Pekin’s Sunset Hills Golf Course Helps Host Largest Disc Golf Tournament in History
Pekin’s Sunset Hills Golf Course Helps Host Largest Disc Golf Tournament in History
Pekin, IL- This week kicks off the largest tournament
in Disc Golf History: the 11th Annual Discraft Ledgestone Insurance open,
right here in Pekin.
Thousands of discs are set up outside of Sunset Hills Golf Course in anticipation of the near 2,000 players arriving for the tournament. |
The tournament, which is expected to host 1,975 players, is
the second richest tournament in the world and has a projected professional payout
of $132,000. A portion of proceeds from the event will continue to go towards
the Ledgestone and Discraft donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Easter
Seals, South Side Mission of Peoria, and more. The Peoria Area Convention and Visitors
Bureau estimates the tournament will provide an estimated $2.3 million in Direct
Economic Impact and bring over 2,500 overnight attendees to the region this
year.
Tournament Director of Ledgestone, Nate Heinold, states, “I
hope to make this the US Open of Disc Golf.” He remarks the area has continued
to be a great destination to accommodate all the tournament’s needs and looks
forward to seeing it continue.
Interviews with pro-players commenced Wednesday morning,
with hot topics of discussion being why they love the area and about how they
handle pressures to perform in a professional sport.
Nate Heinold of Ledgestone Insurance reflects on his goals for the tournament during Wednesday's press conference. |
Previous World Title holder Paige Pierce said, “[The sponsors] want their players to hold their head up high and… support disc golf. There’s no pressure to win an event.” Peirce went on to say her hope is to continue to inspire the growth of the sport.
Renowned champion disc golfer Paul McBeth remarked, “It’s inspiring to play for more than just myself.” Representing his own 501c foundation, McBeth reflected on the impact playing for charitable contribution has on the sport. The Paul McBeth Foundation aims to create sustainable play worldwide.
About Ledgestone- Ledgestone Insurance has proudly been the
title sponsor for this tournament since the tournament's inception in 2011 and
their involvement continues to grow. Ledgestone Insurance is a huge supporter
of disc golf and specializes in personal and commercial insurance, including a
niche within the disc golf industry.
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Contact: Brittney Hogue
Communications Coordinator
Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce
brittney@pekinchamber.com
309-346-2106
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