First-year disc golf team earns bid to nationals

UPDATE: After a strong showing in its home tournament, Liberty’s disc golf team is now ranked sixth in the nation. For a complete list of rankings or for more information, click here.

Liberty University’s men’s and women’s disc golf team can add hosting the National Collegiate Qualifier Competition and qualifying for nationals to its first-year accomplishments. On Saturday, March 3, the Flames hosted teams from across the East Coast to its 30-acre disc golf course and are now looking ahead to nationals in April.

The University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Appalachian State University, West Virginia University, Eastern Tennessee State University and East Carolina University all traveled to face the Flames at home for the all-day competition.

Liberty’s Joses Merat put up the best singles score on the day with a 58. The Flames tied for second in the doubles competition, which helped secure Liberty’s second-place finish, only three points separating the team from East Tennessee, the tournament winner.

Coach Steve Bowman was impressed with Liberty’s showing.

“For most of our men and women today, this was the biggest tournament they have competed in,” Bowman said. “I thought they played well with all the schools attending and a bid on the line for the winner to nationals. It’s was a huge growing experience for us and something we can build on as we head to the National Championships on April 12-15 in North Augusta, S.C.”

Liberty’s 18-hole course was constructed in 2010 under the direction of Bowman, who was called to help with the design due to his past experience, having designed a course in Bedford, Va.

Men’s and women’s disc golf are two of the 29 Club Sports programs offered at Liberty University.

• View pre-tournament interviews with the coach and players on Liberty’s Club Sports YouTube channel.