George disc golfers fare well at SA Open

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DISC GOLF NEWS - Four players from Disc Golf George attended the annual Disc Golf South African Opens hosted by Disc Golf South Africa (DGSA) at Inanda Country Base, Kyalami.

The George team did exceptionally well as a team, showcasing the development of disc golf in George.

The Georgians competed in the MA2 division and their primary goal of having all four in the top 10 was achieved. Ingo Hilbert came 3rd, Bryan Wilson 5th, Leon Strauss 6th and Morne Galloway 10th in the division.

Disc Golf George chairman Leon Strauss commented on their outstanding performance and said the potential to move to MA1 for next year's event is within reach.

"This was the first event where George players could compete on a sanctioned course with the best players in the country. The higher altitude in Gauteng provides a challenge for coastal players as discs fly differently due to the lower air pressure reducing the lift of the discs, thereby decreasing the distance they would fly at lower altitudes.

"Higher altitudes also make the discs fly more 'over stable', meaning they tend to complete their flight path more to the left when thrown backhand."

The SA Opens was held over two days and all competitors completed a 21-basket course on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 June. The lowest total par score over the 2 days determines the winner in each division.

PHOTO GALLERY: Disc Golf George players compete in Disc Golf South African Opens

The Opens is South Africa's premier Disc Golf event and competitors compete in different divisions depending on their skill level, as well as their rating with the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA).

Players registered with PDGA receive points at sanctioned disc golf events and these are used to rank players internationally. This was the third SA Open event hosted by DGSA and a total of 79 players participated from South Africa as well as a few international players.

The Men's Professional Open title was successfully defended for the third consecutive year by Alex Meulenbeld, securing the win with a sudden death play-off with Kaiser Shen, an international contestant. Rebekah Botes won the Female Professional Open Division, also defending her title for the 3rd consecutive year.

The George team show off their tops sponsored by Paintsmiths George.

More events for locals

Disc Golf George will be hosting more events for local players this year, with regular outings being planned to introduce the sport to new players. Whatsapp 082 330 3966 to be included in the local group for regular updates or contact the club on Facebook.

Photo credits to Rawmotive Lifestyle Photography www.rawmotive.com

Contemplating their game, from left: Morne Galloway, Bryan Wilson and Ingo Hilbert. Photos: Rawmotive Lifestyle Photography