For some reason, fans didn’t like the LA Open—and I’m honestly confused why. What’s up discgnerates? It’s The Disc Golf World. I’m Jefferson, and alongside me as always is the man with all the holes in his game—Swiss Cheese—here to recap everything you might have missed from the weekend in disc golf.
Well… kind of. We’re not going to go over the results of USADGC (but congrats if you played!). Instead, let’s jump into the DGPT event—yes, there was one this week, for those of you living in the dark.
Heads Up for the Preserve
If you’re headed to The Preserve this weekend, quick note: Paul McBeth has dropped out. No info yet on why, but honestly feels like a smart time for a break before heading overseas for the European run. We’ll talk about that in a sec.
Side note: if you see the world’s largest rubber duck at the Preserve, come say what’s up. That’s where I’ll be, obviously.
McBeth’s Championship Mentality
Speaking of Paul—saw this cool clip on the McBeth Foundation socials that really shows how the man thinks:
“I really try to train my mind to…patience is the biggest thing. Something as simple as going to a grocery store and not trying to find the shortest line. You have to learn patience. Just pick this line, and if that one goes faster, you just have to live with that decision and move on to the next thing and hopefully make a better decision next time.”
Call it the McBeth fanboy in me crawling out, but that’s champion-level thinking. And to think he’s done with the sport? Crazy talk.
Speaking of Big Events: Wisconsin’s Hosting USDGC
Sort of like the headline: Wisconsin to host the US Disc Golf Championship. That’s some clickbait title energy, but it’s real. Possibly the biggest disc golf event ever in Wisconsin. We’ll be there, so come say hey!
Fans Roast the Ale Open – But Why?
For some reason, fans were not happy with the Ale Open. And no, it’s not just confusion about why the tour bounces back and forth between Europe and the US—although that conversation is coming at the end of the season when we debate the “value” of each win.
Honestly, I was confused by all the hate. I thought it was a solid tournament:
- The course was sick.
- The play was standard top-tier, with guys shooting 1060+ each round.
Some pointed to subpar camera work from the American crew. Maybe, but that feels nitpicky. Most of the real talk was about the commentary—and how good it was. Fans loved that they actually called players out on bad shots instead of making excuses, and added value instead of filling silence with pointless words.
From what I saw, European Disc Golf is stepping up huge. If they keep building on this foundation, DGPT Europe could become a standalone tour. That’d be dope. Imagine mid-tier US players heading over there to chase the dream. I’m all for it—more disc golf for us to watch.
Plenty of people seem to agree. This weekend, social media was even asking if European disc golf is…flat out better. Find out what Swiss and I think about it tomorrow on the Spit Out Podcast. Listen on Spotify, and do us a favor: drop a rating, review, or at least hit subscribe!
But Let’s Talk Post-Coverage Numbers
One thing to consider: post-produced coverage—where most fans actually watch—got about 50% less viewership. Is that because they posted on the MDG Media channel instead of the DGPT owned Jomez? Uh…no duh.
Not taking anything away from MDG (big respect), but they have 50K subs versus Jomez’s near 500K. Even if half of those are inactive, it’s a huge difference. Why aren’t we setting European events up for success? Especially when the free live coverage on DGPT’s YouTube did just fine—just like any other tournament. Crazy concept: put your product in front of more eyes and get more views.
The Upshot Drama
Last bit of news: there was a lengthy post circulating about The Upshot Podcast, specifically about Josh Mansfield. The headline wasn’t positive—some even suggested Charlie Eisenhood find a new co-host.
Personally? The Upshot is one of the only podcasts I listen to weekly (alongside Courtesy Violation and Funsi). To me, they’re among the most educated voices in the game. Been listening since I was 18 working on the farm. (Shoutout to The Disc Podcast, RIP—finally old enough to drink beer and get those jokes.)
Far as I know, Charlie is the only full-time disc golf commentator. Easily top three at what he does. Can’t give him #1, though. What kind of narcissist would I be if I didn’t put us on top? Even if I am, you know…more of a bottom.
Swiss Cheese’s FO Recap
FPO Side Was Electric
More than just the featured battle at the top between Kristin Latt and Silva Särninen (which has become a theme while overseas), this weekend also delivered:
- Plenty of teenage European standouts turning heads.
- A first-time Elite Series winner getting crowned.
Day one brought adverse weather and high scores. But not for Latt, who took the early lead as expected with a 5-under round. The big story? 13-year-old Swede Julia Fors finishing just a stroke behind Kristen—nearly posting her first 1000-rated round, only 7 points shy. She also earned her first Elite Series lead card.
Day Two – Silva Strikes Back
Silva Särninen absolutely bounced back after a +2 opening day, shooting the hot round of the tournament at 7-under. That included six birdies in seven holes, pushing her up eight spots to sit just a stroke behind Tattar heading into the final day. Tattar, meanwhile, had a rough day with four OB strokes, three bogeys, and a double.
Final Day Drama
Final day? Must-watch. Silva had trailed in their previous matchups but finally flipped the script. She fell behind early by three strokes in the first five holes. But then the moment:
- Hole 6 island green—Kristin misses for the third time in the event.
- Silva hits a birch tree that miraculously kicks her disc to the bullseye for a drop-in birdie.
She finally tied it with a birdie on 12. Then came clutch putts to close it out—including her only C2 make of the day from 36 feet—securing her first Elite Series win. And more importantly, finally taking down Tattar, who’d denied her so many times before.
MO Side: Ricky vs. Niklas – A Battle for the Ages
On the MPO side, jetlag couldn’t stop Ricky Wysocki from grabbing the lead with a 10-under, 1074-rated round—despite two bogeys. He held on in round two with an 8-under (including a double bogey), staying three strokes ahead of Niklas Anttila.
But in the final round, it all changed:
- Hole 1 – Ricky goes OB, settles for bogey. Niklas misses birdie but closes the gap.
- Ricky answers with five straight birdies to rebuild the lead.
- Polarizing Hole 6 island—both secure birdies, but Ricky goes OB later to open the door.
Niklas capitalized, staying close, then tied it up with a big birdie on 15. Heading to hole 16 still tied, Niklas dropped a perfect roller for birdie while Ricky missed from C2.
From there, Niklas parked 17 to extend the lead to two. Ricky’s final approach on 18 went short OB, sealing the win for Niklas Anttila. That’s his third DGPT win of the season—all from behind. If you’re not on the Niklas bandwagon yet, what are you doing?
Wrap-Up and Thanks
And that’s everything you need to know from the Ale Open. If you want to keep up with all things disc golf, make sure to hit that subscribe button. And if you want to support the channel even more—grab one of those fundraiser shirts now!
