Kyle MF’ing Klein! Your 2021 Idlewild champion. At only 18 years young. Kyle is making himself a common name on chase and lead cards. Now he’s got the dub under his belt.
They say the first is the toughest. Kyle has been one of disc golf’s biggest rising stars. Hence him being last year’s rookie of the year. His time has arrived. Expect him to be entering the top 10 conversation for many disc golfers soon. Right now, he’s the hottest player on tour.
But it wasn’t without a battle and one of the most exciting finishes this year (if not the most).
Round 1 started off hot for Kyle. Shooting -9 under par and put himself on the lead card. Alongside Paul McBeth -9, Ricky Wyoski -10 and Kevin Jones -10 tied for lead.
Paul would do McBeast things. By taking the lead on moving day. Entering the lead card/final round at -20 under par. 3 strokes above. Round 2 was awesome. KJ and Ricky made some signature highlight reel putts from outside circle two. While Kyle was able to play strong game and keep himself on the lead card.
Andrew Marwede has been a common name of late and put together a
Ricky however fell to the chase card. Alongside Calvin Heimburg (-), Corey Ellis (-) and Mr. Kataplast thrower Luke Samson (-).
Ricky is always looking to win. But he also had a match up against Calvin as they tied at Ledgestone as co-champs last week due to the weather.
Round 3 was awesome and worth watching. With
I honestly thought Paul was going to walk away victorious. While he hasn’t been as dominate as previous years. Some of it due to how competitive the field is…he also hasn’t been making his usual putts as of late. But nonetheless Paul is too good to blow a 3 stroke lead… so I thought.
Kevin Jones was the closest competitor at -17 and 3 strokes back. He seemed to put himself out of contention early but of course you can’t ever count out Kevin Jones. Tied for the lead entering hole 18. With a tough putt to push a playoff as well. Calvin and Drew Gibson also ended up at -24. But Kyle and Andrew Marwede had other plans. Both would make beautiful upshots to secure a playoff against one another. Making good on their birdies.
Hole 1 was the start of the playoff. Both had solid drives but were forced to lay up for the birdie look. Kyle had an easy birdie well Marwede had a tough circles-edge/circle 2 putt. Which he perfectly drained to move onto hole 2.
Hole 2 would play out similar with Kyle having an easy putt. Putting all pressure on Andrew. Andrew gave it a great run, it hit the top of the basket and rolled OB. But it didn’t matter as that missed putt gave Kyle his first elite series win. Likely the first of many.
Side note, ball gall had a similar outcome with 6 players in a tie until the end with a playoff finish as well.
“I think it means no limits,” “There’s no tournament I can’t win, and I’m going to push for more.” – Kyle Klein. That’s a scary sight to see.
Marwede had his best finish. Coming in 2nd. As of late he’s been showcasing his skills. Showing that playing in more technical and wooded courses is his asset.
This is the 5th time that there has been a different champion at Idlewild. Showing the toughness and beauty of the course. Hat tip to the designers and staff.
Another awesome weekend of disc golf. I can’t wait for the next tournament.
I’m going to write another post about how crazy competitive the field is. But if you haven’t watched the footage or want to catch up.
Here you go.
Post Tournament Footage
Jomez Leadcard F9
Gatekeeper Media – Chase card F9
Additional footage
GK Pro Skins Match #38 – IdleWilld
Finally have James Proctor on there!
Eagle McMahon Practice round with James Conrad, Paige Pierce and Nate Perkins