Even though there wasn’t a Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) event this past weekend, there was still plenty of disc golf action to cover. Players scattered across various tournaments in search of competitive play and prize money. The top three events of the weekend were:
- Persimmon Ridge Championship
- The forgotten Jonesboro Open
- The first Q Series event at Texas States
Jonesboro Open: A Unique Format
Jonesboro may no longer be part of the DGPT, but that didn’t stop it from drawing a solid field of competitors. This year, the event experimented with a two-day format featuring 27 holes per day—a setup that sparked some debate within the disc golf community.
Kristin Latt’s victory at the Jonesboro Open was not surprising given her dominance at the event in previous years. She has now won three of the four times she has competed there, each by a significant margin. However, her 23-stroke margin of victory wasn’t even the biggest story of the weekend.
Breaking Records: A Historic Weekend
Latt’s win at Jonesboro marked her 100th PDGA event victory, an impressive milestone in itself. However, the real headline was her setting a new record for the highest average-rated tournament performance in disc golf history.
She posted an average 1030.5 player rating, narrowly surpassing Ohn Scoggins’ previous record of 1029, which was set at last years Open at Austin.
A Record with a Twist?
While the numbers don’t lie, there’s an interesting twist to this record.
- Ohn Scoggins’ record was set over three rounds, while Latt’s record came in just two rounds.
- Both tournaments had the same total number of holes (54), but spreading elite performance over three days versus two is a different challenge.
Does that mean Latt’s record deserves an asterisk? Not at all. However, maintaining peak performance over three days brings additional factors into play—weather changes, fatigue, and overall consistency. Regardless, Latt’s performance was undeniably dominant and worthy of recognition.
Go Throw and the Future of Disc Golf Coverage
Beyond individual achievements, another highlight of the weekend was Go Throw’s evolving role in disc golf media. Their coverage of events is top-notch, and their ability to showcase unique courses and communities is shaping how fans experience the sport.
One prime example is the Persimmon Ridge Championship, which Go Throw highlighted beautifully. Their intro video set the scene for the course and showcased the passion of the owners. More of this documentary-style storytelling could be a game-changer for the sport’s visibility and long-term growth.
Additionally, Prodigy was officially announced as the main sponsor of Go Throw, a move that makes complete sense given their deep ties to Luke Humphries. This partnership could help further elevate disc golf’s media presence if done correctly.
Expanding Player Involvement in Commentary
A fresh and exciting trend in disc golf coverage is the involvement of top players in the commentary booth. The recent Go Throw event featured a Gannon Buhr-Calvin Heimburg duo, providing insight and entertainment for viewers.
This approach helps showcase player personalities in a casual setting, making them more relatable to fans. Back in the day, surprise guest commentators like Paul McBeth joining Jamie Thomas brought extra excitement to post-round coverage. Reviving this format could add a new dynamic to disc golf media.
The Q Series and the Challenge of Growing New Events
While the first Q Series event took place at Texas States, it flew under the radar for many fans due to limited media coverage and lack of storytelling. This has been a recurring issue in disc golf—new formats and tours are introduced, but they don’t always get the attention they deserve because fans lack a way to follow along.
Similarly, the upcoming Match Play Series will only be available live on Disc Golf Network (DGN), which raises concerns about accessibility. Changing a tournament format isn’t enough to attract new fans; the way events are covered and presented matters just as much.
The Need for Better Fan Engagement
One way to enhance fan engagement is by providing easier access to point standings and stats. There is a secondary points system for achievements like eagles and aces, but currently, there is no easy way to track these points. The leaderboard on the official website is reportedly inconsistent, making it difficult for fans to stay invested.
Imagine if platforms like Disc Golf World could provide a quick, digestible breakdown of standings and player performances every Monday. This would help casual fans keep up with the season and create more excitement around the evolving storylines.
