For those who are now weighing Paul McBeth’s odds on the elusive grand slam, consider that the average USDGC finish for the player who won the World title that same year is 6th place. Paul McBeth’s average USDGC finish is 5th place (5.6) for his three years as World Champion. His lifetime average finish at the USDGC is 12th (12.6) place.
Another interesting storyline is how many playoff scenarios we have seen at recent National Tour and Major events. Last year at Pro Worlds we witnessed arguably the greatest final and playoff in World Championship history. Paul McBeth was able to outlast Ricky Wysocki in Portland to defend his World title. Then just two months later it was Will Schusterick, JohnE McCray, and Paul McBeth in overtime at the 2014 USDGC. Will Schusterick was victorious there, capturing his third US title. Shusterick now heads to Winthrop seeking not only to surpass Schultz in US titles, but also to keep McBeth from the grand slam.
Another fact that might have escaped the casual fan relates to Ken Climo and Barry Schultz. Along with Will Schusterick, Ken and Barry are the most decorated US Champions. Climo has five US titles. Barry and Will each have three. However heading into the Hall of Fame Classic, neither Climo or Schultz had even qualified for the 2015 USDGC. Both Ken and Barry delivered a strong message however, playing extremely well in the Open division and punching their tickets to Rock Hill. You can bet that players who are eyeing USDGC Monday Qualifying rounds for a tin cup effort to make the Open, breathed a collective sigh of relief.
There is no doubt Paul McBeth deserves the world’s #1 ranking. He is clearly the player to beat. However recent history might suggest that there are more players than ever heading to Winthrop with a legitimate opportunity to win. If that is not an exciting way to close out a phenomenal tournament season, we don’t know what is.
The upcoming United States Disc Golf Championship is one of the most fan-friendly events on tour. Please visit the tournament website for information, or follow the events live online. It is sure to be an exciting show and we look forward to seeing you there.
We would also like to congratulate Team Innova’s other top performers this past weekend:
Barry Schultz, Disc Golf Hall of Fame Classic – 6th Place Open
Ken Climo, Disc Golf Hall of Fame Classic – 8th Place Open
Valarie Jenkins, Disc Golf Hall of Fame Classic – 2nd Place Open Women
KJ Nybo, Danish Disc Golf Championships – 1st Place Open
Chris Becker, Eugene Disc Golf Celebration – 1st Place Open
Kyle Crabtree, Mountain High Disc Golf Tournament – 1st Place Open
Stephen Miller, Red Oak Rumble – 1st Place Open
