Focus Friday – St. Patrick’s Day Sale

FOCUS FRIDAY– Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Welcome back to another Focus Friday, where we look at a certain mold or brand, and give you a discount so you can try it out for yourself. This weekend, the 17th, is the infamous St. Patrick’s day! We are celebrating by giving you a 10% off code for *ALL green discs on our website.

St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated annually on March 17th. It commemorates the death date of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. The day is marked by parades, wearing green attire, traditional Irish music and dance, and the consumption of Irish food and drink. It has become a global celebration of Irish culture and heritage, with festivities held in many countries around the world.

Why should you buy a green disc???

Stealth Mode: With a green disc, you can blend into the foliage like a disc golf ninja. Your opponents won’t even see you coming until it’s too late!

Leprechaun Luck: Legend has it that green discs are kissed by leprechauns for good luck. Who needs skill when you’ve got the luck of the Irish on your side?

Environmental Friendly: Embrace your inner environmentalist! A green disc signifies your commitment to the planet. Plus, it’s like recycling… in every throw!

Eyes of Envy: While your friends are busy searching for their brightly colored discs in the bushes, you’ll be cool as a cucumber, effortlessly spotting your green disc from miles away. Watch them turn green with envy!

 

DISCOUNT -> This weekend, get 10% off *ALL discs that are green, blue-green, or yellow-green by using this code at checkout: ‘LUCKY10’

This sale will end on the 24th, so get on this deal while you can!
Check out this page to see all the items that are on sale this week.

*MVP/Axiom/Streamline products are subject to MAP protection, and therefore, the full discount percentage may not be applied.

Best Disc Golf Training Devices

A disc golfer putting at a basket

 

When you see your PDGA rating rise to new levels, or if you  find yourself setting new personal records on your local course, or maybe when you find yourself on the podium more often at tournaments, if feels great to know that you are progressing in the sport. Playing a lot is one way to improve our game. Another way which helps us even faster is by training. In this blog we will look at the best disc golf training devices to find out which ones will help you.

Disc golf training accessories help us get the reps in more frequently, leading to sharper skills and better form. Here are some of the best training devices:

The MVP Pod V2 Disc Holder

1 – MVP Pod V2 – Since you will be putting on a majority of all holes that you play, it makes sense to making putting a regular part of your overall practice regime. Practicing putts is not the most fun thing in the world, so it’s nice to make the most of the time we will be putting. One way to improve our practice efficiency is to have the putters within easy reach. The Pod meets that need nicely!

The MVP Pod V2 is a metal stand that holds a stack of putters to you don’t have to be bending down to pick them up, nor do you have to hold a stack while you try to maintain good form. It’s called the ‘V2’ because this version of the Pod comes with two 3” extension poles to hole even more discs. The Pod V2 holds 26 putters and even more drivers, for when you’re doing field work.

In addition to holding a lot of discs, the Pod is easy to transport. It comes apart or sets up in minutes, so you can take it to a field or practice basket with ease. Its all-metal construction means it will hold up to transporting and use for many years.

Check out the MVP Pod V2 HERE

Visionary Practice Net

A Visionary disc golf practice net

2 – Visionary Practice Net – The best way to improve your form is through regular practice and field work. Often times it is inconvenient to find an empty field big enough to throw distance drivers. That’s where a practice net really shines.

Visionary nets are specifically designed for disc golf discs. They have a return channel that catches the discs and collects them for easy retrieval. If you want to take full-power shots in your backyard or garage, these nets are perfect for you.

The nets come in a couple different sizes, from single-thrower to larger nets that allow several people to throw at once. All of them feature the patent pending return channel, with the bigger nets having multiple channels.

While the obvious reason for getting a net is so you can practice your drives, there is another reason to invest in this practice tool. They are also perfect for putting practice. A net set up behind your basket will stop any errant putts and make gathering them that much faster. Your putting sessions will be more efficient and you can spend more time putting than chasing discs. If you combine an MVP Pod V2 and a net, before long you’ll be putting like a pro!

