What a weekend!
The Geelong Disc Golf Club was host to the 2009 Australian Disc Golf Championships over the weekend of 24th and 25th of October.
A field of just over 40 players experienced two old course locations that had been re-developed specifically for the weekend, creating new challenges for some of Australia’s best Disc Golfers, and international travellers alike.
The Geelong clubs decision to host this years event was made in attempt to strengthen their bid to acquire a new permanent course within the region, and to promote a greater disc golf awareness amongst in the community. An increased demand for regular events after the event and an overwhelming amount of positive feedback, proves that this years championships have been a huge success for Geelong Club.
Saturday the 24th kicked off the event at the Drysdale Reserve disc golf course. A setting that’s been acclaimed by all that visit, as being one of their favourite course locations in Australia. The key to the success for the Drysdale Courses being the variety of different challenges and hazards the area has to offer. Tight wooded holes, water hazards, extreme elevation changes, and O.B. roping designed specifically for the event, made golfing a real challenge for all competitors.
Players willed their bodies through 36 holes of Disc Golf on day one. Beautiful weather greeted players for Tee off at just after 10am. By this stage it was evident that the suns rays would play a major part in testing the competitors cool throughout the day.
The completion of day one saw Martin Ryland-Adair (NSW) at the top of the leader board, 2 strokes clear of Magnus Peterson, who travelled all the way from Oslo in Norway to compete. Tied for 3rd and 6 strokes off the lead was David Bandy (WA) and Tim Marchbank (QLD) who’s big drives on the back 9 amazed all that witnessed. And finally, a 3 way tie for 4th position at the end of day one. Chris Finn (WA), Leigh Bird (TAS) and Men’s Advanced competitor Cam White (WA), all 8 stokes off the lead.
Sunday the 25th at the beautiful bay side location at Eastern Park presented a change in weather conditions from the previous day. Cooler temperatures, some light rain and a little more wind forced players to change their game to suit throughout the day. A mixture of classic holes and some new challenges at Eastern Park for Day 2 of the championships produced some exciting golf.
One full round of 18 holes would sort out the Men’s Open (MO) division, having to make the Cut (Top Eight) to advance. The top 4 of these 8 players would complete an additional 9 holes to advance into the MO Final 4 playoff. At conclusion of the semi-final rounds, all divisions teed off in their Final 4 groups. With some players retiring early due to injuries, the Mens Advanced, Masters and Recreation divisions all competed with 3 competitors.
A big congratulations goes to Tim Marchbank (QLD), eventually taking out the Men’s Open division by six stokes. Tim fought hard on day two, clawing his way to the top of the leader board after a solid 3rd round of play in the morning. Tim took home the major trophy and a cool $330 for his troubles. Well done Tim!
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Mens Open
1st – Tim Marchbank |
Mens Masters
1st – Kim Holmes |
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Mens Advanced
1st – Cam White |
Mens Recreational
1st – Peter Helyer |
As well as players battling it out for the ADG Championship, the 2009 ADG Tour Points title was up for grabs, with a winner eventually being decided on the Sunday. Taking out the Men’s ADG 2009 Tour was David Bandy of Western Australia. A very close race this year, with the results being decided by a playoff hole between Luke Williams from NSW and David. Women’s ADG 2009 Tour points champion was Sally Hill of NSW. Greg Sparksmen of ACT took out the Mens Masters Division and Greg Bowers of VIC took out the Mens Advanced Division. Congratulations to all those involved on a fantastic year of travelling and consistent play.
Australian Disc Golf, the Geelong Disc Golf Club and all the competitors from the event whish to send out a big thankyou to major sponsor Nando’s, who provided competitors with a spectacular lunch spread, on both days at the event.
Check out the event photo gallery at www.geelongdiscgolf.com for more pics.
The Geelong Disc Golf club wishes to thank all the travelling competitors who attended the event. We hope you all enjoyed the courses and your time here in Geelong and it’s surrounds. Look forward to seeing you all back here when we host our next major ADG Tour event in 2011.
