8.2.10

The PDGA World Championships came to a close this weekend in dramatic fashion. Today’s brightest young stars took command and put on an absolute clinic for galleries to enjoy. Paul Ulibarri, Josh Anthon, Dave Feldberg, Steve Brinster, Ziggy Bierekoven, and Devan Owens all played brilliantly to earn top 10 finishes. In the end however, Eric McCabe held off all the charges to capture his first World Championship title.

South Carolina’s Sarah Stanhope won her first world title, holding off Des Reading and Valarie Jenkins who have six world titles between them. Sarah was overwhelmed by the moment as a mob of adoring fans congratulated her. The celebration continued on the final green even as the Open final began.

Mike Moser, Patrick Brown, Jim Oates, and Jay Reading spent the week atop the Masters leaderboard. Patrick seemed poised to claim his first world title until a tweak to his throwing arm cooled his jets. Thursday morning he awoke to a noticeably swollen elbow which opened the door for seasoned veteran, Brad Hammock. Brad played inspiring and intelligent golf through the finals to hold off Mike Moser by two strokes.

Gregg Hosfeld, the 1987 World Champion, grabbed his second Grandmasters title with a memorable win over Tim Keith and teammate Jim Myers. Six-time World Champion, Dave Greenwell, finished in 5th place. Dave was an interested spectator during the finals as he prepares to Captain America’s President’s cup team this October. Team USA and Team Europe will square off this October to kick off the United States Championship at Winthrop.

Dr. Rick Voakes added a fifth World title to his resume with a comfortable win in Senior Grandmasters. Rick played near flawless golf with all but one round (a 996) being rated 1000 or above. Unlike many other of his teammates, Rick could relax during the finals as he coasted to a 21 shot victory. Teammate Peter Shive finished 3rd, and Innova President Dave Dunipace finished in 5th.

Kathy Hardyman and Innova’s Suzette Simons put on a show of their own in the Grandmaster Women’s division. Kathy ultimately came out victorious to claim her fifth world title.

Congratulations to all of our team members on an outstanding week of Championship play. Next year, Santa Cruz!