European Masters is Back!
European Masters is Back!
Story and photos from Disc Golf World Tour. Edited by Matt Gregoire.
We’ve reached the 2nd half of July and it’s almost time for the fourth Disc Golf World Tour event of the year and concurrently the fifth PDGA Major Disc Golf Event – the 2016 European Masters. This is the second European Masters, the inaugural European Masters event was held on almost the same dates two years ago. Originally planned to be a “sister event” to the 2016 European Open (EO), which celebrated it’s 10-year anniversary this year, the European Masters is the Swedish equivalent of the prestigious EO. Put together by disc golf promoter extraordinaire Jussi Meresmaa #14600, there are a number of traits from the European Open that you can expect to see at the 2016 European Masters.
A Legendary Venue
The number one thing about all Disc Golf World Tour (DGWT) events are the courses themselves. The legendary Järva DiscGolfPark in Stockholm, Sweden, is the oldest pay-to-play course in Europe and a true international players favourite. This amazing piece of land is fully dedicated to disc golf and thanks to over two decades and countless hours of diligent work put into the designing the different layouts and making sure all obstacles on the course serve a purpose, the Löf brothers have created arguably the best course in Europe, perhaps in the entire world.
Mats (pictured) and Jonas Löf have created one of the best courses in the world in the Swedish capital.
As the Järva DGP slogan says, "this course truly is a challenge and a pleasure that requires skill, commitment, a wide selection of shots, and a great game plan to play your best."
European Professionalism
Another key characteristic of the European Masters and all DGWT events is a strong tournament organization consisting of a group of volunteers paired with Jussi Meresmaa’s highly experienced staff. Players and spectators coming to Järva can expect a highly professional event where all aspects are designed to run as smoothly as possible.
The SpinTV’s cameras will follow the action this week.
Rich Media Content
With experienced staff comes an unrivaled focus on media content. While there will be no live broadcast production from the European Masters, the online audience can expect a mainstream-ready package of The SpinTV's professionally produced tournament coverage videos, daily wrap-up shows from each round, and dozens of live video updates via the DGWT social media outlets.
For those hungry for live coverage, Avery Jenkins #7495 will be on-site once again, taking advantage of Facebook Live to stream parts of each tournament round. For those interested in seeing the true aesthetics of the Järva course, DGWT staff photographer Eino Ansio #39876 will be capturing the event through his set of lenses for the world to enjoy. Eino’s previous work from DGWT events can be seen on the DGWT website.
Full Field of Fine Athletes
Paul McBeth is the defending European Masters champion.
As for the competition itself, you should expect nothing less but another epic race for the title. The European Masters serves not only as the second to last DGWT event of the year, but also as the sole PDGA Major Disc Golf Event in Europe this season. This means that the registration list is packed with many of the most talented names in the sport.
McBeth Defends the Masters Title
Paul McBeth #27523, who’s won two of the three DGWT events played so far this year, is a natural favourite. Paul knows Järva DGP well, as this is his third time taking on the brutal par 63 course. Paul is also the defending champion of the European Masters with his "McBeastly" final round race to take home first place at the 2014 event.
KJ Nybo Knows His Game
KJ Nybo has performed great on the World Tour.
Speaking of knowing the course well, Denmark’s own KJ Nybo #28903 has had his fair share of tournament rounds on the legendary course. KJ, who is known to arrive early to hone in his game plan to perfection has been playing great on all three DGWT events so far and will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with again this week.
Time for Wysocki?
Ricky Wysocki has stepped up his game for this season.
Ricky Wysocki #38008, who’s been on fire all year, almost had the European Open victory in his hands in 2014 before Paul McBeth stormed from behind shooting nine consecutive birdies to eventually win his third European Open in a row. Wysocki is also familiar with the Järva course, and many of the more technical holes suit his sidearm game well. Not seeing this man on the lead card come Saturday would be surprising.
Lizotte Suffering From an Injury
Simon Lizotte #8332, who won the second DGWT in the Czech Republic, injured his knee a couple weeks ago at a Discmania Flying Circus event in Finland. Normally a sure favourite to be in the top spots on tour, Simon confirmed to the DGWT staff on Monday that he will have to pass on this event to make sure he’ll be back for the rest of the season.
Plenty of Talent Behind the Top Favourites
Will Schusterick won in Järva at 2012 Stockholm Disc Golf Open.
Outside the top favourites, there’s still a vast field of talent. Players like Nate Doss #11794, Nikko Locastro #11534, Will Schusterick #29064 and Jeremy Koling #33705 are serious contenders at every tournaments they attend. Nate Sexton #18824, Eagle McMahon #37817 and Zach Melton #38631 are travelling to Stockholm for the first time, but all three can easily find themselves on the very top if they can get their game plan on point for Järva.
Pasi Koivu is ready to challenge the US Pro’s.
One must also not forget the top European contenders the likes of Seppo Paju #36744, Teemu Nissinen #39696, Pasi Koivu #41251, Henrik Johansen #42493 and Dominik Stampfer #35089, who will be happy to challenge the top American pro’s on their side of the Atlantic.
Don’t Miss the Action!
The weather forecast for the Masters week looks great so far.
Like ever so often in Stockholm in July, the weather forecast for the week looks just about perfect and the whole disc golf world is waiting for the exciting week to unfold. Make sure you don’t miss any of the action by following the Disc Golf Pro Tour on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. And make sure you are following the PDGA on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter as well for additional updates, pictures, and videos!
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Derek Robins' Quarry Park, a
Derek Robins' Quarry Park, a pay to play course in Leamington Spa - UK was opened in 1994, still going strong today.