FOREST, Va. (WSET) — The top 52 disc golfers in the world gathered at Ivy Hill Golf Club in Bedford County for a world championship competition featuring athletes from 10 countries.

Event coordinator Nate Heinold said the tournament’s total prize money is something to behold.

“They’re playing for the biggest purse in disc golf history,” Heinold said. “That is $350,000. So $50,000 each to the men and female winners.”

The rest of the prize money is split among athletes based on their rankings, meaning every competitor earns a payout regardless of where they finish.

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Several players said they had a general idea of what they would take home. Disc golfer Kat Mertch said she expected to receive $35,000. Emily Weatherman and Eliezra Midtling estimated their payouts at about $2,000 and $2,500.

“I’m getting $2,000,” Midtling said.

“Maybe like $2,500?” Weatherman said. “She finished above me,” Midtling added.

While the stakes were high, players also described the tournament as a positive and memorable experience.

“I was really happy that I got to play with my best friend for four rounds at the tournament, the entire tournament,” Weatherman said. “And it was a lot of fun.”

For some athletes, disc golf has been part of their lives far beyond competition. Jessica Gurthie said the sport has shaped her career and personal life.

“I love disc golf because I grew up playing with my mom when I was a kid and now I compete, and this is what I do as a living,” Gurthie said. “I met my husband playing.” For this competition, he was her caddie.

Qualifying for the tournament was described as an accomplishment on its own. One golfer from Finland, Silva Saarinen, had been ahead of the field since the Champions Cup in April. Saarinen was crowned the Powerball Cup women’s champion.

“It’s crazy,” Saarinen said. “It’s my biggest payout so far.”

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