Forty-four disc golfers from around the state congregated at Jack Gist Park in Homer May 9 for the second annual Shorebird Showdown disc golf tourna- ment. Golfers competed in five different divisions in- cluding the open professional division where competi- tors play for prize money. The four amateur divisions included were advanced, intermediate, recreational and advanced women.

After 36 holes of competition Edan Badajos of Homer finished first in the open division with a score of 95 throws (-13 throws under par). There was a three way tie for second in the open division between Patrick Miller of Homer, Dominic Plasencia of Girdwood, and James Beckner of Anchorage. Sixteen-year-old Aaron Merideth of Wasilla finished first in the advanced am- ateur division, Stein Christopher of Homer finished first in the intermediate division, Russell Crocker of Homer finished first in the recreational division, and Shaynasty Stewart of Anchorage finished first in the la- dies division.

There were three holes-in-one recorded during the tournament by Andrew Engelking, Dominic Plasencia and Reid Schmelzenbach. In golf, a score of 2 strokes under par on a single hole is referred to as an eagle and all the holes at Jack Gist are par three, so all three aces or holes-in-one were eagles. The awards ceremony and post tournament party was held at Don Jose’s restaurant in Homer.

Prior to the tournament volunteers worked hard to improve the course and the park. Hundreds of volunteer hours were logged clearing brush, picking up trash, and building boardwalk trails. Materials that were removed from the beluga slough trail were provided by the City of Homer and used to build the boardwalks at Jack Gist Park. Other businesses who have contributed to the disc golf course and tournament include Dynamic Discs, the Moose Pretzel Disc Golf Club, the Alaska Disc Golf Association, ParKing Disc Golf, Bulletproof Nets, Homer Hounds, Homer’s Jeans, Dibble Creek Rock, and Don Jose’s.