November 8, 2011
Best VPO Ever?

The 21st Annual Veteran's Park Open took place October 15th and 16th for Ams, and November 5th and 6th for Pros.  A total of 138 players enjoyed glorious weather and competed for cash and prizes.  The VPO saw the largest Pro field ever (of 50 players) vie for the $1,075 1st prize.  Nikko Locastro, the world's highest rated disc golfer, took home the 1st place cash and trophy.  After over 200 shots on one of the toughest courses in the world, Locastro beat out Paul Ulibarri by a mere 2 strokes.  Former world champion Eric McCabe and local favorite Nolan Grider rounded out the top 4 in the pro division.

Was this the best VPO ever?  With the combination of a huge pro field, tons of added cash, over $1,800 in ace pot money, perfect weather, over $8,000 in course improvements, world champions in the field, an ace in the oaks party, and free beer... the answer has to be yes!  Did I mention free beer?!  There is nothing like the communal experience of shooting for aces with some of your best friends, dead tired, and drawing sips of complimentary ale!  It is the definition of fun.

The Pro women saw an epic battle with 4 of the best female disc golfers in the world battling for 2 cash places.  World champion and Metroplex resident Paige Pierce finished only 2 strokes back only to be bitterly disappointed to go home without any of the $535 cash prize.  Catrina Allen survived the final 9 and won by a single shot over 2nd place finisher Liz Lopez.  Allen took home $335 and Lopez received $200.  The Woman's division enjoyed $135 in added cash to their division!

One question remains.  Will the Arlington Disc Golf Association get 4 time tournament director Dr. Greg Browning to return for a 5th tour of duty as TD?  Start your lobbying now.  The ADGA has seen growth and stability during his reign as club president.  And we can't forget those who helped the ADGA this past year.  Among the many volunteers were Keith Machen, Skip Maxwell, Brian Lamoreaux, Stacie Clayton, Clayton Wills, Adam Bailey, and Tracy Mowery.

The lowest PDGA number in the field belongs to Grandmaster Bill Burns #581.  The highest number belongs to Will Jenkins at #50,664.  Will joined just before the tournament.  Burns must have joined the PDGA just after the invention of dirt.

The Grandmaster division saw a terrific battle of evenly matched golfers.  Any of the top 5 golfers could have been considered a favorite to win 1st place.  In the end it was Randy Greywolf adding to his collection of 1st place trophies.  His effort outpaced the nearest competitors by 5 strokes enabling him to take home the $460 first place prize.  Glenn Hale showed he is back after hip replacement surgery a few years ago, finishing tied for 2nd with Steve Evans.

The Masters division saw a battle for the ages.  Top masters players Tony Shirley and Phil Arthur battled all tournament long.  Arthur held the lead by 4 strokes going into the final 9 hole playoff, but Shirley still believed he could make up the deficit.  After both players battled like champions in the final 9, Arthur barely took home the trophy, winning by a single throw.  They were the class of the field, beating all other competitors by at least 9 shots.

Every division saw added cash.  The ADGA added over $2,600 to the payout.  The club wants to pass on thanks to the City of Arlington Parks Department and all of their sponsors.  Among those who helped are the entire ADGA membership, Discraft, Innova, The McKinney Disc Golf Association, The Lone Star Lasers Disc Golf Club, Quick Stop, and Maceman.

Winners for the Am weekend were Kelly Frymark (Advanced), Erin Jennings (Advanced Women), Charles Cox III (Advanced Masters), John Young (Advanced Grandmasters), Bret Bauer (Intermediate), Angela Grant (Intermediate Women), Levi Barnard (Recreational), and Stacie Clayton (Recreational Women). 

But in reality all who competed are winners.  Veterans course is one of the toughest challenges a disc golfer will ever face.  And the Sunday layout is legendary for the test of mental fortitude and stamina it presents.  Any golfer who played and finished has plenty to be proud of.  And everyone has plenty of reasons to return next year!