Will Heimburg Finally Seize the DGPT Championship? Top Storylines Headed into the 2023 DGPT Championship

Article written by: Michelle Springett – DGPT Communications Coordinator

The Disc Golf Pro Tour Championship has finally arrived, and the disc golf community’s excitement is nearing its peak. The 2023 DGPT Championship is this weekend, October 12th – 15th, and this year promises a mix of dramatic storylines, seasoned champions, and emerging talents. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newer fan of the tour, the Matt Keatts Memorial disc golf course at Nevin Park course in Charlotte, NC, will be the epicenter of disc golf’s most electrifying end of season moments and you won’t want to miss out. Let’s delve into what fans can look forward to.

A New Layout and a New Format

• The FPO category will now host 20 players, an increase of four, while the MPO will continue to feature the top 32 based on DGPT standings.
• The earlier play-in event for lower slots is no longer part of the format.
• Players who’ve secured a win in any 2023 PDGA Pro Major, DGPT Elite, Elite+, or Playoff but haven’t qualified automatically will be given the opportunity to take the spot of the lowest seed in their category.
  

Championship Structure

The Championship now comprises two segments: the semifinal and the final, with two rounds in each. In the semifinals, players are awarded starting strokes based on their DGPT points ranking. After the semifinals, the leading twelve men and eight women will move on to the finals where scores will be reset for two more rounds of standard stroke play.

Review our recent press release for details about the DGPT 2023 Points System. This prestigious championship promises fierce rivalry, spotlighting the unparalleled prowess of the contenders. Given its significance in the disc golf calendar, the DGPT Championship is an event not to be missed.

A Newly Designed Nevin Park Layout

Nevin Park has significantly enhanced its spectator experience for the 2023 Disc Golf Pro Tour Championship! The park has doubled its viewing space to 5,000 linear feet, added 3.5 acres for spectators, improved sightlines by clearing brush and enlarging tee areas, and introduced new pathways between holes. Several holes, including 3, 5, 6, 10, and 17, have seen specific improvements to access and views. Furthermore, the park prioritized accessibility by clearing areas, transforming holes, and introducing new access routes. Unique additions, like a ghost fairway and five new spectator bridges, promise a dynamic viewing experience. Fans are encouraged to secure tickets for this unparalleled championship experience at Nevin Park. Continue reading more about the spectator improvements…

MPO Top Storylines: Players to Watch this Week

1. Calvin Heimburg’s Stellar Season: As the world’s #1, Heimburg’s stats speak for themselves. He is undeniably a top contender with the first DGPT points title that isn’t going to McBeth or Wysocki. However, can he add a DGPT Championship to his impressive resume?

2. Isaac Robinson’s Redemption Quest: Having lost in the playoff to Ricky Wysocki last season, Isaac has been on a redemption path. Not only did he clinch his first Worlds title, but he also became the first MPO player with multiple Majors in one season since Paul McBeth in 2019. Will the DGPT Championship be another feather in his cap, for this season?

3. Gannon Buhr’s Moment: Gannon has showcased his prowess with the most elite/major wins. Last year’s near-miss makes him a dangerous competitor. Missing the playoff by a single stroke last year, Gannon will aim to be at the top spot this time around.

4. Eagle McMahon’s Elusive TC Dream: Despite his absence from the DGPT Championship since 2020, Eagle is a force to be reckoned with. Can he make it to the final round this year?

5. Wysocki’s Bid for a Third Title: Ricky knows the DGPT Championship’s highs and lows as a two-time winner. Ricky, alongside Chris Dickerson, are the only two competitors to have achieved two wins at the DGPT Championship. Will this season bring a third title?

6. New Kids on the Block: Cole Redalen, Ezra Robinson, James Proctor, and Parker Welck are making their DGPT Championship debut. Having them around brings in new and unexpected energy.

7. James Conrad’s Legacy: His consistency and skill are unparalleled, as he remains the only MPO player to participate in every DGPT Championship thus far.

FPO Top Storylines: An Evolving Field

1. Kristin Tattar’s Phenomenal Dominance: Tattar has been the season’s sensation, with a record-setting nine Elite/Major wins and an unprecedented staggering $107,247 in PDGA earnings. If Tattar takes the win this weekend, she will be the first FPO back-to-back DGPT Championship winner, plus with $40,000 her season earnings would be just under $150,000.

2. Paige Pierce’s Notable Absence: Fans and competitors will miss Paige Pierce, a five-time World Champion, who is out with an ankle injury. However, her absence allows other players to step up and shine.

3. Catrina Allen’s Quest for a Third: Allen has won the DGPT Championship twice (in 2016 and 2019) and has participated in every event since its inception. Despite a recent dip in form, she aims to return to the top.

4. Hailey King’s Championship Pedigree: The 2020 champion and a consistent performer, King is one of the top contenders to watch. King is one of the top contenders with four DGPT Championship appearances, and with a recent win at the 2023 MVP Open, the momentum seems to be in her favor this weekend.

5. New to the DGPT Championship and Ready to Shine: Macie Velediaz, Ali Smith, Jennifer Allen, Stacie Rawnsley, and Lykke Lorentzen will be eager to make a mark in their first DGPT Championship. Fresh faces bring unpredictability, leading to potential upsets.

6. The Nevin Challenge: With its challenging layout and a course record waiting to be shattered, the Nevin course promises to test the best. With a course record of 61 (-5) set by Valerie Mandujano in the Quarter Finals of the 2022 Championship, it will be interesting to see if any player can beat this in 2023 on a newley designed track.

7. Historical Reflection: The competition in the FPO division is getting more intense. With Kristin’s achievement of tying with Paige’s 2019 record and Catrina’s 2016 record for Elite/Major wins in a season, we may see more records being broken. Moreover, the increase in the number of competitors from 16 in 2022 to 20 in 2023 highlights the growth and depth of the FPO division.
   

The Disc Golf Pro Tour Championship of 2023 is not just an ordinary tournament; it’s a culmination of passion, skill, dedication, and inspiring stories that resonate with every disc golf enthusiast. The stage is set, and as the narratives unfold, fans worldwide will be glued to their screens. The championship promises high-octane action, and the only question that remains is: Are you ready to witness it all? Secure your spectator tickets today to avoid missing out!

Can’t attend in person? Tune into the Disc Golf Network for LIVE action. Monthly subscriptions are available at $12.99. Currently, DGN offers a 30% discount on an annual subscriptions, and PDGA members enjoy a 50% discount on monthly plans!