Paul McBeth Captures Historic 6th Career World Title in Disc Golf

Paul McBeth's Historic 6th World Title

In 2021, professional disc golfer Paul McBeth captured his record-breaking 6th career PDGA World Championship title in one of the most dramatic finishes the sport has seen. Playing in the elite Open division against the best disc golfers globally, McBeth once again showcased his phenomenal driving accuracy, nerves of steel putting, and championship pedigree.

Entering Worlds With Momentum

Paul McBeth entered the 2021 World Championships playing the best golf of his career, having already racked up 5 elite series wins on the Disc Golf Pro Tour. His innovative "4x Paul" lineup of discs from Discraft provided him the tools to dissect any course with surgical precision.

McBeth credited his success to refining his mental game, fitness training, and dialing in his equipment. His combination of power, touch, and confidence had the disc golf world wondering if a 6th world title was in reach.

Navigating a Challenging Course

The 2021 Worlds were held at the daunting Fort Gordon military base in Georgia. The hilly 72-par track provided tight wooded tunnels, unique island greens, and perilous OB areas demanding accuracy off the tee. Sidearm shots and overhands around trees were often required.

McBeth leaned on his flexible Banger GT midrange and reliable Force drivers to manage the property's difficulties. Though he occasionally landed in trouble, he scrambled effectively thanks to his wizardry around the greens.

Battling the Elite Field

Chasing the title alongside McBeth were future Hall of Famers like Ricky Wysocki, Eagle McMahon, and Calvin Heimburg. Young guns like Chris Dickerson, Kyle Klein, and Gannon Buhr also kept pace with their power and fearlessness.

McBeth found himself down 3 strokes with 9 holes left, but turned on his final round magic. He strung together 6 clutch birdies with zero bogies to take the outright lead to the 72nd hole.

Historic Playoff Finish

After a wayward drive on the par-5 finale, McBeth laid up with his Zone approach disc, leaving a 41-foot Eagle look to seal victory. His attempt sailed past, leading to a 4-way sudden death playoff with Heimburg, Wysocki, and Dickerson.

On the first playoff hole, McBeth buried a 29-foot straddle putt for birdie while his peers all settled for par. The clutch long putt made him World Champion for an unprecedented 6th time, cementing his legacy as the G.O.A.T for his multi-year run atop the sport.

The Making of a Legend

McBeth's historic accomplishment can be attributed to his all-encompassing dedication to excellence and growth mindset. He displays creativity in shot selection, tenacity under pressure, and an insatiable drive to keep improving.

For any aspiring disc golfer, McBeth represents the pinnacle. His 6 titles and 104 career wins underscore his otherworldly talent and consistent brilliance across 2 decades as an elite player. Thanks to his inspiring career, competitive disc golf continues gaining popularity worldwide.

FAQs

How many total PDGA World Titles has Paul McBeth won?

Paul McBeth has won a record-breaking 6 career PDGA World Championship titles in the Open division (2012, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021). This surpasses previous bests by Ken Climo (5) and Richard Wysocki (4).

What discs did McBeth throw en route to his 2021 world title?

McBeth relied on his signature "4x Paul" lineup from Discraft, including the Force driver, Malta midrange, Zone approach disc, and challenging WWII replica courses with tight gaps and tricky greens.

How many other elite series events has McBeth won?

In addition to his 6 world titles, McBeth has won 5 USDGC Championships (2012-2014, 2018, 2021) along with over 100 NT / DGPT tournament victories. He has been the top earner 8 times and boasts over $1.4 million in career earnings.

What shot won McBeth the 2021 Worlds playoff?

After laying up his drive on the par-5 72nd hole, McBeth drained a clutch 29-foot straddle putt to score a birdie and best his 3 playoff competitors who could only manage par. This cemented his historic 6th world championship.