From Pop-Up to Premier: Inside Brighton’s US Women’s Championship Course

From Pop-Up to Premier: Inside Brighton’s US Women’s Championship Course

USWDGC Tickets [https://leagues.elevateut.com/majors/uswdgc2026/tickets] USWDGC Volunteer Sign Ups [https://elevateut.org/volunteer/uswdgc] USWDGC [https://uswdgc.net] USWDGC Volunteer Sign Ups [https://elevateut.org/volunteer/uswdgc] USWDGC Tickets [https://leagues.elevateut.com/majors/uswdgc2026/tickets] USWDGC [https://uswdgc.net] In this episode, I sit down with course designer Chaz Critchfield to explore the origin, evolution, and future of the Brighton disc golf course—host venue for the upcoming United States Women’s Disc Golf Championship (USWDGC). Chaz shares how a spur-of-the-moment email after a Big Glade pop-up sparked Brighton’s transformation from a modest nine-hole into a championship-caliber mountain course at 9,400 feet. We dig into the design philosophy behind using Brighton’s rare flat “bowl” terrain to create true mountain golf without endless climbs, the community-powered work that installed pads, moved baskets, and even built snowboard-and-ski benches, and how candid feedback from filmed events drove major layout improvements in 2023–2024.   We preview the USWDGC layout, including the new finishing hole that merges Crest 8 and 9 into a risk-reward par four visible from the base, and discuss the unique logistics of building a major on a ski resort: rebar for OB in rocky ground, lift and access challenges, and setting up a mountainside festival atmosphere at the top with food, music, and spectator zones. Chaz outlines upcoming volunteer workdays, opening targets near Father’s Day, and why Brighton is primed for world-class coverage on Jomez and live broadcasts. We close with favorite holes, tips for playing at elevation, and a call for reviews on UDisc to help Brighton climb into the global top-100.

We’re Back: Wunder Builds, Board Boosts, and USWDGC Heating Up

The Wasatch Wunder [https://leagues.elevateut.com/courses?courseId=270] Wunderment 26 [https://www.discgolfscene.com/tournament/Wunderment_26_2026] USWDGC [https://uswdgc.net] USWDGC Tickets [https://leagues.elevateut.com/majors/uswdgc2026/tickets] USWDGC Volunteer Sign Ups [https://elevateut.org/volunteer/uswdgc] PinPines.  Pines for the pin that moved away. [https://pinpines.com/] AnotherRound SLC [https://www.anotherroundsaltlake.com/] We’re back! After a seven-month break, the Elevate Utah Disc Golf crew (Nick, Dustin, Sean, and Scott) catches up on a whirlwind of progress across Utah. We walk through our board expansion from four to seven members and how each new addition—events, accounting, marketing, compliance, design, and operations—leveled up our nonprofit’s capacity. We swap stories from building and refining The Wunder (including “Linda’s Hole”), ramping leagues and tournaments, and how a small army of volunteers and partners turned ideas into tee pads, signs, books that balance, and ready-to-run events. We also preview Wunderment weekend, share ace tales, and dig into how approachable, well-maintained community courses are the launchpad for Utah’s premier disc golf future. The second half dives into USWDGC momentum: Roots’ reroute and improvements, Dragonfly’s bridges and community cleanups, and Brighton’s marquee mountain venue. Scott recounts presenting to Lehi City Council, the show of community support, and how the major is catalyzing cities and counties to invest in amenities and infrastructure. We preview opening ceremonies at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center (panel with legends from “No Girls Allowed,” clinics, yoga, vendors, music), VIP perks, the volunteer push, and why FPO storylines at altitude will be must-watch. Join us at Wonderment, pitch in at course work days, and we’ll see you on the mountain July 16–19—tickets and volunteer info at uswdgc.net.

Benches for Butts, Turf for Tees: The Real Work Behind Dragonfly’s Glow-Up

In this episode of the Elevate Utah Disc Golf Podcast, I sit down with Dustin, Sean, Scott, and guest Colby Zimmerman to dive deep into Dragonfly—Lehi’s uniquely lush, water-table-fed disc golf course—and the wild bell saga at the Wonder Course. We kick off with Sean’s months-long quest for the perfect warning bell for shared-use trails: cast iron over brass or aluminum, lead clappers, farm-store field tests, and kid-proofing strategies so hikers can safely signal throws on new Holes 1 and 4. Then Colby takes us through Dragonfly’s journey from a community pitch to a challenging, par-4/5-rich layout, including the infamous, volunteer-built Hole 2, city partnerships, mowing logistics (becoming a city employee to run equipment!), winter swamp management, and long-term improvements for pathing, benches, bathrooms, and tee upgrades as Dragonfly is eyed for US Women’s. We also unpack smart course evolution: replacing invasive Russian olives over time, adding strategic tree plantings (willows and more), restoring “Old Hole 7” with a double mando tunnel, and repurposing 13’s basket to expand Hole 1 and add gold/red tees. We cover parking and shuttle planning for majors, future land expansion, and practical volunteer calls-to-action (with a nod to how good leadership makes work days run). We close with favorite-hole picks, a bench story that “made butts happy,” and a reminder that embracing change—done thoughtfully—builds better public spaces for years to come. Favorite holes discussed: Hole 2 (shot-shaping gauntlet), Hole 18 (elite par 4), Hole 17 long (picture-perfect green), Hole 6 (mail-slot gap), Hole 8 long (blind finesse).

From WWE to Worlds: Rob Bullen's Disc Golf Journey

USWDGC Volunteer Sign Ups [https://elevateut.org/volunteer/uswdgc] In this episode of the Elevate Utah Disc Golf Podcast, host Nick Jennings is joined by co-hosts Dustin, Sean, and Scott, along with special guest Rob Bullen. The conversation kicks off with Rob sharing his journey into disc golf, from his early days inspired by his uncle in California to his involvement with Innova and his role as a tournament director and volunteer. Rob's passion for disc golf shines through as he recounts his experiences, including his memorable moments at the 2021 World Championships and his unique announcing style. The discussion transitions to the development of disc golf courses in Utah, particularly the creation of the Fort and its significance in hosting major events like the World Championships. The hosts and Rob delve into the challenges and triumphs of organizing such events, including the infamous "Holy Shot" by James Conrad. The episode wraps up with a preview of the upcoming US Women's Disc Golf Championship, highlighting the collaborative efforts of Elevate Utah and Team Thunderpuss to make it a success. The hosts express their excitement for the event and encourage listeners to get involved as volunteers.

The Arena Awakens: A New Era for Utah Disc Golf

In this episode of the Elevate Utah Disc Golf podcast, host Nick Jennings is joined by Dustin, Sean, and Scott to discuss an exciting new development in Utah's disc golf scene: the Arena project in West Jordan. Unlike previous grassroots projects, this initiative is backed by local government support, with Mayor Dirk Burton championing the cause. The team shares insights into the project's origins, challenges faced, and the collaborative efforts with city officials and the community to secure funding and bring the vision to life. Special guest Jake Taber from JDS Construction joins the conversation to provide an insider's perspective on the design and construction process, highlighting the unique features of the course and the passion driving the project. Jake elaborates on the course's design, which includes a beginner-friendly red course and a challenging pro-level course, both set against the stunning backdrop of the Utah landscape. The episode delves into the thoughtful considerations for player experience, safety, and community engagement, with plans for trails, seating, and artistic elements to enhance the space. As the opening day approaches, the team discusses the final touches needed and the excitement building within the disc golf community. Listeners are invited to join the grand opening on August 11, promising a vibrant celebration of this new disc golf destination.