The Oldest Gets a Little Older

2008 Champion Scott Papa drives while 2nd place Big Mike Leslie observes. Photo courtesy of Eric Edgerton.

Every year towards the end of August, a disc golf tournament happens.  Not just any disc golf tournament, mind you, and it hasn’t happened every year, but it has happened every year since 1976.  Not a lot of tournaments can boast that.  In fact, none can, except for the Washington State Disc Golf Championships.  That’s right, this year marked the 33rd anniversary of the world’s oldest disc golf tournament that is still running.  This year’s championship was made even more special in that it was dedicated to the memory of Northwest disc golf pioneer and Hall of Famer Doug Newland.

It is a special occasion, run for the last twenty five years or so by long time Seattle discer Lowell Shields.  Lowell, being almost obstinately “old school”, tries to maintain the original feel of the tournament by keeping it non-sanctioned and presenting a casual, fun atmosphere for the event. More on The Oldest Gets a Little Older