Catrina Allen smiles after finishing a three-shot victory at Winthrop. Photo: Justin Anderson / PDGA Media
Cat the Closer
The scenario was a familiar one – Catrina Allen trying to hold off a World Champion, protecting a lead and playing safe golf, waiting for her charging opponent to be a little too aggressive and make a mistake.
But this was not a classic Cat-Paige battle. This time, the World Champion in question was Kristin Tattar, who – like the 5x World Champion has done in the past – has utterly dominated the Pro Tour this year.
After all, Allen finished 11 shots off her pace from Friday, and Kristin Tattar – the most dominant force in the FPO field all year -- raced up the leaderboard.
Catrina Allen has thrown back-to-back 1000+ rated rounds at the 2022 Throw Pink Women's Disc Golf Championship. Photo: Justin Anderson / PDGA Media
Embarrassment of Riches
When asked if she thought double digits was possible following her 6-under opening round, Catrina Allen, the 2-time PDGA World Champion and 7-time Major winner said she didn’t know.
It turns out that, not only was it possible for her, but two other women – Ohn Scoggins and Henna Blomroos reached the mark as well during Friday’s round 2 of the 2022 Throw Pink Women’s Disc Golf Championship.
The difference maker for Allen – a near flawless day with the putter, going 100% from C1X and two of four from C2.
Missy Gannon looks to repeat her late season success at the 2022 Throw Pink Women's Disc Golf Championship. Photo: Justin Anderson / PDGA Media
Just call her Missy October.
In 2021, Missy Gannon dominated the late season, capping off her year with wins at the Throw Pink Women’s Disc Golf Championship as well as taking home a record-setting $20k payday with a win at the Pro Tour Championships.
It’s now a year later and Missy Gannon finds herself in familiar territory: back at Winthrop and holding on to a lead after a 1014-rated (unofficial) 7-under opening round.
Just twelve players have won a coveted United States Disc Golf Championship title in the 23 years that the PDGA Major has been running at Winthrop University.
That's it.
Beginning Thursday and running through Sunday — one of the many changes this year — the dramatic 2022 season begins to wind down as we wait to see if there will be a repeat winner or a new PDGA Major champion crowned in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
The Winthrop Arena has a long history of testing the best of the best — those who earned their spot throughout the season — while delivering dramatic and passionate finishes as well as heartbreak.
