For Team Discmania’s Kyle Klein and Eagle McMahon, they showed just how hard winning the United States Disc Golf Championship can be. It takes the utmost concentration, strong nerves, and extreme confidence to take down the Winthrop Gold course. That doesn’t factor in the weather, which almost certainly plays a role at the famed tournament.
This year was no exception as both Klein, McMahon, and others from Team Discmania battled the tough track over the course of four rounds. The aforementioned duo each had their moments of sniffing the lead spot throughout the tournament, but fell short on the final day.
Kyle Klein Has Arrived
The 18-year-old from Michigan has shown he can hang with the top disc golfers in the world. After a series of top finishes this summer, Klein has his eyes set on this year’s USDGC.
Klein opened the tournament with back to back 59s (-8 in each round). On the chase card for round three, Klein came out swinging and threw a 55 (-12) to place himself four back of the leader going into the final round. He was able to keep his shots in bounds and take advantage of opportunities when they were presented.
A major rainstorm hit Rock Hill for the fourth and final round which changed the dynamic of the course. While the final round 71 (+4) wasn’t what Klein had in mind, he was still able to finish just six shots off the lead and in a tie for 5th place.
Many have asked if Klein is a future Crush Boy along side Eagle McMahon and Simon Lizotte. He isn’t a future Crush Boy, he’s one now.
McMahon Grinds to 8th Place Finish
For Eagle McMahon, this year’s USDGC was an up and down ride. He started the tournament with a 55 (-12) and 57 (-10) to put himself on the lead card in both the second and third rounds.
McMahon slipped a bit in the third round with a 63 (-4), but found himself in third place heading in to the final round. McMahon matched his teammate Klein with a 71 (+4) to close things out before finishing in 8th place.
Team Discmania Results
- Kyle Klein - T-5th
- Eagle McMahon - 8th
- Kyle Opfer - T-25th
- Gavin Rathbun - T-30th
- Dustin Keegan - T-30th
- Casey White - T-35th
- Colten Montgomery - 55th
- Simon Lizotte - 70th
Images: Alyssa Van Lanen