What a week! Tons of news dropped like my 410K. Gambling is back in disc golf—and boy, are people mad. Match Play gets rained out, raising questions about MCO, there’s player movement galore, and even more chaos in This Week in Disc Golf.
Entering the Chat
What’s happenin’ all you discgneerates? Yes, I’ve got holes in my game, and that’s why they call me Swiss cheese. But more importantly, I’m just one half of Disc Golf World—you know, the guys whose beat-up minivan was just too much for the DGPT to see on tour.
We are the best professional disc golf channel on YouTube, and you’re reading This Week in Disc Golf, where I break down all things from the past week in the disc golf universe.
Gambling in Disc Golf: It’s (Kinda) Happening
April Fools had people side-eyeing every announcement, but this one was real. Jeff Spring went on All Birdies No Bogeys and dropped the bomb: regulated gambling and daily fantasy are officially available for disc golf.
Well, for six states anyway. The land of the still slightly free. I live in one of them, so you know I’ll be placing some bets—even with the comment section in a tizzy about it.
Hold My Bag already has promos out. DraftKings and Underdog are involved. This might be a real move forward for disc golf.
For once, the rollout is calculated and attached to actual big partners. ALT Sports Data will handle the line algorithms (they already work with DraftKings), and IC360 will be the integrity cop.
For now, the bets are capped: no stat-based gambling, just basic finishing position or odds-to-win bets. This actually shuts down a lot of the usual arguments in the comments.
Yeah, I’m talking to the surface-level headline readers.
It also protects these companies from ending up like Prize Picks, which got bodied last time gambling tried to sneak into the sport.
Will This Change Disc Golf?
Nobody thinks gambling will magically bring new players into disc golf. But could it activate that huge group of people who play disc golf but don’t follow the tour?
Absolutely.
This is a multi-billion dollar industry. And for all the people begging for a team format, you’re telling me side bets wouldn’t bring folks over? Please.
The tour’s long-term success depends more on converting current players into fans than chasing new audiences. Leave that to the PDGA.
More money could fund better officiating, accurate stats, and bigger payouts. I’ll take it—even with the baggage that online gambling brings.
Even with limited options, betting has already made waves. Some say the Simon and Kristin lines were so bad they caused DraftKings to take their odds down temporarily.
Regardless, there was enough action to cause noticeable line movement—and that’s saying something.
Weather Woes at Match Play
And just like that, weather is back in the mix. After Go Throw got wrecked, now it’s Match Play’s turn. Canceled due to rain and tornado warnings, with more bad weather on the way.
Some are questioning if MCO will even start, let alone finish.
Photos of the course? Rough. Charlie Eisenhood said on The Upshot that they asked him to block off Monday in case things get delayed.
A shortened tournament is on the table. But if conditions are as bad as they look, should they just cancel? For the safety of players, volunteers, and fans?
Player News: Breakups, Bags, and… Protestors?
Kristin Tattar and Mattias Vutt Split
Kristin and her manager Mattias Vutt are parting ways—just a year and a half in, and in her contract year with Latitude 64.
Timing? Yeah, a bit sus.
She’s had a brand refresh, launched a clothing line, expanded sponsorships… some say she could’ve done even more.
Maybe she and Silver just want more control. Renovations, wedding, and honeymoon are done—it’s time to lock in.
Hailey King Goes Open Bag
Not surprising. She’s set to return to action post-All-Star event, and it looks like she’s going rogue with the bag.
Natalie Ryan Leaves Neptune
This one was surprising. Ryan leaves with time still on her contract, which might say more about Neptune’s financial situation than her performance.
She’s also recovering from surgery and might play at MCO—if it even happens. But if she does, protests are expected.
And yes, that group is back: Save Women’s Disc Golf is offering $2,000 in cash for players who forfeit in the name of “fairness.”
Quick Hitters: Laughs, Love, and Lightning Delays
- Ezra Robinson drops a hilarious Uncle Sam video to boost his Presidents Cup votes. 10/10.
- Missy Gannon repped an “I ❤️ Cox” shirt at the presser. Yes, Rebecca Cox. Yes, it was hilarious.
- Cue MVP MCO practice round video at 14:34.
- Gannon Buhr got a little too excited about a Minecraft meal.
- April Fools Highlights:
- OTB’s blimp tickets stunt deserves an actual drone blimp.
- Sprinkle Valley pretended to delete Hole 18, then flew a triple mando banner over it. Diabolical.
Bored Pros in the Rain
- Cal Lundquist serenaded Simon in a hot tub with classical music.
- Vinny, Zach Arlinghaus, and the Hot Geese flew kites. Not joking.
- Board Games & Putt Putt broke out. Hanna Wen crushed Walter White-style.
- Gavin Babcock tried a Spidey impression. Got roasted by the Gen Z crew.
That’s a Wrap!
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