(This is the third of a series coming to PDGA.com to get to know the tournament directors of the PDGA Elite Series and beyond.)

Tournament directors are often the unsung heroes of disc golf competition. They spend their time preparing and hosting disc golf tournaments all over the world.

Get to know Steven Storrie, PDGA No. 44083, the tournament director for the Disc Golf Pro Tour - 27th Annual Texas State Disc Golf Championship presented by Latitude 64, course director for the Dynamic Discs Open and the 2018 PDGA Tournament Director of the Year.

PDGA: How were you introduced to disc golf?

SS: I was introduced to the sport around 2009. Some old friends took me out one day and I had a blast. Soon after, my ambition to play in tournaments and becoming more involved with the local disc golf scene outweighed any other hobby.

Tell us about the first event that you organized. What made you want to serve as a tournament director? What did you learn?

I think the first event I organized was in December of 2013. It was called the Hyzer Olympics in Carrollton, TX. We only had 49 players attend but it was still a great experience. I think what made me want to be a tournament director was the exposure to more courses, competitors, and wanting to learn everything there was about the world of disc golf at the time. My full time job with disc golf (Dynamic Discs) began in 2012. I knew I wanted to engulf myself in every aspect of the sport. I learned a lot about repeat questions, out of bounds rulings, and day-of signups. Oh yeah, one more thing, don't do it alone.

What is the top priority for a TD? What is your top goal as a TD?

I would have to say the top priority for me is the competition itself. This ranges from the course being marked properly, accurate course rules, correct footage and par, more than enough water on the course for players, and being on time. I would say my top goal is to make sure the competition is fluid from start to finish with respectable payout and value as well.

What is one piece of advice for someone that is hosting their first event?

Read the rules of disc golf and the competition manual multiple times. Use the resources the PDGA has made available.

What is one thing that TDs often overlook?

Restroom access and enough water on the course for competitors.

Tell us about the history of the Texas State Disc Golf Championship. How has it grown over the years?

The Texas State Disc Golf Championship was officially established in 1996. Traditionally it has been held in the Houston, TX area. It has been held in Tyler, TX three years consecutively, '20-'22.

What makes the Texas State Disc Golf Championship unique?
Based on the number of competitors, it is currently the largest disc golf tournament in the state of Texas. The Texas-size belt buckle trophies are pretty cool as well!

What is your favorite hole on The Thorn?

Either hole 8 or hole 17

What can fans expect from the 2022 Texas State Disc Golf Championship?

The Thorn is mentally and physically challenging from start to finish. As opposed to the 2021 Texas States event held on the Dogwood course, the Thorn is longer with ample amounts of elevation change. If the Texas wind kicks up enough dust, only the toughest will survive! (Country Texas Accent)