Hole 18 at W.R. Jackson will now finish in the field behind the IDGC, giving fans a perfect view of the action. Photo: Nathaniel Samsel / PDGA

In just a few weeks, the 2023 PDGA Champions Cup presented by Bushnell will look a little different for players and spectators with changes coming to select holes on The W. R. Jackson Memorial Course.

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The modifications are aimed at improving play and the spectator experience for those attending the event and watching coverage. The adjustments were reviewed by local, regional, and touring level professionals as well as three-time PDGA Major winner turned course designer Will Schusterick.

A grandstand finish now highlights the 18th on W.R. Jackson. Photo: Nathaniel Samsel / PDGA

The most significant change will be how the tournament finishes, with the green of 18 shifting out into the open field behind the International Disc Golf Center clubhouse for both the MPO and FPO fields. The move will not only up the difficulty of the final hole but also provide a grandstand finish for spectators.

“I think you get a lot more anticipation for that final hole when there’s more challenge and more risk of potentially having that stroke swing on hole 18,” Schusterick said. “I’m very excited to see the change on hole 18 bring in more of a risk/reward factor and bring in a bit more drama towards the end of the round.”

Will Schusterick stopped by the IDGC to provide feedback on the changes to W.R. Jackson. Photo: Nathaniel Samsel / PDGA

The potential fireworks will also be on full display since the move provides enough room for thousands of spectators to be close to the action.

“I think the best thing about the change is that people will be able to watch. That’s a major thing nowadays with the spectators at each tournament,” Schusterick said. “The previous hole 18 basket position didn’t give you a chance to watch people finish the tournament, and I think that takes away from the experience.”

Chris Dickerson taps out to win the 2022 PDGA Champions Cup. Photo: Kevin Huver

The hole will also move from a par 5 to a par 4 with the green lined with out-of-bounds on three sides, providing huge stakes for the final upshot and putt.

In addition to changes on the 18th, the tee shot on hole 14 will be moved in line with the FPO pad, keeping an extended tunnel shot similar to the existing drive but alleviating a congested area behind hole one and the 18th green.

Hole 14's tee is still daunting. Photo: Nathaniel Samsel / PDGA

Schusterick said the change still suits the overall style of W.R. Jackson and dropping from a par 5 to a par 4 will be more in line with the difficulty players expect from an elite course.

“You’re lowering from five to four, so they still need to attack and have a really good tee shot, and that’s the risk on that hole. It was a little too easy of a par five and the players are just really good these days,” He said.

Holes 6, 11, and 13 will feature FPO pin placements to make the par threes more attackable for the field after very few birdies were scored in 2022.

Nearly twice as many spectators are expected for this year’s iteration of Champions Cup and the viewing experience for those who are able to attend in person has been elevated thanks to the new tee location of hole 14. An area that was previously off-limits due to safety precautions from tee shots on 14 will be opened up giving spectators the freedom to move between several of the holes close to the clubhouse.

“I think it’s more inviting for people to come out because they can see more,” Schusterick said. “You’re right by hole one, can watch 18 putting, can walk over to holes 13 and 14, have the vendor row and it creates the atmosphere of coming in to watch disc golf and not feel like it’s a struggle to see discs fly.”