MORTON, Ill. – For the first time since 2019, the world’s best disc golfers will compete for a major championship in central Illinois.
Northwood Park in Morton will host the Professional Disc Golf Association’s Champions Cup from April 25th to 28th. It’s the first major for the Mixed Pro Open and Female Pro Open divisions in the Peoria area since the PDGA World Championships in 2019.
The Champions Cup is unique to central Illinois, because it’s an unexpected stop. Tournament Director Nate Heinold says the tournament’s original location at the International Disc Golf Center in Appling, Georgia could not host this year, because pine beetles destroyed numerous trees there.
“They quickly had to find a home that they are used to and they trust, and they trust Northwood Park and the central Illinois area, Morton and Peoria, and so they came to us,” Heinold said.
Touring pros already make a stop each year in August for the Ledgestone Open, run by Heinold, which uses Northwood, Sunset Hills in Pekin, and Eureka Lake. He says the Champions Cup allows a chance to shine a light on Northwood, since all four rounds will be held on the park. The course’s 12th hole has been rated as the toughest hole in all of disc golf for professionals five years in a row.
Because of the tournament’s date, Heinold says pros can expect the course to play differently than what they’re used to in early-August.
“The course will probably play slower because the grass is going to be more lush, the disc isn’t going to travel as far when it hits the ground,” Heinold. “And, honestly, on some of the holes, because the foliage is down some, it’ll be easier to weave through the trees.”
Heinold says Northwood will be one of the first wooded courses the pros will get to play in this season, with most tournaments in the early months being played on more open-style courses at parks and golf courses.
While a majority of players and fans will be from the United States, Heinold says the tournament is a global event.
“A lot of Nordic players will be here for the event. In fact, an Estonian group from their government and from fans are coming because they’re hosting a major next year in Estonia. And so they’re coming to just watch the event, flying into the airport. First time in America and they’re coming to Morton,” Heinold said.
Countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Finland represent the nearly 150 players in both men’s and women’s divisions.
Heinold says Northwood’s disc golf course has helped put central Illinois on the map for disc golf in the world.
He says some of the things fans can enjoy at the event includes a large video board to be able to watch the action on multiple holes, along with food trucks.
Heinold is hopeful for good weather to help with attendance. He says people can buy tickets online, or at the event itself.
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