Check out the 6-pocket Visionary Practice Nets HERE

Check out the 3-pocket Visionary Practice Nets HERE

ProPull Disc Golf Trainer

The propull disc golf elastic band trainer

3 – Propull Disc Golf Trainer – If you’re looking for a way to warm up before a round or keep your form in good shape, you’ll want to consider the ProPull Disc Golf Trainer. The Trainer is a disc with hardware attached that allows you to go through the motions of a throw and feel resistance as you pull the disc. It comes with two elastic tubes for different levels of resistance.

The ProPull can be used indoor or outdoor. It has a strap that attaches to a tree or other object, and also comes with a strap that attaches to a door. The training product also has a safety strap in case the disc slips out of your hand.

Here is a YouTube Video featuring Infinite Discs own Dave Feldberg talking about the ProPull and its benefits, as well as how to use it.

VIDEO

Check out all of the ProPull Disc Golf Trainer HERE

Flightowel

Flightowel disc fob and towel

4 – Flightowel – Years ago I cut up an old disc and would hold the small section of it along with a towel, and use that to warm up. I liked it because I was gripping an actual rim and the towel offered a little resistance. I was thrilled when the Flightowel came to market because it was an even better version of the device that I made. It was cleaner and more effective product.

The Flightowel is a small portion of an actual disc and is attached to a towel with a strong cord. The discs are cut out of a variety of molds, so you can find the mold that you would like to warm up with. The towel has a small clever pocket that creates a little resistance when you go through the throwing motion. You simply grab the disc fob and go through the throwing motion. I do this regularly to warm up after a backup on the course, so I can keep my arm ready to throw.

Flightowels are made in America and come in a variety of towel and fob colors. They come labeled with the mold they were made from. Flightowels are available in left-hand and right-hand options.

Check out all of the Flightowel options HERE

Disc Dot

The Disc Dot putting aid

5– Disc Dot – The Disc Dot is a putting training tool designed to help you narrow your focus on the basket while putting. The device slips over a link on your practice basket and helps you focus on that point. By training our eyes and brains to aim for a single point, it increases our chances of making our putts. The basket seems much bigger after focusing on a tiny Dot.

Disc Dots come in a variety of colors, including glow in the dark. They are now made of recycled discs.

Check out Disc Dots HERE

Chain Suppressor

The Chain Suppressor neoprene sleeve to keep baskets quiet

6 – Chain Suppressor – Having a basket around the house to practice putting is the best way to improve our putting and lower our scores. If the noise of the chains is preventing us from practicing as much as we should, then the Chain Suppressor is the perfect product for you. Whether you are concerned about being a noisy neighbor, or you have young kids that have a nap time, the Suppressor greatly reduces the chain noise that is usually music to our ears.

The Chain Suppressor is a neoprene sleeve that attaches directly to the pole to greatly reduce the noise made when the chains smack the pole during a putt. It can be easily removed for times when you want to hear the chains. It also has two yellow lines that you can use as an aiming aid.

Check out Chain Suppressors HERE

Basket Pole Holder

7 – Basket Pole Holder – Moving a basket from place to place can be problematic if the basket needs to be disassembled to move. The poles are difficult to keep with the basket and tend to roll around as you transport the basket. The last thing you need is a hassle moving the basket. The Basket Pole Holders are a pair of rubberized straps that keep the poles securely attached to the rest of the basket. Make your practice sessions more stress free with the Basket Pole Holders.

Check out Basket Pole Holder Straps HERE

What Training Devices Do You Use?

Comment below and let us know what devices you use, and which ones you would like to check out!

Tour Storylines – Waco Annual Charity Open

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RESULTS – 🏆GANNON BUHR & KRISTIN TATTAR

Before the event started, many weren’t optimistic about the “upgrades” to historic WACO. But after the final putt, I’d say it lived up to the hype and proved that “Everything’s bigger in TX.”

In no particular order, here are the storylines you should remember or may have missed:

1 – Yin and yang courses: The BEast & Laco

With the BEast mostly unchanged, all eyes were on Lake Waco. Being immediately judged as a ball golf course, its reviews were mixed and the tee pads drew criticism.

While the drop-offs posed an injury risk (it got Uli), the course showed promise and hopes to improve in design and teeing surface. Regardless, the pair of courses plus TX winds still made for a wacky event.

Contrasting styles of golf thrived on either course, and it showed on the leaderboard. Even without the typical finish, there was still drama at the end but with more spectators surrounding the green.

2 – New season, same delays.

