As the Tour's End approaches it is almost coming redundant that the sport of Disc Golf is continuing to surge forward in popularity. For the first time in it's 8 year history, The Dale Robert's Memorial maxed to an overflowing field of 100 players. Equally exciting to the attendance was the close battles in almost all divisions. 2 Strokes separated the champions Doug Wiegand in Open, Raymond Tucker in the Recreational, and Brad Hilton in Advanced Masters. There were ties in Advanced and Intermediate where Seth Hamilton and Jeff Renner were victorious in their sudden playoffs against Derek Norris and Nick DeRosa. The DRM was a great time to share with the Dale's Family, the players of old who remember him, and the new players who get to enjoy the course that Dale built!

Just two short weeks later the Monkey Tour's premier showcase, The 4 State's Open (4SO), PDGA A Tier event was held in Joplin and Neosho. This tournament has always had great attendance having 100 or more players every year. This year was no exception as last years total of 171 and the record setting 180 player attendance in 2012 was smashed this year when 233 players came ready to play! This increase in popularity is attributed to the amazing job that the Joplin Disc Golf Club has done over the years. Each year the JDGC has strives to do things better and the work and effort has paid off. From the beginning the JDGC has never cut corners and the quality of the tournament has grown because of this. The word continues to buzz about this event. At the USDGC this year, Sarah Hokom said she enjoyed this tournament, and said she wanted to return. When told of the date change and the $10,000 added, she said the 4SO may be back on her calendar. Next year maybe someone can dethrone the reigning champion Ron Converse Jr. We will see!

As mentioned above I had the opportunity to go to Rock Hill, SC home of the United States Disc Golf Championship. I have tried many times to describe the course, the emotions, the event, and everything that goes into it, but there are not enough adjectives to do so! I will say this, the USDGC experience is second to none, and should be on every disc golfers “bucket list” whether you get to play or just to watch. Innova Champion Discs doestit right! Although my play was not my best, I truly had the best disc golf experience ever. I would like to take the time to thank Billy Nelson for the Missouri Spot. Also, my sponsors Innova, Millennium Discs, Gorilla Boy, Creator Designs, and NNWA for providing me the best gear possible and the financial support that allowed me to afford to make the trip! Last and most importantly, each of you who believe in and support Monkey events. Getting to do what I do is awesome and is not taken for granted. I am living a dream, and am very thankful to each and every player that supports in any way! In this time of popularity and growth of Disc Golf, players have an abundance of options of which tournaments to play and where to purchase discs and equipment. I am thankful that many of you continue to show up at many Monkey Tour events each year. Also, many of you continue to purchase your discs from the mobile store despite finding a better deal on line. Supporting local vendors is important to growing the sport locally and for you who have remembered this fact, thank you for teaming with me and making Disc Golf in our area what it is today!

In Conclusion... The Monkey See Monkey Do Tour 2014 Finale has still not been announced. There have been rumors and I have even entertained them. The biggest was Branson Cedars for the Finale, but after looking at past events there and knowing the time change, and the much shorter days I decided it would be nearly impossible to make this happen. Jeremy Anderson requested his interest in having it in Eldon as well. I have heard nothing but great things about the course, club, and support of the town so although this will not be the Finale site either, look for an event in Eldon on the 2015 Tour. I will make a separate post this week letting you all know where you need to be for the Monkey See, Monkey Do Tour Finale on November 8th.