The Challenge
The Challenge
Toughest courses ever!
JUST THE FACTS:
The Delaware Disc Golf Challenge
Newark/Wilmington, DE
June 19-20, 2010 TD Jimi McIlvain
80 players $7530 purse ($5000 added)
Sunny, humid and stiffling around 95
Lead Sponsors: Choice Hotels ($1400),
All Natural Landscaping ($1600)
WINNERS:
MPO - Nate Krahn, FPO - Becky Sonnheim,
MPM - Jim Myers, MPG - Karl Sweetman,
MA1 - Jared Frost, MA2 - Neil Lonoza
Imagine playing a course that's tougher and with more elevation than Winthrop Gold during the USDGC and doing it not once but twice each day in 95 degree heat. That's what the hearty souls had to endure to complete the Challenge on the highest combination of SSA courses ever played in 4 rounds of PDGA competition.
It started at Iron Hill. This new gem, almost fully polished, was created by designer Steve Winchester and a dedicated Delaware crew. The gold level tees had been completed this spring and this was the big test. As designed, this par 72 weaving thru majestic hardwoods (only two holes of daylight) delivered the 72 SSA both rounds as planned. After 4 hours in the morning and a much appreciated lunch included, we did it all again.
After Day 1, Nate Krahn and Becky Sonnheim lead the Open divisions. Nate's 64 in the AM unofficially rated about 1040 was matched by Steve Brinster in the PM who had to rally from a tough first round playing with Winchester and myself. Jim Myers and Lewis Graninger rallied in the afternoon to lead MPM and MPG. The amateurs played Carousel the first day so their scores are on a different layout.
Steve Brinster drives on the daunting Iron Hill 17 at over 800 ft thru the maze.
Day 2 was just as hot but on a much more open course at Carousel designed by top pro Mike Moser. What a huge and well groomed complex the horse owners were willing to share with us. It was two miles to drive around back to the 10th tee where I got to start play with insider Amy Moser providing guidance and helpful course nuggets during the round. Mike used the elevation, ponds and scattered wooded areas in creative ways for another gold level experience. After a 71 SSA morning round he "eased off" in the afternoon and made four holes just a little easier for a 69 SSA layout.
Jim Myers playing his upshot on the par 4, hole 2 with water danger on the drive.
Lesli Brinster completing hole 5 located on a steep slope tucked in an opening in the woods after driving up and over a hill from the tee.
Tyler Horne had the hot hand with a 63 in the morning to make up a few on Krahn but it wasn't enough. Brinster rallied with the hot score of 61 in the afternoon to continue moving back up the board into a 4th place finish. Krahn played solid all day to take the iron man... I mean Challenge title winning a cool $1145 from Mike Moser below.
Becky Sonnheim lead wire-to-wire and picked up $300 in winning the 4-woman Open field. She's so happy here, could it mean a trip to Disney World?
If you're a competitive disc golfer visiting this area, you're going to want to check out these courses... but maybe not play both gold layouts the same day!