Nick Hyde Memorial tournament returns with bigger purse and changes for 2016

Even as we approach the end of December 2015, plans are already deeply underway for tournaments around the world for Spring 2016. One tournament, the Nick Hyde Memorial in Texas is just a few weeks away from seeing registration open for the second annual event.

Winners of the 2015 Nick Hyde Memorial Paul McBeth and Paige Pierce with Terry Miller.

Ran by Matt Siri and held just northeast of Dallas, Texas, the Nick Hyde Memorial splits into two weekends with the Amateur side of the tournament running April 9-10 with the pros on April 22-24. This is one of a few changes for 2016. Last year the tournament had 180 participants across all divisions. For 2016, they’ll be able to handle 180 Amateurs and 180 pros due to the split weekends.

The Ams will play at both Audubon Park in Garland, Texas and Harry Myers Park in Rockwall, Texas with three rounds over two days. Siri tells us they are running just a male side of the amateur tournament due to the Texas Women’s Championship going on the same weekend. Siri says while they are clear supporters of women’s disc golf, they wanted to help ensure both A-Tier events are able to run on the same weekend.

For the Pros, the action will be strictly at Harry Myers Park with one round a day for three days. While the Ams will see a large players pack, the pros are walking into an even larger purse than last year. In 2015, they planned on having $10,000 added cash and ended up with over $11,000. The plan is to have at least $10,000 added again this year with the true goal set even higher. If the pro side fills, the payout will reach $35,000.

Innova Commander

Registration opens for all the Am divisions and female pro divisions on January 1. The male pro registration will also begin on January 1, but with a tiered system:

January 1st – 1020+ Rated
January 15th – 1000+ Rated
February 1st – 980+ Rated
February 15th – All ratings

There are a number of fundraiser discs currently available from sponsors such as HyzerBomb, Millennium, and Innova Discs including the new Innova Commander. Regardless of your participation in the tournament itself, these discs are a great way to get a little something for yourself (or a friend) while supporting one of the growing A-Tier tournaments in the country.

We’ve been fortunate enough to get to know Siri over the last few months and he’s clearly listened to feedback and taken in as many experiences as possible in order to help make the Nick Hyde Memorial one of the best events in the country. As you start to make your disc golf tournament plans, don’t overlook this Texas A-Tier!

2015 Tournament Videos

Friends of ATDG, The Disc Golf Guy Terry Miller and Jomez Productions were at last year’s event and caught the action for everyone to watch. Jomez has coverage of the first three rounds and the FPO Final 9 with The Disc Golf Guy bringing us the MPO Final 9.