With a bang . . .

The Alabama Disc Golf Championship, the third event of the PDGA National Tour Elite Series sponsored by Vibram Disc Golf, started out with a bang today – literally and figuratively. Shortly after the start of play, the players with early tee times had to be called in off the course for a 40 minute delay after a huge lightning bolt struck less than a mile away. When asked about the delay, TD David Glass said “Well, we have to keep the players safe; we normally bring them in when the lightning detector shows activity within 3 to 8 miles, but this storm came in fast with no warning on the detector. I guess every lightning storm has to have its first strike - we’re just glad it wasn’t any closer. The storm blew through quickly with only a few more strikes 20 miles away, so the delay wasn’t too bad.”

Play resumed through continuing mid-day showers and then the second bang struck. Ken Climo served notice to the rest of the field by carding a 10-stroke under-par 50 that had an unofficial round rating of 1080. The Champ did it with very steady play as was evidenced by his scorecard filled with only 2s and 3s including his Eagle on the par 5 Hole 18.

Despite his stellar performance, The Champ will not be able to relax as other players are nipping at his heels. Bradley Williams shot -9, Nikko Locastro -8, Will Shusterick -7, and Dion Arlyn -6. Also within 5 strokes are Nate Doss, Garret Gurthie, Paul Macbeth, and Barry Schultz, all shooting -5.

On the ladies’ side, Valerie Jenkins jumped out for the early lead shooting a 65. Sarah Hokom is two back with a 67, and Catrina Allen and Courtney McCoy are tied for third another two back having carded 69s.

Phil Arthur leads in the Pro Masters division having shot a two-under 58. Dean Tannock is three strokes back in second at +1, and three other players are tied for third another three strokes back.

In the Grandmasters division, the leader is Lavone Wolfe at +2, holding a single stroke lead on Dr. Rick Voakes in second place.

The full scores from Friday’s ALDGC play, as well as tomorrow’s tee times, can be found at: www.pdga.com/tournament_results/61925

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