Disc golf tourney coming to Wildwood

For the first time in 10 years, Wildwood Park will play host to the Tim Selinske U.S. Masters Disc Golf Championship, an event that has been held annually in Southern California.

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The tournament was renamed this year in honor of Selinske, who died in 2009 of Langerhans' Cell Histiocytosis. Selinske, an avid player and promoter of disc golf, owned one of the largest disc golf manufacturing companies, said Professional Disc Golf Association Executive Director Brian Graham.

"He's kind of a legend in this sport," Graham said. "He's been around forever."

The championship will take place at Wildwood Park's International Disc Golf Center in Appling, which is managed by the Professional Disc Golf Association.

"The International Disc Golf Center is kind of a destination for people in our sport," Graham said. "It's the Mecca. Columbia County's got a real jewel here."

The first round of the competition will start at 1 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, two more rounds will start at 10 a.m., with the final round played at 9 a.m. Sunday.

More than 160 players from 27 states throughout the country have registered to compete, Graham said.

"The term 'masters' in disc golf refers to players 40 and older," he said. "Basically, this is a national championship for our older players."

Professional and amateur disc golfers are invited to participate. Registration ends Thursday.

Players will compete on three championship-caliber courses at the park, Graham said. Spectators can watch the event for free.

Because the tournament coincides with other Saturday events going on at Wildwood Park, Graham anticipates a good crowd.

"We invite the public to come out and check it out," he said.

For information or to register, visit www.pdga.com or call (706) 261-6342.