Based on my estimates, for easterners it is probably $1500 minimum to play Worlds. It is indeed expensive. However, it is a shame that the playing field isn't as diverse for players from the US, since this is not just another vanilla Worlds. This tournament will go down in history, in many ways. For one, this will be the first ever event in the history of disc golf to exceed $100K in prize money, a huge benchmark for the sport. Secondly, this will be the first time a major disc golf tournament is modeled after a golf major (pebble beach), with the very best course marshals and staff recruited to run the event. The intense variety of courses is another factor that will really see the cream rise to the top, the winner of 2011 Worlds will have earned a great honor by besting their competitors on just about every kind of hole imaginable. The tournament will also see the emergence of what we hope will be disc golf's own version of "Endless Summer," and many other cultural and promotional efforts that we hope will have a global impact. Perhaps the saddest thing is that few players from out east will get to experience our courses at their very best.
But, even with the midwest and east coast largely absent, the players who are coming from these regions are among their best, and could very well win the tournament. However, California and Oregon will be well-represented, and have the highest concentration of 1000-rated players in the world, all of whom are chomping at the bit to win a world championship on home turf.
