A young disc golf talent from Pensacola is about to experience one of the biggest moments of his career. Fourteen-year-old Woods McCue, still a middle school student, is set to compete against some of the biggest names in professional disc golf at the inaugural Disc Golf Pro Tour MVP Big Easy Open in New Orleans.
Tournament Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | MVP Big Easy Open |
| Tour | Disc Golf Pro Tour Elite Series |
| Date | March 13–15 |
| Location | Parc des Familles, New Orleans |
| Young Competitor | Woods McCue, 14 |
| Hometown | Pensacola, Florida |
Young Player Faces Disc Golf Legends
Woods McCue will compete against some of the most accomplished players in the sport, including multiple world champions.
Among the stars expected to play are:
- Paul McBeth – six-time PDGA World Champion
- James Conrad – 2021 World Champion
- Paige Pierce – five-time World Champion
- Madison Walker – professional women’s division competitor
- Eric Oakley – professional disc golfer from Pensacola
For McCue, the opportunity to play in the same tournament as these athletes is both exciting and nerve-racking.
The eighth-grade student said he feels a mix of nerves and excitement ahead of the competition.
Inspired by a Historic Disc Golf Moment
McCue’s passion for the sport grew after witnessing one of the most famous moments in disc golf history.
In 2021, he watched James Conrad throw a 247-foot shot during the Professional Disc Golf World Championship. The dramatic throw forced a playoff against Paul McBeth, which Conrad eventually won.
The moment became widely known in the sport as “The Holy Shot” and even inspired a documentary about the event.
Seeing that moment helped ignite McCue’s dedication to disc golf.
Sponsor Exemption Opened the Door
McCue earned his spot in the tournament through a sponsor exemption.
The MVP Big Easy Open is presented by Flight Factory, a disc golf shop based in Pensacola. The company was granted a sponsor exemption that allowed them to invite one regional player to the Elite Series event.
Flight Factory selected McCue because of his impressive record and growing reputation in the local disc golf community.
Michael Osley, the shop’s retail manager, said the young player had earned the opportunity.
Impressive Record at a Young Age
Despite being just 14 years old, McCue already has significant competitive experience.
His achievements include:
- Playing in about 80 sanctioned tournaments
- Winning 15 events
- Becoming one of the top disc golf players in the Pensacola area
These accomplishments helped convince tournament organizers and sponsors that he was ready to compete at a higher level.
Disc Golf Part of His Life Since Birth
McCue’s connection to disc golf began almost immediately after he was born.
According to his family, he was only 10 days old when his parents took him to the Pirate’s Cove disc golf course at Pensacola State College’s Milton campus.
His parents pushed him around the course in a stroller while they played.
Over time, he began playing regularly and gradually developed his skills.
Family Support on the Course
McCue will have strong family support during the tournament.
His father, Nick McCue, will serve as his caddie during the competition.
Nick said the family is extremely proud of how hard his son has worked to reach this point.
He believes the opportunity to compete against top professional players will be an important experience for the young athlete.
Major Opportunity for a Rising Talent
Competing in the MVP Big Easy Open represents McCue’s first appearance in a Disc Golf Pro Tour event.
The Elite Series tournaments attract many of the best players in the world, making the field highly competitive.
For McCue, the experience of playing alongside disc golf legends is something he considers a huge honor.
