Only one event has gone down so far, the opening event in the 2011 points series. On May 1, 2011, the Pinnacle Disc Golf Club hosted the Pinnacle Spring Run Off. A last minute push saw the tournament sell out, which always makes for a great day of disc golf.
This year's opener seemed to be full of semi-familiar faces on the Vermont disc golf scene- Southern New England disc golfers. Maybe they're sensing less competition in the north, or maybe they just like our woods courses, but either way, many Southern players made the trek to Pinnacle this year.
Massachusetts' own Tim Walsh took down the Open Division and the infamous NEFA board favorite Jerel Davis took second. Vermont's own Johnny Betts took third and was the top Green Mountain Points Series finisher.
The talk of the day revolved around Ian Thurston, though. His rapid and somewhat unexpected departure from the Advanced Amateur Division not only opened up some space near the top of the division but caused lots of message board and tournament morning chatter. He was obviously nervous day of, but handled himself well, carding a super hot 57 in the first round. He was tied with the eventual first and second place finishers after the first round but fell off a bit with his second round 62.
So, I predicted that Chris Young would have the early season lead, but Betts will be the one at the top of the leader board for now.
So, I predicted that Chris Young would have the early season lead, but Betts will be the one at the top of the leader board for now.
For our Green Mountain Point Series players, here's the finish:
Johnny Betts 62 55 117 Third Place
Ian Thurston 57 62 119 Fifth Place (Tied)
Chris Young 61 59 120 Eighth Place
Matt Idol 63 59 122 Tenth PlaceDavid Frothingham 60 63 123 Eleventh Place
Pete Hess 64 64 128 Seventeenth Place
Mike Davies 66 65 131 Eighteenth Place
Mike Davies 66 65 131 Eighteenth Place
Final thoughts
My early season predictions failed to include some important point series players. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for Emmit Cosgrove and Jeremy Becker. Cosgrove hits monster putts and tends to be near the top every time he plays. Becker, who keeps it fresh like the Southern New England disc golfers, can throw a mile and is a force to be reckoned with. Ask any pro who they're scared of and Becker's name is at the top of the list.
The pros get all the love, but the Advanced Amateurs will really be the ones to watch this year. This division could go to anyone. Maybe the old guard of Jim Conroy (By the way, Jim, did you see that Ian moved up?) and maybe the new guard of players up from Am 2. Rang Duce, Matty O., and Christian Keidel all placed in the money at Pinnacle. Jon Moorer is fresh off a dominating Money Game win. This division's the one to watch for sure.
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