It wouldn’t be a Tour event without a few weather delays. Just days before Daylight Savings, Friday’s storms forced MPO to push play into dusk.

Those on the Lead Card were unlucky and had to wake up early to finish 3 holes on Saturday. But they weren’t the only ones penalized over the event.

Just when you thought everyone was aware of the new 5-minute check-in rule, we got reminded one more time. Back at Chess.com, it was KJ USA who got hit with the heavy 2-stroke penalty.

This time it was Ricky Wysocki who was “30 seconds” late and got called out by a cardmate on Friday. While I doubt we’ll see this again, being late to a job happens to the best of us.

3 – Is Kristin Tattar the most sure thing right now?

“There’s nothing to fix if nothing’s broken… So I just keep doing what I’m doing and see where it gets me.” – Tattar (DGN)

Picking up where she left off, Tattar made a statement to the field as she became the back-to-back champ. Her jetlagged, slow start turned into a decided finish with 18 holes still left.

The signs of a leveled-up field went missing. Scoggins made uncharacteristic mistakes while playing “boring golf.” Ella Hansen suffered from early releases. And Hailey King continued to have an aggravated knee.

But even without them pushing her, there’s still a looming goal. Tattar’s getting close to catching the 1000-rated unicorn, and guess what, today is Ratings Update day.

So did she hit 1000? No, but she’s at 999 again. Based on u/KyleSilva’s calculations, if she averages 1001 for the rest of the TX Swing, then she should hit 1000.

4 – A cut above the rest.

Opposite to FPO, it was a rollercoaster Sunday for the men. The few pushing for the win traded mistakes, lucky breaks, and the lead several times.

While it looked to be a battle between Prodigy’s previous figurehead and current, Anttila challenged them with the hot round from Chase. Between them, it was impossible to pick who to root for.

Anttila’s been so close to his 1st DGPT win. Humphries is a fan-favorite underdog and was hit with the heartbreaking news that his uncle passed pre-round. And Buhr’s an 18-year-old phenom.

But in the end, Buhr’s winning experience came through despite the excessive time warning and brutal spit-out. He’s now won as a Discmaniac, and his stats were ice-cold in all the good ways.

5 – Wacky WACO for fan favorites, missed cash, and DNFs.

No matter the changes to this “Plus” event, it was still WACO. All 3 members of BigSexyBarri gave us flashbacks to their good days. Big names missed cash. And players were dropping like flies with DNFs.

With the MPO cutline at the top 45 and FPO at 24, there were many surprising names not playing on Sunday. Here’s a few…

  • MPO: Paul McBeth, Simon Lizotte, Isaac Robinson
  • FPO: Jenn Allen, Cat Allen, Sarah Hokom

Before the event started, Calvin Heimburg dropped due to his elbow tendinitis and was the 1st domino to fall. After him, 7 more players DNF’d for various reasons including injury, illness, and recovery.

We’ve got a long season ahead of us. And with this being the 2nd event, broken cash streaks and injury DNFs will only continue.

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Focus Friday – Doomsday Discs on Sale

FOCUS FRIDAY– Doomsday Discs

Welcome back to another Focus Friday, where we look at a certain mold or brand, and give you a discount so you can try it out for yourself. This weekend, we take a look at a mysterious disc golf brand that you may just come to love as much as its devoted followers do… Doomsday Discs

Doomsday Discs is an apocalyptic disc brand for the end of the world. They release quality discs that are manufactured from many different sources around the world to prepare for any unexpected market scenarios that might arise. Watch for discs to be released in their Catastrophic Line, Prepper Line, Munitions Line, and Conspiracy Line.

If you would like to read more about this brand and how it all began, check out our other blog post HERE.

To help you in selecting the right Doomsday discs, check out our Top Selling, Highest Rated,Doomsday Discs.

DISCOUNT -> This weekend, all Doomsday molds are on Sale! 

This sale will end Monday night, so get on this deal while you can!
Check out this page to see all the items that are on sale this week.

Monthly Top Selling Discs – February 2024

TOP-SELLING DISCS OF FEBRUARY, 2024

Welcome to the top-selling discs report! At the beginning of each month, we will take a look back at the previous month to calculate which discs sold the best. You have a chance to win a $20 gift card each month if you correctly guess a certain spot for the next month (see below for more details).

