The PDGA National Tour makes its annual stop at the world famous DeLaveaga Disc Golf Course on May 15-17, but this year the buzz surrounding the "Steady Ed" Memorial Masters Cup is about more than the legendary course near the Pacific Ocean. The field features extremely strong competition in all divisions. Consider the following:

* 28 players registered for the event have player ratings of 1000 or higher, and 12 more are rated 990 or higher

* Nine current or past world champions will be competing, with at least one in each division

* 11 of the top 16 top-rated players in the U.S. are playing the Masters Cup, with nearly all of the sport's "young guns" in Santa Cruz trying to beat not only each other but the course

* The competition in the Women's division is even tougher, if that's possilbe. It includes 16 players, including the four highest-rated players in the world.

* A highly competitive Grandmaster's division of 28 players aims to prove that at DeLaveaga veteran savvy counts for more than at most other venues.

* Players from 17 different states are traveling from as far away as Massachusetts, despite the fact that DeLaveaga is all the way on the West Coast. Many are touring pros heading west to prove they deserve to be considered among the world's best. But among the 162 registered participants, there are plenty more that simply feel the need to test their skills against a course that requires every shot in their bags, and every shred of mental focus in their heads. For those that view the course as the main adversary at the Masters Cup, The DeLaveaga Disc Golf Club has been hard at work to make sure they aren't disappointed.

Since last year's Masters Cup, the club has made several course improvements and modifications. For instance, the teepads on holes 2 and 26 (both uphill) have been reinforced to deal with erosion issues, hole 23 has a new tee pad and a new basket location, and Hole 25 has a new pin placement that is longer and further uphill than the previous 'long' position. Hole 26a now has a permanent concrete pad that makes the hole longer, and the basket for Hole 27, aka 'Top of the World', is now a little tougher to reach. Another change - even though it has nothing to do with the course itself, is the new paved parking lot. For players that have braved the previous dirt lot, this will be a welcome upgrade.

All things considered, the 2009 edition of this venerable tournament - now in its 24th year - promises to be one for the ages. Will Nate Doss finally win the NT event that takes place on the course he's played since his childhood? How many players will break par on an even longer, tougher DeLaveaga? Stay tuned to find out.

The course is open to spectators and Wednesday will feature a $2000 women’s skins match between reigning World Champion Val Jenkins, three-time World Champion Des Reading, as well as local champion Carrie Berlogar. The National Touring  “World Class Clinic” will follow with Jay Reading hosting disc golf’s top players from 4-6:00 pm. Players of all skill levels are invited to learn from reigning World Champion David Feldberg, local phenom Josh Anthon, as well as elite players Gregg Barsby and Don Smith. Participation is free and includes eligibility to win a disc golf traveling basket.