Average Disc Golf For average players, by average players…
The 2015 PDGA Professional World Championship is only a week away! Learn more about the courses and the contenders in this years tournament with Average Disc Golf’s Worlds Preview.
The Courses
Competitors will be playing 4 courses this year in the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania area. Knob Hill Park in Wexford, Deer Lakes Park in Tarentum, Moraine Lakeview in Portersville and Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock.
Knob Hill Park
The course is true to its name, with striking downhill shots and huff n’ puff approaches to some fast greens. Many long, open and grassy fairways, a water hazard, and plenty of hardwoods force accurate throws.
Deer Lakes Park
There are 9 par threes, 6 par fours, and 3 par fives on this par 66 course. There are downhill shots, uphill shots, an 800 foot par 5 in a pipeline, tunnel shots in the woods, and wide open field shots for those who like to throw big. This course has everything, including #15, the only water hole in Pittsburgh.
Moraine Lakeview
The Lakeview course is a par-66 championship level course, with two par 5s, eight par 4s, and eight challenging par 3s.it is moderately wooded and has some elevation changes.
Slippery Rock University
The course features many wide open holes around Slippery Rock University’s campus and athletic fields. The Par 65 layout is very hilly and somewhat wooded. Holes 1,4,6, and 18 all require throwing over water. Hole 4 includes a roughly 550 foot shot over water the entire way to reach the pin for a chance at an eagle.
The Contenders
There will be the best of the best in Pittsburgh for the 2015 Worlds. Based on previous performances and their season so far, here is who we think can compete for the World Title this year.
Paul McBeth
Of course McBeast is on the list and at the top. Until someone steps up to beat the Champ, he is obviously heavily favored.
Ricky Wysocki
SockiBomb always competes and gives a great performance at Worlds. He took McBeth to a Sudden Death Playoff last year and we expect him to be near the top and hold the lead for some period of time during the tournament.
Will Schusterick
He has played well as of late and if he can get his putter to cooperate he can definitely compete for his 1st World title.
Nate Doss
You don’t win 3 World Titles and not make our list of contenders. Period. His putting will need to be on for him to make a run.
Gregg Barsby
Man we love Gregg Barsby and we love his game! Barsby is on the verge of a major victory but we’re waiting for him to close the deal when the pressure is on and he is coming down the stretch.
Catrina Allen
To be the Champ, you have to beat the Champ. Catrina is off of 2 dominating victories in Europe and has a ton of momentum heading into Worlds.
Paige Pierce
Two time World Champ will be at the top or near it for the entire tournament. Pierce has to be considered a favorite going into the tournament.
Valarie Jenkins
Another multiple World title holder easily makes our list of contenders. Val will also need her putting to be on point.
Sarah Hokom
It wasn’t too long ago that Sarah Hokom took down the best players to claim her very own World Title. Keep an out for Hokom throughout the tournament.
Darkhorse Favorites
Although these players are well known and in many cases con be considered a Contender, we placed them in our Darkhorse category and we surely hope they prove us wrong.
Nikko Locastro – Nikko has the physical game but does he have the mental game to bring it all together for the win.
Nate Sexton – Touring with McBeth has proved to helpful for Sexton who has really played well. Can he bring consistent play to the tournament and get near the leader-board?
Dave Feldberg – Feldberg is obviously well known as a World Champion and even more now after his Maple Hill Open Ace. he can always sneak into contention.
Simon Lizotte – Can Lizotte keep the showmanship in check and play with the consistency that usually proves to be crucial in a long tournament like Worlds?
Jeremy Koling – Koling has been near the top all season, even winning The Memorial this year. Putting and mental game will be crucial for Koling all week.
So, there you have it! Our 2015 World Preview. We do know that it will be an exciting week of disc golf and we have all the coverage available right here at Average Disc Golf!
