What’s up, degenerates? Welcome back to the Disc Golf World. I’m Jefferson, and alongside me is Swiss Cheese – the man with more holes in his game than a Prodigy basket. Today we’re breaking down everything you need to know from the Ledgestone Open, our home DGPT event.
VIP Life and Nate Heinold Surprises
This year was our first time rolling VIP. Crazy, right? Especially since we were denied media before. But shoutout to Nate Heinold for coming in clutch – the man turned knight in shining armor, hooking us up with free access and even tossing us 25% off merch. Respect.
Speaking of merch – our exclusive Peoria stamp shirts and Wizards are almost gone. Once they’re out, they’re gone forever. DM us on Instagram or smash that subscribe button to support the channel for free. Oh, and yes… we got new hats too.
Fly Mart, Vendors, and the Drama
Let’s talk Fly Mart. Last year we complained about pricing and the downgrade. This year? Major improvements. Platform seating, live TV, Costco-level snacks. And honestly, this Fly Mart blew Finland’s “biggest expo” out of the water. The only Fly Mart better? USDGC.
But… not everything was smooth. Vendor drama hit Northwoods. Treasures of the Forest posted about ]]the lack of organization. We even heard stories of vendors setting up only to get booted for a food truck that never showed. Yikes. Hopefully 2025 gets a proper vendor plan because frustration was clear across the board.
“We’ll never be at Ledgestone again. Our bags won’t be in player packs. We’re taking the loss and going home.” – Dry BagZ on Instagram
That’s rough. Still, credit where it’s due: Nate dropped vendor rates this year and managed to secure 45 vendors – the most on tour. Still pricey, but hey, progress is progress.
Controversy, Playoffs, and Rulebook Drama
Now let’s get into the controversy that set the disc golf internet on fire – the playoff ruling. Valerie Mandujano, Kat Mertch, and the newly crowned World Champ Ohn Scoggins delivered fireworks. But all anyone wants to talk about? That playoff blunder.
The commentary booth was lost. Fans were confused. And the rules police came out in full force. But here’s the thing: Nate Heinold stepped in and ruled with consistency, the same way he did last season. Was it controversial? Sure. Was it malicious? Absolutely not. And honestly, it gave us better TV – Valerie’s clutch playoff birdie was the ending disc golf deserved.
FPO Action: Valerie, Ohn, and Cat
The FPO field was stacked with storylines. Missy Gannon climbed back into the top five. Rebecca Cox (yes, Rebecca Cox!) dropped a stellar nine-under to make lead card. But the spotlight was on Valerie Mandujano, who snapped her win drought in epic fashion. Ohn put on a Circle 2 putting clinic – dropping bombs from 56 feet – but fell just short in the playoff.
Disc golf fans got everything: drama, hot rounds, weather delays, and a finish we’ll be talking about all season.
MPO Recap: Gannon Buhr Goes Beast Mode
Over on the MPO side, Gannon Buhr reminded us why he’s the future. The kid went on a 9-hole birdie streak at Northwoods, hitting putts like they were tap-ins. AB, Paul McBeth, and Isaac Robinson tried to keep up, but once Gannon gets rolling, it’s game over.
We also had controversy with Isaac’s OB + mando call. Spotters, missed discs, and provisional confusion. In the end, the benefit of the doubt went to the player (as it should), and Isaac escaped with one of the weirdest pars ever. Didn’t matter though – Gannon cruised to a 5-stroke win while taking heat for alleged “time violations.” Honestly, targeting him feels weak when half the field does the same thing. But Quick Draw Buhr proved he can play fast and still dominate.
Final Thoughts on Ledgestone Open
The Ledgestone Open delivered: vendor drama, Fly Mart upgrades, insane FPO playoff drama, and Gannon Buhr flexing on the MPO. Shoutout to Jake for the crash pad, Heinold for the passes, and everyone who said what’s up at the event. And don’t sleep on our exclusive Disc Golf World Peoria merch – shirts, Wizards, and hats still available, but not for long.
Disc golf is thriving, drama is back, and we’re here for it. Drop your thoughts in the comments: Was the playoff ruling right? Is Gannon unstoppable? And what’s your take on vendor treatment this year?
Catch us on the next episode of The Spit Out – and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next round of disc golf chaos.
