With the 2024 College Disc Golf National Championship quickly approaching we thought it would be good to look back at last years championship while also looking ahead to this years. We will go over how last years tournament unfolded and what to be expecting as we gear up for the upcoming championship. We will also dive into the many course changes that people can expect to see once the tournament rolls around. So everyone buckle up and enjoy the ride as we dive into the 2023 and 2024 College Disc Golf National Championships!
The 2023 College Disc Golf National Championship: A Brief Retrospective
The 2023 College Disc Golf National Championship was a blast. It took place at the beautiful North Cove Disc Golf Course in Marion North Carolina where we saw fierce rain and even fiercer competition. Despite the conditions we saw the biggest College tournament ever! Here are the numbers from last years tourney!
2023 College Disc Golf National Championship Overview:
DI: 256 players and 64 teams
DII: 204 players and 51 teams
DIII: 168 players and 42 teams
Womens: 59 players and 29 teams
Given the sheer number of participants, the stage was set for an unforgettable event, and indeed, it lived up to the anticipation.
Mens Division I (Teams): Cincinnati claimed the national Title for DI men’s last year. This was the fist time the school has captured the College Disc Golf National Championship! They narrowly ousted Emporia State who finished just two strokes behind them.
Women’s Division I (Teams): Missouri was able to narrowly defeat Brigham Young last year, claiming another title after winning in 2022. Missouri claimed their victory by a narrow two strokes as well, clutching up as things came down to the wire.
Men’s Division I (Singles): The competition in the men’s singles was notably fierce, with contenders neck-and-neck throughout the event. Tanner Young, representing Cincinnati, emerged triumphant, securing the victory by a slender margin of three strokes ahead of his teammate, Calvin Caldwell, and competitor, Ryan Montgomery.
(Photo Credit; PDGA)
Women’s Division I (Singles): The race for the women’s singles championship was also remarkably tight, showcasing exceptional skill and determination. The leading five contenders finished within a mere three strokes of one another. It was Tailey Rowley from Brigham Young who ultimately stood out, clinching victory and earning the esteemed trophy for her outstanding performance.
(Photo Credit; Chad Lefevre)
For a more in depth look at the finishes as well as the other divisional championships, refer to this all encompassing PDGA page!
Looking Ahead: The 2024 College Disc Golf National Championship
This years Championship has some major storylines to look out for, that have developed throughout this season! In the women’s division we have seen Missouri hold onto their number one rank throughout the year. After winning back to back National Championships the question begins to loom, can they three peat? If Missouri wins this year they will become the second team to ever win back to back to back, joining California State University Monterey Bay!
I was able to talk to Alexis Kerman, one of the team members who helped lead Missouri to win the previous two championships, here is what she had to say about her time at Missouri and her hopes for this years team!
“While I was getting my Master’s Degree at the University of Missouri – Columbia, one of the best memories that will always stick with me was winning the back-to-back College Disc Golf Women’s Team Championship titles in 2022 and 2023. Getting to compete in such a unique environment among other collegiate athletes, and especially collegiate females is something I will always cherish. College Disc Golf is building something great and I’m grateful to have gotten the opportunity to compete for Mizzou. I’ve made some amazing friends amongst our mighty female athletes we got to bring to the National Championship in 2023 and I can’t wait to see what they do next.”
(Above is an image of the California State University Monterey Bay team that completed the historic three peat)
After Winning last year Cincinnati has also hung onto their number one spot. They tasted blood last year and are clearly hungry for more. Should Cincinnati secure a victory again this year, they would join the University of Georgia as only the second team in history to clinch back-to-back championships in the men’s division since Georgia’s consecutive wins during the event’s inaugural two years. Here is what the team had to say about having a chance to repeat.
“The chance to repeat is extremely exciting. There are so many strong teams in the field this year and we know that no matter what happens it’s going to be a battle for the top.” “A lot of practice just comes down to playing a lot and staying on top of our games. One of our greatest strengths is the trust that we have in each other to execute shots. This was one of the driving factors for our win last season, and it feels great to know we still have that confidence.”
(Above is an image of the Georgia team that claimed the second of the back to back national titles)
The road is not clear for Cincinnati however, Emporia State who came in second last year has had an excellent season. After narrowly missing out on the trophy last year they will without question be looking for vengeance this year! Additionally UNC Charlotte has slowly been sneaking up the power rankings this year. They currently stand in the number two spot, and will be hungry come April!
Course Changes
The biggest news about the championship is that we are moving locations. This year the competition is going to go down in Rock Hill South Carolina, the home of the USDGC. The tournament will take place on five courses across three locations in town. It should be an epic week of action!
Camp Canaan: Camp Canaan is a beautiful property that sits on a sand island. One course will be played here, and that will be the Riverbend course!
Westminster Park: Westminster Park is one of Rock Hills newer disc golf Properties! There will be two courses played here, Westminster West and Westminster East!
Winthrop University: One of the most exciting and iconic locations in Disc Golf! There will be two courses on the Winthrop University grounds, Lakefront and Meadows.
To Conclude
Will all the changes, storylines, and excitement building it is clear that the 2024 College Disc Golf National Championship is going to be an epic one. For more information and to stay up to date check our website and our socials @Collegediscgolf
