Greenridge Open Sees Steep Decline in Participation

Delaware's toughest disc golf course delivers another grueling test for the few who braved it.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 2026 Open at Greenridge in Newark, Delaware saw a sharp drop in participation, with just 24 players competing in the PDGA-sanctioned Pro/Am C-Tier event. This was down significantly from previous years, which had seen fields of 42, 58, and 54 players. The course's reputation as one of the state's most punishing wooded tests, combined with the timing of the event in late winter, contributed to the smaller turnout.

Why it matters

Greenridge is considered one of the most difficult disc golf courses in Delaware, testing players' mental and physical abilities. The declining participation numbers highlight how the course's challenging layout can deter all but the most experienced and dedicated players from competing, even as the sport's popularity has grown in the region.

The details

The 2026 Open at Greenridge saw just 24 players compete, down from 42 in 2025, 58 in 2024, and 54 in 2023. The course's tight fairways, heavy woods, and reputation for punishing minor mistakes make it one of the state's most demanding tests. This year's event was played in 54-degree weather with 12 mph winds, further adding to the difficulty. Despite the small field, the scoring remained high, with no players finishing under par.

  • The 2026 Open at Greenridge was held on March 14.
  • The event is typically held in the final stretch of winter before spring foliage fills in the fairways.

The players

Jordan Winward

A 989-rated player from Newark, Delaware who finished tied for first at the 2026 Greenridge Open.

Brian O'Neill

A 980-rated player from Elkton, Maryland who finished tied for first at the 2026 Greenridge Open.

Will Carr III

A 919-rated player from Claymont, Delaware who won the MA1 division at the 2026 Greenridge Open.

Chip Kifer

The winner of the MA2 division at the 2026 Greenridge Open.

Jeff Parsons

A 903-rated player from Boyertown, Pennsylvania who won the MP50 division at the 2026 Greenridge Open.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Greenridge always tests the mental and physical abilities of any disc golfer. Adding changing wind and falling branches definitely adds to that equation. Sticking to a predefined game plan and remaining objective through frustration was the key to my success over the two rounds.”

— Will Carr III, MA1 Division Winner

“I rank it right up there with Iron Hill for most difficult course in the state. What sets Greenridge apart is it hasn't had the time to become as refined as some of the lines at Iron Hill. It forces creativity to scramble & an imagination that you can make something out of nothing when visualizing a shot.”

— Will Carr III, MA1 Division Winner

What’s next

The PDGA is still finalizing the official results for the 2026 Greenridge Open, including whether Jordan Winward's tie for first place will be counted as his 14th career victory.

The takeaway

The steep decline in participation at the Greenridge Open underscores how the course's extreme difficulty can deter all but the most experienced and dedicated disc golfers, even as the sport continues to grow in popularity in the region. Surviving the round is as much an achievement as winning at this punishing venue.