PDGA National Tour Turns Toward Twin Cities, as Minnesota Majestic Takes Center Stage this Weekend

By John G. Duesler, Jr.

Minnesota has made great contributions to disc golf over the history of our sport, whether it’s been the formation of the Minnesota Frisbee Association in 1975, being the birthplace of the disc golf ratings system in the late 1990s, or being the host of the PDGA Professional World Championships in 2001.  Now in its 22^nd incarnation, The Minnesota Majestic, in particular, has also added to the legends and lore of disc golf, with Cale Leiviska’s nearly impossible final nine downhill putt in 2007 forcing a sudden death playoff with Ken Climo being the most recent example. 

So it is with this great pleasure that the PDGA and event coordinator Timmy Gill, welcome 135 of disc golf’s top professional competitors to the 2009 Minnesota Majestic brought to you by Summit Brewery.  This is the sixth stop on this year’s PDGA National Tour, which has so far generously distributed it’s titles to four different players.  The only two-time winner on the 2009 National Tour, Ken Climo, will challenge the four-time and defending Minnesota Majestic Champion Barry Schultz in the northern mid-west environment that is more to the native Wisconsonian’s liking.  This star-studded field in the “Gopher State” also features World number one ranked, Nate Doss, as well as defending PDGA World Champion David Feldberg.  Minnesota native Cale Leiviska is also sure to be near the top of the leaderboard, as will be Gregg Barsby (2009 Masters Cup Champion), Avery Jenkins, Steve Rico, and Josh Anthon. 

On the women’s side of the competition, Valarie Jenkins is looking to defend her 2008 Minnesota Majestic title on the three different courses that will host this year’s event.  Des Reading will look to build on her Beaver State Fling title from Memorial Day weekend by performing well in Minnesota and narrowing the gap between her and Jenkins on the Woodchuck Drive for the Championship NT points standings.  Liz Lopez and Katy Schreder will also be playing to rejoin their lead group foursome from The Memorial in Arizona earlier in the year, when all four of these women played most of the tournament together. 

Competition will begin on Friday, with the professionals teeing off on the Blue Ribbon Pines course in East Bethel.  The renowned Kaposia Park course will be Saturday’s venue with Sunday’s third round and final nine being played at the Hyland Ski and Snow Area in Bloomington. 

Stay tuned to pdga.com for full coverage of the Minnesota Majestic throughout the weekend.