This past Saturday a maxed out field of 90 players took part in the 3rd consecutive Dragon Ridge tournament in Camdenton Missouri. It has been a treat partnering with Disc Mania for all three of these years. We appreciate and thank Disc Mania for the custom discs that were stamped up this year. I also want to make sure we thank Larry Bennett and the Camdenton Parks and Rec as for allowing us to try and slay the Dragon again this year and for funding this event. Another huge thank you that needs to be given is to both Darren Rucker and Mike Abbott for weed eating for nearly 4 hours a few days before the tournament. This made the course play much better. Thank you to all of you!

The day started off beautiful allowing players to warm up any way they chose. Blue skies and a cool start. Kevin Burns with local radio station 93.5 Rocks the Lake was on site and did an informative interview. This was a very cool added feature. Unfortunately, the radio jinks happened as Kevin had to say this on air, “it looks like you’ll have good weather this year”... as you may have heard the weather was far from good! We appreciate the shout out any way, but whatever you do, don’t cover the weather any more!

The rain moved in half way through the round, making the Dragon even tougher. This course is physically and mentally challenging without any weather. Add rain, and man is it tough! The rain continued through the rest of the 1st round. The 3 hour and 45 minute first round was grueling. The brutal conditions only allowed 8 players in any divisions to finish under par.

The second round was started in the rain. Unfortunately play had to be suspended due to inclement weather as lightening set in. Knowing that the course took over 3 and a half hours to play, and the rules stating that 30 minutes after the last lightening strike after suspended play must be allowed before a restart, we knew there was a chance we wouldn’t get the last round in. 4:20 was the latest we could start and get people in before dark. Thankfully this happened! Everyone was finished before night fall.

The competition was tough and the winning margins were almost all super close! Congrats to all winners and players that cashed. It’s worth noting again, that there were only 8 players that finished under par.

1st place in Open, in a great come back win, was Andrew Presnell holding off both Jake Hebenheimer and Adam Morrison by only one stroke. Andrew shot an impressive -9 for the tournament.

Open women winner Millie Cowgill has only played one other tournament. The Farewell to Jonathan Chambless tournament was a non sanctioned event a few weeks back at Hanna Hills. She was able to take her 1st PDGA win with only a one stroke lead over Brandy Monnahan (+17).

Pro Masters had a great battle. Roger Reyes of St. Louis and I battled to the end. I was able to shoot -1 to snag a small two stroke margin win.

Advanced Men had the tightest battle in the field having to go into a play off to decide the winner. Jon Corristin bested Jon Musick in the play off. Both players shot +5.

Dan Newlin in Am Masters took a commanding lead with his +9 winning by 4 over Scott Reek.

Women’s Am Masters was taken by Mary Abbott by the largest lead in all the divisions. Her +26 was 19 strokes better than second place.

Tom Butler recorded his 50th PDGA win. He was able to thwart off local Brad “the Bud Man” Hilton by 5. Tom shot +11.

The intermediate division was taken down by Dylan Gilltrap’s +5. Only one stroke separated him from both Paul Baker and Brad Walkenhorst.

Ben Neufeld won the Recreational division shooting a +10.

A huge shout out to players that hit aces as well:
Rick Waggoner hit a 400’ blind hole 2 Ace.
Aaron Reinhardt also had a blind ace on the 270’ hole 1.

Thank all of you for coming to this super fun tournament. We hope to see you all again next year as well!