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The 2023 College Disc Golf National Championship Takes Place in North Carolina
The college disc golf season culminates in the 2023 College Disc Golf National Championship, taking place April 5-8 at the North Cove Disc Golf Course in Marion, North Carolina. This championship tournament brings together the top collegiate disc golf teams and players from across the country to compete for the national title.
Details on the 2023 Tournament Location
North Cove Disc Golf Course is situated in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Designed by professional disc golfer Derek Hastings, North Cove is regarded as one of the premier disc golf courses in the eastern United States. The wooded, hilly terrain with tight gaps and technical lines provides an excellent test for the talented field of competitors.
With amenities like multiple tee pads and pin positions on each hole, North Cove allows the course design to be switched up to keep things exciting over the four days of competition. Tournament directors plan to leverage these features to maximize the challenge at this national championship event.
Key Storylines Going Into Nationals
The dominant storyline centers around the University of Cincinnati, as the Bearcats enter nationals looking to capture an unprecedented fourth consecutive national championship. Led by standouts like Calvin Caldwell and Kyle Taylor, Cincinnati has been nearly unbeatable during their title run.
However, a number of challengers aim to dethrone the reigning champs this year. Chief among them is Emporia State, runner-up to Cincinnati each of the past three seasons. Anchored by Justin Farrell, the highest rated player in the field, Emporia State hopes this is the year they break through.
Other contenders include Missouri, with young phenom Drew Cantrell, as well as defending Division II national champs Houghton College moving up to Division I this season. And a deep field featuring the likes of Liberty, Kentucky, and Texas A&M all believe they have what it takes to hoist the trophy as well.
Top Individuals to Watch
In addition to notable players already mentioned like Caldwell, Taylor, Farrell and Cantrell, several other rising stars will also take center stage at the 2023 college championships.
Collin Thompson from Illinois State enters nationals as the top rated player in Division I at 1000. His big arm and clutch putting make him extremely dangerous on the wooded North Cove layout.
Shane McCullen of Clemson has shown astonishing distance and consistent high finishes this season, including a win at the prestigious All-American Invitational. He’ll aim to lead the Tigers to contention in Marion.
Houghton’s Zach Sisson and Carter Sisson form one of the best sibling duos in all of disc golf, with both brothers sporting ratings over 960. They headline the Falcons’ roster as Houghton seeks a Division I title after claiming back-to-back Division II crowns.
How to Follow Along with All the Action
Can’t make it to North Carolina for nationals? No worries, there are great ways to watch online and follow along with all the excitement.
The PDGA will provide live scoring updates hole by hole throughout each round via their website and mobile apps. This lets you track the leaderboard and see how your favorite teams and players fare.
Additionally, post-produced video coverage of the event will be available shortly after conclusion of the tournament through prominent disc golf media channels like Gatekeeper Media, Par Save Productions, and others. This cinematic footage captures the action on the course beautifully.
The PDGA website and other disc golf outlets will provide news stories, recaps and analysis from nationals as well. Be sure to follow the #collegediscgolf hashtag on social media for updates too.
Get Ready for Must-See Disc Golf Competition
If you like watching disc golf played at the highest level, you won’t want to miss the 2023 College National Championship. With gripping team battles, emerging young talents, the allure of a four-peat, and expanded viewing options for at-home audiences, this year’s nationals promises to be a can’t-miss event!
The Favorites and Contenders at the 2023 College Disc Golf Championships
As students from colleges and universities across the country descend upon North Cove Disc Golf Course in North Carolina for the 2023 College Disc Golf National Championship, eyes focus upon the top teams expected to vie for this year’s national title.
Cincinnati Seeks Historic Four-Peat
Seeking an astounding fourth straight championship, the University of Cincinnati enters as a decisive favorite according to most pundits. Anchored by the dynamic duo of Calvin Caldwell and Kyle Taylor, rated 997 and 963 respectively, the Bearcats boast unmatched depth and experience as well.
Supporting their veteran leaders, Bradley Caldwell, Tanner Young and the rest of Cincinnati’s finely tuned roster know what it takes to perform when the pressure ramps up. They’ll look to leveraging their collective poise to fight off all challengers and cement their dynasty as the first-ever four-peat national champions.
Emporia State Chases Elusive First Title
After placing runner-up to Cincinnati three years running, Emporia State hungers to claim that elusive national championship in 2023. Led by highest rated player in the field Justin Farrell at 978, along with standouts like Cade Kohlmeier and Alexis Chaparro, Emporia State wields the talent to finally break through.
Boasting four of the top fifteen rated individuals at nationals, Emporia State can attack the North Cove layout with multiple scoring threats. If Farrell and company perform to potential, this might be the Hornets’ best opportunity yet to defeat rival Cincinnati when it matters most and earn the school’s first-ever title.
Missouri and Houghton Pose Legitimate Threats
While Cincinnati and Emporia State grab the headlines, a couple other contenders could make noise at nationals as well. Missouri fields one of the deepest and most balanced attacks out there, led by Drew Cantrell and Noah Free, both rated over 975.
Reigning Division II champs Houghton College also raise eyebrows upon making the jump to Division I themselves this season. Dual standouts Zach and Carter Sisson, both over 960, lifted Houghton to back-to-back D-II titles and now set aim upon challenging disc golf’s top division.
Don’t Count Out Talented Challengers
Beyond the top tier expected contenders lie a stellar field boasting plenty of potential to deliver surprises. The likes of Liberty, Kentucky, Texas A&M and others certainly possess enough skill to impress at North Cove. Rising young guns such as Collin Thompson and Shane McCullen indicate bright futures for Illinois State and Clemson respectively.
And with unpredictable wooded courses like North Cove capable of producing unexpected results via hitting an errant tree here or there, almost any team harbors hopes of capturing lightning in a bottle for four magical days. That outside shot at glory surely energizes and motivates the field heading into the 2023 college championships.
FAQs
What are the dates and location for the 2023 College Disc Golf National Championship?
The 2023 College Disc Golf National Championship takes place April 5-8 at the North Cove Disc Golf Course in Marion, North Carolina.
How can I follow the action if I can't attend nationals in person?
You can follow live scoring updates on the PDGA website and mobile apps. Post-produced video coverage will also be available after the event through disc golf media outlets like Gatekeeper Media and Par Save Productions.
Who is the top rated player in the field?
Collin Thompson from Illinois State enters nationals with the highest player rating at 1000.
Has any college ever won 4 straight national championships?
No, but Cincinnati has a chance this year to become the first college disc golf program ever to capture 4 consecutive national titles.
