Doss leads U.S. Disc Golf Championship by four strokes

Nate Doss leads the U.S. Disc Golf Championship by four after the first round Wednesday in Rock Hill. Nate Doss, the 2008 U.S. champion, took early control after his blistering 11-under 56, while defending U.S. champ Will Schusterick skidded hard, concluding his round at 2-over 69.

Wednesday’s pleasant weather was a far cry from conditions in the days leading up to the event. Others near the top include Nate Sexton and rookie Eagle McMahon, who both shot an 8-under 59, and Michael Johansen at 6-under 61.

Four-time world champ Paul McBeth is alive at 5-under 62.

Doss was enjoying his kickoff after turning in his 11-under 56, which included only one bogey on No. 17 when he laid up off the tee, then tossed into the island, but missed his putt.

“I came into the tournament basically saying if I could shoot in the 50s I thought that would be amazing. And when I just did my scorecard I wrote down 56 – I was really a little bit surprised,” said Doss.

Schusterick certainly didn’t have the start he wanted to defend his U.S. title. After being 3-under through 12 holes, he got bogeys on No. 13 and 14, and then scored a triple bogey and a double bogey on No. 17 and 18 respectively.

When asked what his thoughts were after the round, he replied: “Just a lot of mistakes, way too many. I think it’s probably my worst round in the last five years at this tournament.”

Jeremy Koling said the day’s first tee time slot treated him mostly well, finishing with a 4-under 63. He started off six under on the front nine, but then lost some of those birdies down the stretch. With his best USDGC finish in the 20s, Koling’s goal is to make the lead card so he’s dialed down his aggressive strategy of the past.

“I was looking at this more: ‘How can I keep it more in the ropes, especially on the holes with stroke and distance’ (Holes 9, 10, 12, 17, and parts of 13),” Koling said.

Play continues Thursday morning at the Winthrop Gold Disc Golf Course with many competitors still in the running for the title of United States Champion. More can be found at USDGC.com.

This story was originally published October 7, 2015 at 9:27 PM with the headline "Doss leads U.S. Disc Golf Championship by four strokes."