This week in disc golf may have had the sport blow up on mainstream media as the FPO division came into focus. Not the best timing for the latest Go Throw event and its $50k purse… without an FPO division.
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I’m Swiss Cheese—the one with far too many holes in my game—and just one half of the Disc Golf World. Welcome to This Week In Disc Golf, where I cover all things disc golf from the past week.
Which was far more than Turner’s Zyn mini, Abigail Wilson’s MCO forfeit, Daily Mail articles, or a John Oliver buggy-eyes absolute bar hit piece.
Overshadowed Action at Mill Ridge
Sadly overshadowed amongst all those media narratives were tight battles in both divisions at Mill Ridge. Kinda leaves me feeling about as disappointed as when I watch any Kevin Smith movie since he got sober.
It’s bad enough having to deal with jokes about disc golf not being a sport. Now add national coverage to that, creating a powder keg most just wanted to avoid.
Player Safety, Tour Rules, and the Abigail Wilson Fallout
But the story brought up other questions surrounding the sport—beyond trans athletes competing. Tour Life nudged things forward by scoring an interview with Abigail Wilson.
Player safety still isn’t going away, despite DGPT-listed efforts. Others question if it’s even feasible with vast land spans to cover in a sport that still self-governs and survives off volunteers.
There’s been critiques of disciplinary actions and highlights of DGPT and player communication issues. Nothing’s off the table—even the longevity of FPO as a division.
Sure, the threat of disciplinary action for words before an event even starts has people questioning the tour’s motives. And that’s before buzzwords like “compelled speech” start trending.
Personal opinions aside, the current rules weren’t made to hurt individual speech—they exist to protect all players and staff. Either follow the rules like you do during a round or choose not to tour—like Abigail has done.
That said, if you want change, be the voice for it—just like Wilson has done and advocated for.
Go Throw’s $50k Purse, FPO Absence, and Optics
Sandwiched between all this FPO talk is Go Throw and its $50k purse for their Masters event happening during the actual Masters.
It might not be the greatest of choices, but maybe not as bad as the invite-only event… not having an FPO division. That’s only been emphasized more by recent headlines.
This opened the door to critics who suggest the decision is disingenuous to the inclusive vibes the new tour is portraying. That might be a bit of a stretch, but the correlation? Definitely there.
Still, prize money moves people. One of the best ways to separate a tournament or tour is through a massive single-event prize pool that shakes the community and brings in views. It’s an underutilized approach if you ask me.
A single event with a large enough purse brings attention, recognition, and credibility. Instead of always pitching new formats—match play, team events, etc.—maybe just stack the money and let the competition speak for itself.
In a way, that’s what the Go Throw event and Eagle’s Crossing are trying to do. And I’m here for it. If successful, it could also drive the creation of a future FPO division. So maybe let’s be a little more forgiving here—$50k on the line is better for promotion than splitting that purse down the middle… for now.
The course? Looking great. The big question now: How good will the coverage be?
Meanwhile… You Probably Missed Collegiate Nationals
Lost in all this media noise? The Collegiate Disc Golf National Championship. And yes—for many of you—this might be the first you’re hearing about it.
But it’s one of the greatest disc golf events held every year.
It’s got everything: partying, odd smells, questionable hat placement, Melton’s shaved dome, Liberty’s no-dance honor code celebrations, McCabe in tears, and even Mennonites… all crammed into a weeks worth of peak disc golf vibes.
Singles Recap
In D1, Jesse Longnecker of Eastern Mennonite University capped off his first round with an eagle en route to a 9-under day. As the highest-rated player at the event, he cruised to the win—shooting even on the final 9—for a 3-stroke win over Jaden Rye of Mary Hardin-Baylor, who eagled the final hole for solo second.
In D2, Jake Heinze of Mississippi State posted a bogey-free 5-under to take the win with ease.
In D3, Zach Ferry edged out his Penn State teammate with a 10-under round to seal the deal.
In FPO, Atlanta Krueger of Emporia State was two strokes behind Grace Wilson of Liberty heading into the final nine. After a bogey start, Krueger responded with four birdies, tying things up on the final hole. A tough lie would cost Grace the title as Atlanta walked away the champ.
But Let’s Be Real: The Team Event Is the Star
The team event is where the action is at. It’s been there—people just don’t pay attention.
University of Cincinnati returned this year after a heartbreaking playoff loss last season and delivered big. The Bearcats strung together 12 straight birdies in Round 2 to gain a 3-stroke lead. Bradley Caldwell, Lucas Foggelsong, Ilkin Groh, and Tanner Young kept the momentum with some big putts, sealing the win over UNC Charlotte.
On the women’s side, Liberty’s Lady Flames went back-to-back. Cami Lazzo and Grace Wilson dropped 10-under bogey-free rounds on back-to-back days. A 7-stroke lead into the final nine was enough to coast to another title.
PDGA Returns to Its Roots
The PDGA is going full hippie mode with the World’s Biggest Disc Golf Weekend, happening May 9–11. Initially launched in 1991 in Austin, Texas, the celebration returns this year with free registration—play anywhere, anytime, even casual rounds count.
If you don’t want to play a tourney tied to the event, host one yourself. The goal: exposure, joy, and quantifiable data to grow the sport from the ground up.
We’ve been critical of the PDGA in the past—and not just because they dropped the magazine—but this move is a return to disc golf’s core. Less about media deals, more about just playing the game.
Will it move the needle? Who knows. But many claim Austin wouldn’t be what it is without that 1991 event. Time to drag a friend and make some history.
Quick Hitters
- Kristin Tattar returns home and gets greeted at the airport—but she’s more hyped about her new clothing line.
- Niklas Anttila also flies back to Europe for some hockey and chill.
- Ricky takes in the Masters with a side of golf fandom.
- Bradley’s out here doing cocktails, bingo, and rock climbing commentary with Erica Stinchcomb finishing the companion cube.
- Urban Disc Golf’s long-anticipated return is incoming.
- Hanna gets in the mosh pit.
- Turner and Ezra try on hats and sneak in a workout—with some surprise cameos.
- AB signs fingerboards (yes, really).
- Hammes and Marwede are either going fishing or hitting the bass tour.
That’s a Wrap!
That’s it for this week in disc golf! Big shoutout to everyone over on Patreon for the support—and if you made it this far, thank you for watching.
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