Gannon gives even more fuel for the haters—and I’m not talking about his latest victory. The PDGA claps back at a bellowing Brodie, and there’s plenty more. Welcome back, discgnerates, to another episode of This Week in Disc Golf!
How’s it going, everyone? Whether you’re here on purpose or still wondering how you found yourself back on this channel—welcome. I’m Swiss still rocking those holes, still with The Disc Golf World. That one disc golf YouTube channel that even surprises ourselves with what we say sometimes, but you still watch because we pack as much as the other guys in a fraction of the time.
This week was filled with more surprises than just that odd finish at the Northwest Championship. If you need those details, check out our Monday video for the full drama.
Gannon Says the Quiet Part Out Loud
First off—our own media passes got approved by the DGPT! That’s right—we’re hitting the road again, this time overseas to cover the World Championships in Finland. Big thanks to everyone who helped make that happen.
Back to Gannon. He’s leaving a trail of time violation complaints in his wake, and he ruffled even more feathers with his recent comments on Staggered Stance
This is the current World #1, the so-called “future of the sport,” dropping a public, critical opinion. Not just some random habitual offender—this is a top player going on record with the same quiet frustrations many other pros share.
Why It Matters
- Pros face the brunt of public scrutiny over pace of play.
- Poor coverage and commentary magnify every stopwatch violation.
- They’re expected to self-police rules—even with marshals on some cards.
Now, with the new PDGA rules changes swirling in the community, hearing a voice like Gannon’s—unaffiliated with the players committee—needed to happen. Even if it’s not what everyone wanted to hear.
There’s an unwritten rule on tour to “swallow the whistle” on violations. It’s real, even if people want to focus only on the worst offenders. We’ve seen it ourselves while out on tour. And all of this is creating a growing divide between players, fans, the PDGA, and the DGPT—one that’s getting louder on all sides.
On one hand: the PDGA and DGPT care about the optics and product. On the other: players care about the next shot—and their paycheck. And honestly? Isn’t that what you want your pros focused on?
“Do Your Job” – Brodie and the Call for Enforcement
Gannon isn’t the only one talking. Past and present pros—including yes, Brodie Smith—are demanding that marshals and the PDGA actually make calls at events. Or as Brodie likes to scream: “DO YOUR JOB!”
Gannon might have been more diplomatic about it, but his stance was just as strong on The Tour Life Podcast
Him taking such a public position opens the door for others. Some, like Holyn Handley, already dove in on the same podcast
It’s a Bigger Problem
Disc golf’s issues have outgrown any one easy solution. These debates and proposals have no true end in sight, and tensions are higher than ever. Even the PDGA can’t stay silent.
PDGA’s Clapback: Phil Delonie Fires Back
This week, PDGA Director of Competition Phil Delonie delivered what I’m calling a dark horse rebuttal to Brodie’s rants. He even asked to appear on their podcast—and told Uli to actually let people speak (relatable, honestly).
He argued that time extensions will change the culture of the sport, referencing the newest rule proposals. It’s part of the PDGA’s shift in approach this year—a shift I’ll actually give them credit for here.
No—I don’t buy that it’ll “change the culture” (Gannon’s showing it won’t already), but I’ll credit the PDGA for actually defending their proposal and engaging publicly. And I’m all for them showing up on the podcast. It’s way better than the quiet, exclusive interviews they’ve done before.
This is the kind of active PDGA presence on social media that might finally engage members—not just on rule comments but also with the upcoming elections.
DGPT Europe Check-In: Ale Open Action
Meanwhile, disc golf action swung back over to Europe for the Ale Open. That course is what my lucid disc golf dreams look like—minus Cupcake riding a tricycle as my caddie and with way fewer bogeys.
Despite the rainy conditions, the event delivered:
- Kristin Latt (shock) leads after Round 1.
- But the real story? 13-year-old Swedish phenom Julia Fors.
She finished Day 1 just one stroke behind Kristin at 4-under—only 3 points off a 1000-rated round. Coming off a top-ten finish at the Konopiste Open (her third Elite Series event ever) and a win at Q-Series the next weekend, she’s now third in DGPT Europe points—ahead of some huge FPO names. And she’s on the lead card for moving day.
This kind of emerging European talent is exactly what the new unified DGPT Europe tour was meant to showcase in its first year. Absolutely delivering.
Quick Hitters: Around the Tour
- Vinny celebrated his birthday rocking with Bradley.
- New Zealand’s Levi Stout also had a birthday bash.
- Kat took her new alum photo while flexing her musician side on socials.
- Brian Earhart snagged a C-Tier win in Charlotte (only because Uli wasn’t around, allegedly).
- Paige Pierce fangirled meeting a Billy Strings band member at the airport.
- Rathbun got in a week (but everyone’s OK!).
- Kristin landed another shoe sponsor while Nikolas showed off her new clothing line.
- Hanna and Clemons grabbed drinks and weird trinkets.
- Aiden Scott got picked. Cole Redalen hit the links.
Wrap-Up and Thanks
And that wraps up This Week in Disc Golf. Big shout to our Patreon supporters and all of you who stayed this long so I could thank you personally.
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