Each month, we look at the top 50 disc sales data for mold AND plastic-type to see which disc rose to the top. Due to this, it is possible that a single model could show up on the list several times, each representing a different plastic type. This also helps us to know which disc in which plastic are the most popular among our customers.

#1 – Axiom Signature Prism Proton ENVY
#2 – Axiom Electron Soft PIXEL
#3 – Axiom Electron PIXEL
#4 – Axiom Signature Electron PIXEL
#5 – Axiom Electron Firm PIXEL
#6 – Axiom Signature Electron Soft PIXEL
#7 – Axiom Signature Electron Firm PIXEL
#8 – MVP Neutron Soft GLITCH
#9 – Axiom Neutron TIME-LAPSE
#10 – Innova Star ROLLO
#11 – Latitude ROYAL Grand BRAVE
#12 – Discmania Signature Swirly S-Line CLOUD BREAKER
#13 – Innova Star WRAITH
#14 – Infinite Discs D-Blend ALPACA
#15 – Innova Star DESTROYER
#16 – Axiom Neutron HEX
#17 – Infinite Discs R-Blend ALPACA
#18 – Infinite Discs I-Blend x-out EMPEROR
#19 – Discraft ESP BUZZZ
#20 – Innova Champion Color Glow WRAITH
#21– Discmania S-Line TD
#22 – Infinite Discs D-Blend TOMB
#23 – Innova Champion EAGLE
#24 – Infinite Discs I-Blend PHARAOH
#25 – Finish Line Discs Forged INTERVAL
#26 – Finish Line Discs Signature Forged DAYTONA
#27 – Axiom Eclipse 2.0 HEX
#28 – Infinite Discs Halo S-Blend EMPEROR
#29 – Axiom Eclipse 2.0 INSANITY
#30 – Innova GStar MAMBA
#31 – Infinite Discs I-Blend SPHINX
#32 – Discmania D-Line Flex 2 P2
#33 – Infinite Discs N-Blend ALPACA
#34 – MVP Neutron TESLA
#35 – Infinite Discs Signature P-Blend Glow ALPACA
#36 – Infinite Discs I-Blend EMPEROR
#37 – Prodigy 300 PA-3
#38 – Infinite Discs I-Blend MAYA
#39 – Thought Space Athletics Aura MANA
#40 – Innova DX LEOPARD
#41 – Kastaplast K1 Line BERG X
#42 – Latitude 64 Zero Medium PURE
#43 – Infinite Discs Halo S-Blend INCA
#44 – Discraft Z Line CICADA
#45 – Discraft ESP CICADA
#46 – MVP Neutron WATT
#47 – Dino Discs Egg Shell STEGOSAURUS
#48 – Infinite Discs Halo S-Blend MAYA
#49 – Infinite Discs D-Blend SCARAB
#50 – Innova Star MAKO3

*All this data comes from Infinitediscs.com sales ONLY

The NEW Axiom Pixel claimed an impressive presence last month, securing spots 2 through 7 among the top 50 best-selling molds. Moreover, the collective dominance of the Axiom and MVP brands extended further, encompassing the top 9 spots in total for February. This remarkable feat underscores the growing popularity and trust players place in these brands’ quality and performance, as well as an excitedment for the NEW Pixel putter.

One notable sale that caught our attention was the surge in sales of the Cloud Breaker. This uptick coincided with professional disc golfer Eagle McMahon’s transition away from Discmania as his primary sponsor. McMahon’s influence and endorsement power undoubtedly played a significant role in driving sales, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between top players and the brands they represent. This occurrence serves as a compelling example of how player endorsements can directly impact consumer behavior within the disc golf community.

Amidst the dominance of powerhouse brands and player endorsements, an intriguing outlier continues to emerge: the DX Leopard. Despite not being hailed as the epitome of disc design or innovation, the DX Leopard consistently maintains its presence among the top-selling molds. So, what accounts for its enduring popularity? W believe that the DX Leopard’s appeal lies in its forgiving flight characteristics and suitability for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a novice honing your skills or a seasoned pro looking for a reliable turnover disc, the DX Leopard delivers consistent performance. But give us your thoughts in the comments!

This is how many times each brand appeared in the top 50 line-up – 

Interested in More Top Selling Disc Golf Products?

