Photo By: Chad Corduroy LeFevre

Looks like Paul McBeth #27523  has picked up right where he left off when he broke the Winthrop Gold course record with a 52 (-15) in the final round of the 2013 USDGC. McBeth nearly equaled that score on Wednesday during the first round of the 2014 United States Disc Golf Championship, shooting a stunning 53 (-14) that gave him the lead.

Others with a hot start included Patrick Brown #25713 (-10), 2009 USDGC Champ Nikko Locastro #11534 and Nate Sexton #18824 at -8, and six others at -7. Last year, after three days of un-McBeast-like rounds, McBeth shifted from a cautious game plan to an assault on Winthrop’s pins for the final round.

“I took that strategy into this year. It only took me five years to learn that,” the 3-time World Champ said with a smile.

Brown, who made the trip all the way from San Francisco, said his Wednesday round was the first time he’s constructed a complete round in the three USDGC’s he’s attended.

Defending champ Steve Brinster #10628 had a good round going until Hole 17, when he carded a devastating 11. He ended up shooting even for the day and is currently tied for 37th place.

Tied at 5th, 2008 USDGC Champ Nate Doss #11794 described his -7 as a solid start that gives him plenty of room for improvement. A favorite to go far, Richard Wysocki #38008 of nearby Ft. Mill, SC is in the same boat after carding a -5.

Five-time USDGC Champ Ken Climo #4297 sits tied for 25th after submitting a -2. Climo said he comes to every tournament to win, but after a disappointing Wednesday he might scale back his goal to top ten. Still, anything can happen, he said.

“I could shoot three fourteen-under’s and I would be good to go,” said Climo.

Round 2 starts tomorrow at 8:40am EDT with the lead card teeing off at 11:20am. DiscGolfPlanet.TV will be there bringing you live streaming video of the lead card and USDGCLive.com will have the scores up and running as well with updates after the players finish holes 6, 12, and 18.

The DiscGolfPlanet.TV video from Round 1 is embedded below but make sure to check out McFlySoHigh and The Disc Golf Guy on YouTube for even more video coverage. One round down, three to go!