Beast Mode is activated as Paul McBeth makes his move, Will Schusterick leads by one

We think back to last year’s exciting PDGA World Championships and how exciting the final few rounds were before the most memorable playoff. The way this year’s tournament is playing out, we wouldn’t be surprised if we see equally as large fireworks in Pittsburgh this weekend.

With two full rounds remaining before the finals, the leaderboard continues to see many changes after a wild day on Thursday.

Schusterick’s lead cut to one after McBeth’s hot round

The Men’s Open division moved to Deer Lakes Park for the fourth round of the 2015 PDGA World Championships and while many had low scores, no one was able to touch the hot round of Paul McBeth. When we talked with McBeth’s caddy at the European Open, Joonas, he talked about how he told McBeth to “Be the beast.” Today, McBeth was the Beast.

McBeth shot a blistering hot 51 on the Par 66 course for a round of -15. Starting on the chase card on hole two, McBeth was seven under par after the first six holes. The birdie fest continued for most of the round including another string of five in a row in the heart of the course leading to the bogey free round.

Leader Will Schusterick also carded a bogey free round but only was able to shoot eight shots under par for a round of 58. When the cards were counted, Schusterick’s lead was cut to just one with McBeth right on his heels.

Michael Johansen and Steve Brinster also found a hot hand as they came in at -11 for the day with each carding a 55. Rounding out the lead card for round five will be Ricky Wysocki and Nikko Locastro who shot a 57 and 59 respectively. Wysocki is three behind Schusterick as Locastro sits seven back.

The play returns to the site of the first round, Moraine State Park, on Friday and Saturday. The play was very tight with 21 all within five shots of each other in the first round. With the Final 9 being held at Slippery Rock, the site of so many low scores, one could make a case that that next 36 holes could decide the eventual winner. Consistently strong play is still required, but it will be fun to watch who takes an extra chance or two to grab that valuable extra stroke on the rest of the field. Buckle up. Here. We Go.

Sarah Hokom extends lead, Catrina Allen jumps to second

Sarah Hokom used a round of -4 (63) to push her lead to five shots at Slippery Rock University on Thursday. The mistake free round proved valuable as others struggled during the morning round. Hokom’s round was just one of three under par for the day.

Her five shot lead is being chased by Catrina Allen who shot the hot round of -6 (61) which included a string of four straight birdies at one point, but was host to one bogey as well. Hokom (-6 overall) and Allen (-1 overall) are the only two women below par for the tournament. Ohn Scoggins and Valarie Jenkins round out the lead card as they are tied for third at +4.

Play shifts to Deer Lake for a round of 18 holes in the afternoon on Friday.

Patrick Brown holds five shot lead in Masters

We left Wednesday’s play with a tie atop the Masters division. Today we see Patrick Brown sitting by himself with a five shot cushion over Ken Climo. Brown shot a -10 (56) at Deer Lake as Climo’s -9 (57) helped him maintain pace, but not gain any ground.

Jay Yeti Reading, who was tied for the lead sits in a tie for third after his round of -4 (62). Reading is joined by Tom Carrillo as the pair are six shots behind Brown.

The Masters move to Slippery Rock for one round on Friday and will remain there for the rest of the tournament.