Date: 17-JAN-2025 – 19-JAN-2025
Location: Lake County, Florida, United States
Tournament Director: Matt Knight
Total Players: 143
Pro Purse: $14,732
Lightning Delays, Leaderboard Shake-ups and an Unforgettable Battle in Clermont
The 2024 Lake County Trailblazer lived up to its reputation as one of Florida’s premier disc golf events, but this year’s tournament brought extra challenges. With lightning delays, a leader’s withdrawal, and an MPO playoff battle, players and fans experienced an event full of unexpected turns. Andrew Fish put together an incredible comeback from the chase card to force a playoff against Alex Berg, ultimately taking the win. Meanwhile, Jordan Lynds led the FPO field with steady play over three competitive rounds.
Despite the weather disruptions, the tournament staff, led by Matt Knight and Samantha Murray, kept things running smoothly. From course conditions to strategy shifts, this event tested both the players and organizers, making for an unforgettable weekend.
Andrew Fish’s Comeback Victory from the Chase Card
Champions Pointe at Lake Hiawatha Preserve set the stage for the dramatic final round of the tournament. Known for its long fairways and challenging wooded lines, the course demands precise shot placement while still offering scoring opportunities. It played a major role in the leaderboard shake-up, rewarding aggressive yet controlled play.
Andrew Fish delivered one of the most exciting finishes of the 2024 Lake County Trailblazer, coming from the chase card to force a playoff against Alex Berg. With a final-round score of 55, Fish took advantage of the course’s multiple par 4s and 5s, carving his way through the fairways with accurate drives and smart approach shots. He erased the deficit and caught up to Berg, who had been leading for a lot of the round. The two players finished tied at -20, setting the stage for a sudden-death playoff.
The crowd gathered as Fish and Berg stepped up for extra holes. With precise control and a clutch putt, Fish secured the win, capping off an impressive comeback. His ability to manage the longer holes and avoid costly mistakes made the difference in the final stretch.
Scott Conway’s Sudden Withdrawal Shakes Up MPO
The first two rounds of the MPO division were split between Champions Pointe and The Green Gauntlet—two very different courses that tested players in unique ways. Champions Pointe featured a mix of open fairways and technical wooded shots, while The Green Gauntlet demanded tight line-hitting through dense trees. With 11 par 4s and a daunting par 5, The Green Gauntlet quickly exposed any mistakes and rewarded precision.
Heading into Round 3, Scott Conway was leading the MPO field after two strong performances. His 55 (-10) at Champions Pointe and 60 (-7) at The Green Gauntlet had given him the top spot. However, he was unable to continue into the final round, withdrawing before play began. His unexpected exit opened the door for other contenders to make a move, ultimately setting up Andrew Fish’s comeback win from the chase card.
While Conway’s absence changed the dynamic of the final round, the competition remained fierce. Alex Berg, who had been in contention all weekend, kept himself in the hunt and finished tied with Fish after 18 holes. The playoff that followed added even more excitement to an already unpredictable finish.
Strong Performances Across All Divisions
The 2024 Lake County Trailblazer wasn’t just about the MPO playoff—it also featured standout performances across every division.
In FPO, Jordan Lynds navigated the tight fairways of The Green Gauntlet and the scoring opportunities at Champions Pointe to take the win at -18. Her strong play in the final round helped her hold off Sarah Hokom (-15) and Morgan Lynds (-14).
In the MP40 division, Dutch Napier handled the mix of long open shots and technical lines, finishing at -17 to claim the victory. Kevin McCoy (-10) led the way in MP50, while Bill Rohe (-21) dominated MP60, taking the win by four strokes.
On the amateur side, Harlen Martin came out on top in MA1, while Karlee Perkins secured the win in FA1. Each division saw its own battles, proving once again why the Lake County Trailblazer remains one of Florida’s premier A-Tier events.
Comebacks, Challenges, and Champions: Wrapping Up the Trailblazer
The 2024 Lake County Trailblazer delivered everything fans could hope for—tight battles, unexpected twists, and a thrilling playoff finish. Andrew Fish’s comeback victory from the chase card will be talked about for years, while Jordan Lynds’ steady play in FPO cemented her win.
Despite the lightning delays and the sudden withdrawal of Scott Conway, the tournament ran smoothly thanks to the efforts of the TD, staff, and volunteers. Whether battling through the long fairways of Champions Pointe or threading the tightly wooded lines of The Green Gauntlet, players were put to the test at every turn.
With competitive play across all divisions, this year’s event proved why the Lake County Trailblazer continues to be a favorite stop on the Florida disc golf calendar.
