What’s up, degenerates! Welcome back to The Disc Golf World. I’m Jefferson, and alongside me as always is Swiss Cheese — the man with more holes in his game than a used practice basket. Today, we’re diving into one of the spiciest topics the disc golf community can’t stop talking about: Gannon Buhr’s accusations of being targeted by officials and Simon Lizotte calling out the dumbest rule in the sport. Strap in — this one gets heated.
Ganon Buhr Calls Out Targeting
It all started after Gannon’s Day 3 post-round interview. Things escalated when he doubled down during the press junket, claiming that he was unfairly singled out for time violations. His words? “It’s kind of clear I’m being targeted.”
According to Gannon, a Marshall gave him a time warning some are saying not because of the shot itself, but “to send a message”. That same Marshall then led off the next round with a pre-round speech about — you guessed it — time violations. Fans and players alike immediately questioned whether Gannon was being treated equally compared to others on his card, including Paul McBeth, who Gannon says took similar amounts of time with no call.
Receipts, Podcasts & Video Evidence
Gannon came with receipts. On multiple podcasts, made claims of video evidence comparing his timing to McBeth’s on hole 18 — with both players taking around a minute. One got called. One didn’t. His frustration boiled over into a bigger accusation: unequal enforcement.
To be clear — Gannon isn’t against the rule itself. He even said he wants calls when they’re fair. The problem? Consistency. If one player gets flagged, then every player on the card should be held to the same standard. Period.
When Does the Clock Even Start?
Here’s the heart of the problem: when does the 30-second clock actually start? Is it when you put your bag down? When you pull a disc? When you place your mini? Ask 10 disc golfers, you’ll get 10 different answers — and half of them are lying with confidence.
The PDGA claims it’s black and white. But in practice? Marshals are left with an impossible job, and players feel like the rule is applied inconsistently. That’s what fuels accusations of targeting and favoritism.
The Dumbest Rule in Disc Golf
Enter Simon Lizotte, never one to shy away from calling it like he sees it. His take? The 30-second time rule might be the dumbest rule in disc golf history.
Simon (and many fans) argue that the rule doesn’t serve its real purpose — keeping pace of play moving. Instead, it creates confusion, controversy, and inconsistent calls. He’s not alone. A growing number of pros believe the solution is simple: ditch the 30-second rule entirely and just enforce pace of play. If a card is falling behind, send a Marshall. Otherwise, let the players play.
Proposed Fixes – Extensions, Pace of Play & Chess Clocks?
Some have suggested a middle ground: time extensions. Players could get two per round to use in tough situations. Others floated ideas like a black-and-white “stopwatch starts when the disc comes to rest,” or even chess timers for each player’s round. Creative? Absolutely. Realistic? Maybe not.
The most popular fan take remains the simplest: scrap the 30-second rule and focus on whether a group is slowing down the field. That way, you eliminate the gray area, reduce conflict, and still protect pace of play.
Targeting or Reputation?
Here’s the thing: Gannon does have a reputation for pushing the clock. Whether fair or not, that reputation means fans, officials, and even his fellow competitors are watching him closer. That’s part of the problem — you can’t only police one guy. If a Marshall is on the card, they have to call everyone consistently. Otherwise, it’s no wonder players feel singled out.
Final Thoughts – Time’s Up for This Rule?
Look, disc golf is growing. Bigger crowds, bigger purses, bigger storylines. But rules like this? They’re holding the sport back. Whether you’re Team Gannon, Team PDGA, or just Team Chaos — one thing’s clear: the time violation rule has got to change.
So let’s hear your thoughts. Is Gannon right about being targeted? Is Simon right that this is the dumbest rule of all time? And what’s your fix — extensions, pace of play, or just scrapping the whole thing?
Drop your thoughts in the comments, hit subscribe, and don’t miss tomorrow’s recap of Idlewild!
