FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU/KTVF) – Nearly 100 players are competing this weekend at the Alaska State Disc Golf Championships in Fairbanks.
The three-day event takes place at the Birch Hill and Tanana Lakes courses.
Outside competitors raise the stakes
Fairbanks player Patrick Evans feels bringing in talent from outside the Interior raises the level of play for everyone on the course.
“I think it’s really good competition, especially when you get people outside of Fairbanks too, and it just kind of ramps it up and hopefully elevates everyone,” Evans said.
But reaching the competitive level is a process.
“It takes a lot of time. Like you got to get used to the discs that you have and there’s so many different courses out here that have different types of shots,” Evans said. “So it takes a good amount of practice and a lot of effort and a lot of winter practice as well because we don’t get as much time for sure.”
Defending champion competes in Fairbanks for the first time
Anchorage’s Jared O’Brien is the defending state champion. He’s playing in Fairbanks for the first time.
“I am the last two-time winner of the state championship, so coming to Fairbanks, hopefully, to defend my title,” O’Brien said.
This is his sixth in-state tournament. This year he has also made tour stops in the lower 48.
“[I] haven’t performed the way I’d like to, but it’s been one amazing learning experience, so hopefully I can translate that to this tournament,” he said.
Despite less than ideal weather, O’Brien spoke highly of the courses in Fairbanks.
“So far I’m loving it. It’s definitely technical, tight wooded lines, you know, that very Alaskan feel,” O’Brien said. “I think there’s a few things that could be changed to make it phenomenal, but I’m really impressed and really happy with the way that the Fairbanks community put [the Tanana Lakes] course together.”
Women’s participation grows
Organizers say the sport is growing in Alaska among women too. Fairbanks Disc Golf Association board member Kate Morrison said there are still far more men playing, but the ladies’ numbers are rising.
“We have eight women participating. We have two coming up out of Wasilla area and two coming up out of Homer and the rest are local Fairbanksans. So that’s pretty great for us in a field of 98,” Morrison said.
Morrison said the tournament marks the largest turnout the club has seen.
“You can see that our percentages are a little low for the females, but still, we’ve never had this many people participate in a tournament up here before, and it’s really exciting,” Morrison said.
Rain moves in during day two
Conditions turned wet as the tournament progressed Saturday. Morrison said the rain made equipment harder to manage.
“Everything takes a little bit longer, drying off discs, trying to keep your hands dry. It makes your grip on the disc a little bit more unpredictable,” Morrison said. “We definitely had a few shanks into the woods and trees the last few holes. But luckily the wind did stay down because if you got the wind and the rain, that’s even worse.”
Players are hoping for better conditions on the tournament’s final day.
“We managed okay, going to go change into some dry socks and shoes for the next round. And hopefully tomorrow the weather calms down,” Morrison said.
Why they play
O’Brien said competing is only part of why he keeps coming back.
“I want to compete and play well and win, but hanging out with these guys, having a good time — there’s no other way I’d want to spend my weekend,” O’Brien said.
Evans said the sport offers a chance to be outdoors and meet people.
“It’s just a great environment and it’s super fun to be out here and competing and just enjoying everybody around,” Evans said. “It’s a great way to get outside and play and to meet new people.”
The tournament wraps Sunday at Birch Hill.
See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to web@ktuu.com
Copyright 2026 KTUU. All rights reserved.