MORTON, Ill. – The best disc golfers in the world are competing for a prestigious title in Morton this weekend.
From Thursday through Sunday, the Professional Disc Golf Association’s Champions Cup is taking place at Northwood Park.
The tournament was originally located in Georgia, but shifted to central Illinois after pine beetles had destroyed trees on the course.
PDGA Director of Marketing Danny Voss says being able to have Northwood Park, Morton, and the Peoria-area, is a great asset when needed.
“It has deep roots and those roots also spread wide, and there’s just lots to offer from this area to disc golf and to the PDGA. And we’re thankful that we have this type of resource in our back pocket to make this event happen,” Voss said.
Voss cited Northwood’s usage each year for the Ledgestone Open as a course and location that can be relied on. He also says world championships that have been held in Morton and central Illinois in the past two years as a sign of reliability and stability.
Tournament Director Nate Heinold says the Champions Cup will be a little different from what people are used to from the Ledgestone Open. He says there are less side events surrounding the tournament, with a greater focus on the players and the competition.
Nearly 150 competitors will compete in the mixed pro open and female pro open divisions this weekend. One of those competitors is Drew Gibson of San Tan Valley, Ariz., who is hoping to have a good performance this weekend.
“Obviously winning would be very successful. But at this point, coming back from injury, I would love to get a top-10, top-15 finish and get my season going from here,” Gibson said.
Gibson says he changed up his game plan for the weekend after the change in courses, saying Northwood is a more demanding course.
Fans from near and far are in Morton for the event. Blake Alexander, who says he’s from the Peoria area, says he’s looking forward to seeing the different types of shots, and watching his favorite pro, Calvin Heimburg.
Lalf Logov was one of six fans from Estonia who arrived in Morton after a flight from Chicago Thursday morning, and says he’s enjoying the weather.
“In our country, it’s snow for the moment. So, at least for the moment, we’re enjoying the weather. And good disc golf, of course,” Logov said.
Logov says his group traveled to cheer on the top-rated female player in the world and national hero, Kristin Tattar. He says the group will stay in the country after the tournament to attend tournaments in Kansas and Las Vegas.
Tickets for all four days of the tournament are available, and Voss expects a few thousand spectators to show up at Northwood, depending on the weather.
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