The 2013 PDGA Amateur and Junior World Championships in Emporia, Kansas kicked off today with a bang as the Mixed Doubles and Junior Divisional Doubles competition spent a day of fun on the Jones West course. With claim to the first World Championship titles of 2013 on the line competition was stout, battles were fought, and victors were crowned. In the end three teams left saying they were the best in the world.

It began as the first round scores came trickling in from the mixed division. Kristen Chandler and John Hatcher found themselves in the lead by two strokes after shooting a smoking hot 49. This lead quickly diminished as both Kristen and John missed their second round tee time taking a punishing seven on their very first hole. Yet, this was not enough to hold them back from attaining their first world mixed doubles title as they fought to hold on to their lead. In the end three strokes separated them from their closest competition and left them at even par for the day.

The junior divisional matches weren’t quite as dramatic but they were just as exciting to witness. 

In the 19 and under boys division Brock Dowell and Andrew Coggin jumped into the lead by one in the first round with another smoking 49. In their second round they not only held onto this lead but extended it by one more stroke finishing at six under and winning by a slim margin of two strokes. This earned them the 2013 world junior 19 and under doubles title and gave them a great jumpstart to the week.

To close off the day the Junior 13 and under boys were far from close in competition. When the final round came in Anthony Barela and Braxton Lawrence found themselves the victors of the day. They shot a hard fought even par for the day giving them a victory over their only competitors by an amazing 49 strokes. All one can say is that these kids came to play.

Competition will continue for all divisions at 09:00 today with a full day of field events at the Emporia State University campus. With the long drive competition, putting competition and skill shot competition just around the corner more champions will be discovered as the week unwinds. Check in at PDGA.com to find out more about the 2013 champions as they are crowned.