting on Thursday and continuing on Friday, random draw and bring your own partner doubles events were offered at various courses. On Friday, there was a distance competition and a radar gun so competitors could see how fast they threw. Saturday night was reserved for the players' party, which included a free BBQ dinner and flymart. Vendors showed off the latest discs and gear while the Ernie Small Blues Band performed. Everyone had a blast!
Disc Golf TV's Alan Hansen-Begg chats with Advanced Men's champion Stephen Whitson
After a long weekend of fun and great golf, we crowned the winners on Sunday evening. Congratulations go out to this year's crop of champions: Stephen Whitson (Adv Men), Jenny Garland (Adv Women), Dana Lanahan (Adv Masters), Karen Farrell (Adv Master Women), Steven Phelps (Adv Grandmasters), Richard Tuttle (Adv Senior Grandmasters), Calvin Kinsella (Int Men), Nicole Douglas (Int Women), Zackary Hancock (Junior 16 & under), and Michael Dempsey (Junior 13 & under).
The Bowling Green disc golf experience is one of the greatest in the country. Dedicated tournament directors, unique courses, and warm weather all make this an awesome spring event on the PDGA tour. Will next year be even bigger? Do not miss out an opportunity to possibly break the attendance record in 2008!
Tournament Coverage from Bowling Green Daily News (external link)
Stay tuned for news as the professionals travel to Bowling Green in search of a National Tour Title this weekend (April 14-16). Visit PDGATour.com for more information!