After the most difficult 27 hole layout in Kaposia history, four competitors were ready to become the next Minnesota Amateur Disc Golf Champion.  Pictured above from left to right, Matt Sime, Raymond Oberley Jr, Conrad Olson, and Tony Cramer faced off in a most enduring and exciting showcase final 9.  With the scores tight and the gallery in full force, it was sure to be a historical day for Minnesota disc golf.  Going into the final 9, Cramer was leading by 1 stroke over Olson, and 2 strokes ahead of Sime and Oberley.  The safari style layout was designed to test every aspect of their game, and the gallery can attest to the high level of competitiveness these players displayed.  After 8 grueling holes tensions were high as the competitors approached their final hole.  Going into the last hole, Olson was leading by one stroke over Sime, two strokes over Oberley (who just made the biggest birdie of the final 9), and three strokes over Cramer.  Oberley was first on the box and nestled his proto Z Zone directly under the toughest basket on the course.  Sime was next to tee and needed to hit the tight island green in order to put the pressure on Olson.  Unfortunately, his drive came out a bit right missing the island.  Cramer followed with a vibram out of hand and onto the island.  Conrad was last on the box, the pressure was on, Oberley was under the basket, and Olson needed to hit the small island in order to secure his victory.  With the true confidence of a champion, Olson pumps his vibram putter onto the back right corner of the island, allowing him to lay-up for the win!  Congratulations to all of the competitors, but especially our new Minnesota Amateur Disc Golf Champion, Conrad Olson!

Other victories over the weekend were eventful as well!  Jessica Critz took down the Advanced Women’s division after shooting two rounds over her rating.  Dave Sime became the first back-to-back MNADGC Champ taking home the Advanced Grand Master division.  Scott Markquart had a come from behind victory winning the Intermediate Division by 1 stroke.  Finally, John Carlson won the Recreational Division.

The Tournament Staff would like to once again thank all of our sponsors, volunteers, and the Twin Cities disc golf community for all of their support leading up to and during this incredible event that was valued over $25,000 back to the players!  We will see you next year!

With such a high level of competition in the field, expectations of what it will take to become a champion have been raised.  As you can see to your right, hole #27′s basket has also been raised with the help of this great guy in the photo (if you see him, thank him, unless you miss your putt).  The list of hopefuls and favorites is stacked, with so many great competitors in the state.  The top finishers from last year are sure to be some of the favorites such as: Conrad Olson (3rd), Nick Hanson (6th), and Reggie Schutte (9th).  You also have a number of highly rated amateur golfers such as Josh Hoekstra (971), Raymond Oberley Jr (977), and Jordan Castro (961).  The former Intermediate champ Tony Cramer (969) will also be making an appearance in the advanced field, and certainly has a chance as he would have placed 3rd in Advanced last year.  Now let’s not forget who’s hot this year, Mike Jindra (968) from Owatonna already has two wins this year in only three appearances!  However, these are just a few incredible players from a pool of 80 advanced players that will be pushed to limit over the next two days.  One thing is for sure, the elements will definitely be a factor over the course of the weekend.  Who will be able to battle through two rounds and become the next Minnesota Amateur Disc Golf Champion?  I’ll tell you in 63 holes.

The Minnesota Amateur Disc Golf Championships is upon us.  Optional Check-in this Friday, May 3rd from noon to 7pm at Kaposia Park.  Pick up your player’s pack early.  There will also be optional bring your own partner doubles flex start between noon and 5pm.  There will be one Amateur division playing one round of 18 holes (winter 18).  The doubles is open to everyone except pros rated 970 or higher.  The cost is $20/person.  Half of the field will be awarded merchandise credit on Sunday during Awards.

Starting at 7pm there will be an interactive clinic featuring Minnesota’s Finest Cale Leiviska!

So come on out Friday in preparation of this weekend’s event, as the course will be in it’s full tournament layout.