Published: April 11, 2008 10:29 am            

World Disc Golf tournament held in Wimberley

Wimberley — This weekend hundreds of disc golfers will flock to Wimberley for their chance at a world title.

The Amateur World Doubles Championship is an annual event hosted by the Professional Disc Golf Association, and this year it makes a return to the Texas Hill Country.

But this is slightly different than most disc golf tournaments. In a doubles tournament, players bring a partner and test their skills as a team. The rules are similar to playing doubles in traditional golf, and several different scoring formats are used over two full days of competition.

In doubles play, two team members play together for a combined team score that ranks them against other teams in each of the skill and age divisions. The competition will take place April 12-13 at the Circle R Disc Golf Ranch in Wimberley. Circle R is situated on 156 acres and home to two championship courses designed by disc golf hall of famer John Houck.

“This event draws nearly 200 players that come from as far away as Canada to play,” said John Houck, tournament director and course designer. “But it’s also great because the courses are so close to Austin and San Antonio that we see a lot of Texas’ finest disc golfers.”

Most players are highly experienced tournament disc golf players with many years of experience behind them.

“This is the second year I’ve played this tournament,” said Taylor Hess, “It’s a great chance to test your skills against some of the game’s best players.”

After finishing 15th last year, Hess says he hopes to place better in the Advanced division.

All players will play a round of Best Shot, one round of Best Disc, and one round of Alternating Shot. Teams that make the finals will play Best Shot, Best Disc and Worst Shot.

Best Shot, also known as "Scramble," is the most common format for doubles in disc golf. Players always throw from the same lie, picking the shot they prefer each time.

Best Disc, also known as "Best Score," is similar to singles. Both players play their own disc and take the better score on each hole.

In Alternating Shot, players take turns throwing throughout the course. If one player makes the putt, the other player drives on the next hole.

In Worst Shot, players always throw from the same lie and take the worse shot every time. Both players must make their putts.

Visit pdga.com for more information.

        

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