Check out these top selling disc pages, automatically populated by our website for the:

Looking for discs of a certain flight path, check out these lists of best sellers for last month:

The Guessing Game

Every month you’ll be able to place your guess for a certain spot on the chart for the next month. The first person to guess the disc and plastic type correctly for the named chart position will win a $20 gift card for the Infinite Discs online store.

PLACE A GUESS for next month. If you can by the first to guess the #4, #31, #36 spot for March 2024 then you can be a winner. Leave your guess in the comments on this blog.

Thanks! See you next month

 

Focus Friday – All Disc Golf Bags On Sale

FOCUS FRIDAY– Bags on Sale

Welcome back to another Focus Friday, where we look at a certain mold or brand, and give you a discount so you can try it out for yourself. This weekend, we are looking forward to warmer weather, and want to help you prep for you upcoming tournaments with a FULL Disc golf bag sale!

Choosing the best disc golf bag depends on various factors such as the number of discs you carry, playing conditions, and personal preferences. For casual rounds or beginners, a lightweight shoulder bag with enough space for 8-12 discs and a few accessories suffices. For more serious players or tournaments, a backpack-style bag offers better organization, durability, and can accommodate 20 or more discs along with extra gear like water bottles and towels. If you’re trekking through rugged terrain or adverse weather, a weather-resistant or waterproof bag with reinforced straps and sturdy construction ensures your discs stay protected.

Ultimately, selecting the ideal disc golf bag hinges on balancing your storage needs, comfort, and the demands of your playing environment.

DISCOUNT -> This weekend, use this discount code to get 15% off on *ALL bags! – ‘FOCUSBAGS’

This sale will end Monday night, so get on this deal while you can!
Check out this page to see all the items that are on sale this week.
*MVP/Axiom/Streamline products are subject to MAP protection, and therefore, the full discount percentage may not be applied.

New Discs Golf Discs for 2024

Stack of colorful discs

One cool thing that we can look forward to as every year as disc golfers is to see what new molds will be released. Even larger companies with tons of existing molds covering every flight pattern will release a few new ones so they can stay fresh in everyone’s mind. That means a lot of new disc golf discs for 2024.

With the rapid growth that disc golf seen in the past decade or so, in addition to the brands we’ve known for years releasing discs, now we get lots of completely new companies eager to release discs to the growing members of our sport. It is amazing to see so many companies jumping into disc golf.

In this blog we’ll take a look at some of the discs that are new for 2024. These are discs that have been released this year, or are going to be released soon. Then we’ll look at discs that have been PDGA approved in the past few months and highlight some new brands that might be making their mark on our sport.

New Disc Golf Discs For 2024

Axiom Pixel – The second release from the Simon Line, the Pixel is a strait-flying putt/approach disc from Axiom. Available in a few different plastic types.

Elevation Disc Golf Psychic – The brand that has given us a variety of extra-floppy discs recentlyElevation Disc Golf Psychic released their inaugural distance driver, the Psychic. You’ll get all the distance of a driver with the stopping ability of all their molds.

Goliath Ark – In keeping with their biblical theme, Goliath’s newest mold is the Ark. It is a stable fairway driver that is available in their Oasis plastic.

Latitude 64 Brave – This fairway driver has the glide, turn, and fade that combine for some long throws. It will suit players of all skill levels.

Lone Star Discs Spur

Lone Star Disc Spur – The Spur is an overstable fairway driver with enough fade that it can handle forehand or headwind shots.

Lone Disc Bearkat – The flippy mid from Lone Star is available now. Name after the Sam Houston University mascot, the Bearkat has a decent amount of turn and a mild fade.

EV-7 Lid – The Lid is a catching mold that resulted from a collaboration with EV-7 and Hyperflite. It is an expanded version of their popular canine disc.

Discraft Kratos – The new putter from Discraft will be released on March 8. A beaded Luna? It sure sports an overstable flight like the Luna. The Paul McBeth Kratos will have a limited edition release, so make sure you get your order in soon after the drop.

Discraft Kratos

Infinite Discs  Khonsu – This beadless midrange from Infinite looks to be a flippy mold. Perfect for those right-hand turning shots.

Axiom Pitch – This may be Axiom’s answer to the Glitch, and if that is the case, it will be a hit. Fans will have to wait for the upcoming solar eclipse until it is released.

