JISD freshman wins amateur disc golf national title
Jayden Torres from the Joshua Night Grade Campus showcased remarkable skill and composure to take home the Mixed Amateur 1 (MA1) division title at the 2024 IDIO National Amateur Disc Golf Tour National Championship!
In a thrilling finish at Austin's Sprinkle Valley course, Jayden sank a crucial putt on the first playoff hole, demonstrating his nerves of steel under pressure, and then won the tournament on the second.
Jayden started the four-round tournament brightly, tied for third after firing a -5 in the first round. He only went up from there. With rounds of -5 and -6 in the second and third, Jayden leaped to the top of the leaderboard. He continued the under-par streak with a -4 in the final round. He then held off a challenger to claim the victory. Across the competition, Jayden averaged a birdie rate of 38%.
Throughout the contest, Jayden maintained a player rating over 1,000 and finished the tournament at 1,012. A player rating refers to a player's score compared to the difficulty and standard of the course. In the MA1 division, typically consisting of highly skilled amateur players competing at a near-professional level, achieving a 1,000-rated round demonstrates a player's advanced skill, potential for moving up to professional divisions and competitive prowess. Most amateur players will have rounds rated between 850-950.
This win is a testament to Jayden's years of hard work and determination. He has been competing in contests since 2018 and has participated in 158 events, with an amazing 68 wins.
Jayden first discovered disc golf with his grandfather. The two would travel all over the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and even venture into Oklahoma to play different courses. A year after Jayden took up disc golf, the pair attended his first Junior World Disc Golf tournament in Kansas.
At the end of January, he will play at the PDGA Pro Tour Finale for a chance to earn his pro tour card.
Beyond his achievements in disc golf, Jayden participates in basketball and cross country.
We are proud of you Jayden!
