Climo Crushes Clackamas Riverside Course to Capture Lead at Beaver State Fling

By John G. Duesler, Jr.

Though he did not start out on fire, Ken Climo took his slow and steady approach to the first few holes of the third round and used it to spark a record-setting performance of 51 on the East course at the 2009 Beaver State Fling being held at Milo McIver State Park outside Portland, Oregon.  Climo has a three-throw lead over Avery Jenkins heading into today’s final round.    

Climo used deft putting throughout the woods of the front nine to set up a back that helped him sprint into the lead.  With the majestic riverside holes along the Clackamas demanding distance and accuracy, Climo unleashed an arsenal of long, loping air-shots and rampaging rollers to card a 26 on the way to his record-setting 51.  

Climo hopes to continue his stellar play on this year’s PDGA National Tour and add another title to the Atlanta Open crown he won in late March.  His three throw lead over Avery Jenkins, and a seven-throw cushion over third-place competitor Nikko Locastro will allow Climo to play aggressively from the start on Sunday, as they head into today’s final round.  

A renewed sense of purpose for the 12-time World Champion has helped Climo avoid any major mental mistakes, not only this weekend, but throughout the still young 2009 disc golf season.  And while “The Champ” will tell you he plays just one shot at a time, his sights are clearly set on Kansas City, where Climo has not always played his best disc golf.  But if he can put together the type of complete performance he displayed today, Ken Climo may once again be sitting atop the disc golf world with another championship.    

Carrie Berlogar was able to reclaim two throws from Des Reading during Saturday’s round in the women’s open division.  But an impressive nine-throw bulge for Reading going into Saturday leaves her with a comfortable lead going into today’s final round.  Reading is looking to capture her first National Tour title in 2009 at the Beaver State Fling.  

Links:

Beaver State Fling Scoreboard
Beaver State Fling Official Website