Doomsday Discs Apocalypse – The Apocalypse was recently released, to the dismay of noodle arms all over the world. This extra-beefy high-speed driver is nothing but FADE. Good disc if you need to play in hurricane-force winds.

Doomsday Discs Crisis – Pick the type of Crisis you’re having Doomsday Discs Midlife Crisisin your life and get an appropriately-stamped

Doomsday Discs Rot – According to Doomsday, the Rot will be their first beaded putter. It will have a flat top and fly fairly straight.

Doomsday Discs Proximity Mine – This is a speed 1 disc with a touch of stability. Maybe some competition for the Berg? I don’t have a release date.

Chumba Discs Sombra – The first release from Chumba Discs is a straight, beadless putter. ‘Sombra’ means ‘shadow is Spanish. It is currently available.

Legacy Discs Sumo – If you’re looking for a very overstable putter, be sure to check out the Sumo. It has a low glide and can fight any headwind. Available in four different plastics.

Ice Age – Only recently approved, this mold will be rolling out soon.

PDGA Approved Molds

Now let’s shift to molds that have been PDGA approved in the past three months. It is interesting to see so many new brands on the list.

PDGA Recently Approved Discs

On this list you can see some of the long-time manufacturers in the sport: Innova, Discraft, and Gateway Discs. These brands have been around for decades, but are still coming up with new molds. But, you can also see brands getting their first mold(s) approved. Here are some first-timers:

Bernoulli – Undoubtedly named after Daniel Bornelli, a Swiss physisist who developed theories of fluid mechanics that explain the flight  of a disc golf disc. They got their first two molds approvede recently, the Einstien, and the self-titled Bernoulli.

Evolvent Discs – This Swedish brand  was started by two engineers who want to produce the best disc golf prosucts on the market. Their first mold, the Readiness, was approved in December.

Goeringer Discs – Their first disc, the Cherry Blossum, got approved at the end of last year.

Gorilla Performance Discs – The Texas company not only recently got three molds approved, they have two molds, the Silverback and Chango, in production and available to purchase on their website.

Grassland Discs – Grassland has chosen 3D printing as the method to producing their discs for now. Their first mold is the Chickadee. They are a Canadian brand, based in Saskatchewan.

Meridian Discs – They had two molds that were recently PDGA approved, the Tundra and the Strait.

Negative – Negative is the name of a brand that just got their first disc approved. It is the Ritual. I couldn’t find any information about the company.

Ocean Discs – Ocean Discs appears to be a manufacturer in England. They got their Sea Turtle mold approved in December.

PrintPractical – The Extruder is the first mold produced by PrintPractical. The disc is named after the part of a 3D printer that pushes out the heated filament. They will be 3D printing all of their molds.

RIPR – Another Canadian company, RIPR produces a miniature rubber disc that fits in your pocket and is easy to throw. They also go their first disc golf mold approved, the Flame Skimmer. Two additional molds are currently going through the PDGA approval process: the Leatherback and the Grey Wolf.

Stokely Discs – Scott Stokely is a professional disc golfer and coach. He also has a couple molds available. They recently got PDGA approved and are available on his website.

Visionary Disc Golf – Visionary began by making disc golf practice nets. As of January of this year, they now sell discs. The Amethyst is their first disc.

X-UFO – This brand, whose parent company is does injection-molding, is a Chinese brand that had a slew of molds approved this month. Their line-up includes the Star Bat, Star Demon, Star Bison, Star Bear, and Star Dorado

Keep in mind that this list is just the brands who were getting their first mold(s) approved in the past three months (December 2023-February 2024)! That just goes to show you how much the disc golf landscape has changed in the last few years. The molds from just these companies represent a third of all of the molds approved.

Hopefully we will get to see some of the new brands make it to our shelves. It’s always fun to try discs from new brands. When they do come to market, we’ll be sure to let you know!

TOUR STORYLINES – Chess.com Invitational

TOUR STORYLINES – Chess.com Invitational

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RESULTS – 🏆ANTHONY BARELA & EVELIINA SALONEN

The 1st event is in the books. Whether it was the fan-favorite course, the wholesome winners, or the season finally starting, this weekend got many up in their feels.

How can you not be romantic about disc golf?

