05.04.15

Paul McBeth continued his superior tournament play this weekend as the PDGA National Tour rolled into Emporia, KS for the 2015 Glass Blown Open. Scoring conditions were ideal and McBeth carded three hot rounds in a row in route to a commanding, 7-throw win. “That was the best weather I have ever played in in Emporia”, said McBeth.

It was Jeremy Koling who held the lead after round one. Koling got the better of Paul in a sudden death playoff at the Memorial earlier this year, proving that “Big Jerm” can handle the moment. Koling is one of just three people to beat McBeth in head-to-head action this season.

That was the best weather I have ever played in in Emporia

Photo courtesy of PDGA.com

Koling would stumble in round two however, opening the door for McBeth and one of the weekend’s hottest stories, Discmania’s 17-year old phenom, Eagle Wynne McMahon. Eagle matched McBeth’s second round of 48 which vaulted the pair to the top of the leader board. Round two provided Disc Golf #SCTop10 moment when Billy Engel hit a 380 foot ace with a TeeBird that made it to the #2 spot on ESPN SportsCenter.

Unlike McBeth, Eagle lacks time on the game’s biggest stages and the inexperience showed during Saturday’s final round. Eagle posted a mediocre round of 65 to close the event, which dropped him to 9th place. McMahon did gain valuable experience however, and many believe that time is the only thing standing between Eagle and success at this level.

Photo courtesy of PDGA.com

McBeth on the other hand, blistered the course in the final round. Paul’s 53 carried a PDGA rating of 1066 and was more than sufficient to distance himself from the field. “I really wanted that one. It is a relief to get that win off my shoulders”, said McBeth after the round.

I really wanted that one. It is a relief to get that win off my shoulders

In the Masters division, Patrick Brown earned a hard fought victory against Ken Climo who held a one throw lead going into the final round. Patrick’s 55 propelled him a full 5-throw margin of victory over Climo, who was followed by JD Ramirez in 3rd place, just two shots back.

Jennifer Allen battled with the world’s best and tied for second place at the GBO. She held her ground against two World Champions. She battled on the lead card and never left the top 3, gaining 3 strokes in the final 3 holes to tie for second place. Innova Teammate Valarie (Jenkins) Doss shot the hot final round to jump into 4th place. Jessica Weese, and Hannah Leatherman took 5th and 6th, respectively.

Innova Ambassador, Ken Shepperd picked up a solid win in Men’s Grandmasters. Shepperd found himself 4 shots back after round one but would claw his way back with rounds of 55 and 62 to pull ahead and capture a 3-shot win.

The PDGA Tour now heads west for the Masters Cup in Santa Cruz. Be sure to check out PDGA.com for complete details and event coverage. We will see you in Santa Cruz!

Other team members getting wins this weekend include:

Joe Rovere, The 38th Annual Grateful Disc – 1st Place Open
Matt Peckham, Huk Central – 1st Place Masters
Kyle Crabtree, Lake and Sea Open – 1st Place Open
Melodie Bailey, Lake and Sea Open – 1st Place Open Women
Calvin Heimburg, 2015 Orlando Open – 1st Place Open
Pam Reineke, 2015 Orlando Open – 1st Place Open Women
Dustin Keegan, North Umpqua Invitational – 1st Place Open
Casey Wright, Empire Open – 1st Place Open

Winners from the previous weekend include:

Paul McBeth, The Rumble – 1st Place Open
Jay Reading, Pendaries Village Open, 1st Place Masters
Russ Burns, The 1st Airpark Open – 1st Place Masters
Ray Johnson, Creekside Open – 1st Place Open
Karina Nowels, Creekside Open – 1st Place Open Women
Kathy Hardyman, Creekside Open – 1st Place Masters Women
Dustin Keegan, Liquid Sunshine Open – 1st Place Open
Melodie Bailey, The 19th Windy River Open – 1st Place Open Women
Lacey Brugler, Capital City Challenge – 1st Place Recreational
Brian Schweberger, ECO Stop 4 – 1st Place Open
JD Ramirez, Rock Solid Open – 1st Place Masters