In no particular order, here are the storylines you should remember or may have missed:

1 – “Olympus has the magic.” – Nate Perkins

Minus All-Stars’ 50 hours of straight rain, this location perfectly contrasted the former Vegas opener. Olympus has teeth and character.

At every turn, it was vast, magical, and seemingly fun to play. It still needs some breaking in, but the design is exactly what many have been hoping for.

  • 2 division layouts with both wooded and bomber shots that played closer to par (no double-digit rounds)
  • Unique terrain: Classic FL low ceilings mixed with demanding landing zones
  • No filler holes with a nail-biter finishing stretch

And this is only a glimpse into the future of the Tour. Championship courses designed/owned by pros will continue to trend upward.

Cale Leiviska’s Preserve Championship is in its 4th year, and Nikko Locastro’s developing his own Houston property. There might even be a 3rd McBeth-designed stop coming soon at Dylan Cease’s other private course – Cactus Rock.

2 – It’s a bug, not a feature.

World Champ Magnus Carlsen (@thediscgolfguy)

DGN 2.0 and PDGA Live’s bumpy rollout continued with some highs and lows.

  • The MPO commentary trio (Ian, Philo, & Climo) had zero dead air but was well-received
  • The video quality was mostly great, PiP on the app worked, and the chess GOAT got some air time
  • The premium ad-free version of the broadcast wasn’t actually ad-free
  • The PDGA Live scorekeeping and stats were still “rudimentary”. Pros and fans alike missed UDisc’s extra features

Adding fuel to the flames, the entire PDGA app went down for just over an hour on Saturday. Not only were the event’s scores not updating, but every ongoing tournament was down.

Overall, the broadcast and live scores were just fine. Including the Pro Tour, we’re all adjusting to the changes, so fingers crossed these issues continue to be bugs, not features.

3 – Is this FPO’s new normal?

With Kristin Tattar busy at Estonia’s Presidential Reception, it felt like anyone’s game. The storyline revolved around the homies’ battle (Hansen & Handley), but Salonen’s masterful throws and a buttoned-up putter changed things.

Surprising herself, she unlocked a new ceiling and walked it in on Hole 18. Salonen’s unofficial event rating of 1012 becomes the 3rd highest in DGPT FPO history only behind Paige Pierce.

But even as she blew past the field, her closest competitors topped out too…

It feels like we’re set up for even more unique winners than last year. The homies, the Finnish Friends, Big Money Missy, and others might give Tattar a run for her money.

POV Tattar (Brian Parks)

4 – Getting the gorilla off his back.

It was “monkey off your back” weekend on the DGPT, and just hours after Salonen broke her 4-year drought, it was AB’s turn. But before he could hoist the chess board, he had to battle his fellow Arizonan bud – Wysocki.

And boy, did they give us a show. Ballooning his lead to 6 strokes at one point, AB’s confidence was at an all-time high. But Wysocki doesn’t settle for 2nd.

The gap closed, and European Open flashbacks were referenced. But through off-season mental and putting prep, AB’s a different man now.

He clutched up to win his 1st career Major/Elite. He’s a champion now, and the field should be scared cause he’s got the full package.

“It’s just unbelievable. I’ve been waiting my whole life for this, and all the losses are worth it now. This feeling’s amazing.” – Barela (DGPT)

2013 Junior Worlds -> 2024 Chess.com (PDGA)

5 – Expectations were tempered.

It’s way too early to draw any real conclusions, but let’s see who beat or lowered expectations.

Those who impressed:

  • Gannon Buhr – It was hard to tell he was bagging new discs
  • Gavin Rathbun – After becoming sponsor-less, he made the last-minute decision to compete. It paid off with a T6th finish and a couple of grand
  • Paige Pierce – Coming in with zero expectations, she finished top 10 in a promising start

Those who didn’t knock all the rust off:

  • Paul McBeth – Let’s be real, it wasn’t realistic thinking he could continue his winning ways here. But having to scroll down to 52nd place doesn’t instill lots of confidence in his recovery
  • Calvin Heimburg – 2023’s “Final Boss” is dealing with a tweaked elbow that likely led him to miss the top 5 since June

Even as the cream at the top is slowly changing, there’s plenty of time for pros to get up to speed. There’s a long season ahead.

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