This will never work—and no, I’m not talking about basket standardization.
What’s up Discgenerates, it’s the Disc Golf World. I’m Jefferson, here to break down The Masters. No not that one—the Go Throw Masters Invitational. Maybe not the best name, but I could’ve told you that from the amount of confused 60-year-olds trying to get in.
The $50K Buzz
From the start, this event made waves because of the $50,000 purse. For a non-PDGA-sanctioned tournament, that’s a big deal—especially when it’s invite-only.
32 of the best disc golfers in the world competing on what’s being called the greatest course ever. Don’t believe me? Just ask Aaron Gossage—might be the first course he’s liked all year.
He’s not the only pro hyped about Eagles Crossing. Anthony Barela called it “the greatest piece of disc golf property in the world.”
Adam Hammes called it “a work of art.” Tons of praise came in from players. But even with that… there’s one big question:
Does Winning Matter?
For those who already think my takes are dumb—you know my answer: This will never work… at least kind of. Stick with me for the “kind of” part.
When the Go Throw Tour got announced on a beach in Puerto Rico, fans immediately started speculating. Was this the reason for that controversial DGPT clause allegedly stopping players from playing outside events?
What if I told you—it wasn’t even about that?
Either way the public has already decided the narrative that being, Go Throw was competing directly with the Pro Tour—even if they’re still technically running cameras for them. Yeah we’ll just ignore that part.
The Challenge of Prestige
Here’s the challenge: How do you make a win on your tour feel prestigious?
It starts with four things:
- Money
- Competition
- Pro validation
- Fan buy-in
The field was stacked for a weekend off the Pro Tour — 6 of the current top 10 in the DGPT standings competed. Not bad, considering most of you only watch four players a week anyway.
Validation by Vibes
The course itself helps with validation. I haven’t heard a single negative review. That’s rare. But it’s not just the layout—it’s the theatrics.
Animal statues? Props? Some might call it corny—I think it’s brilliant. It gives perspective, makes stakes more visible, and most importantly: it opens the door to advertising.
Let’s move on from yard signs at teepads. It’s time for visually appealing, branded obstacles scattered across the course. Not necessarily in play—but why not get creative?
If we’re moving out of the woods… why not add manmade challenges? It’s more engaging and opens the door to serious sponsor investment. Might even drop that $30-a-round price tag.
Making the Purse Work
The $50K purse is good, but it’s not turning heads. It’s why the other 4 players from the top 10 didn’t show up.
Just a thought—what if the winner got the entire $50K? Fewer players would enter, sure, but only 8 ever get on camera anyway. Might actually work in their favor.
Right now, this format won’t work. If it looks and feels like every other event—but with fewer rounds—how can we make the argument for any prestige?
But if the winner takes home more than any DGPT stop? That’s a story fans will follow. That’s a headline.
The Masters… of Disc Golf?
This could evolve into something much bigger. Add rounds. Make it a spectacle. That’s already the vibe: Red jackets, Big Jerm on commentary, golf carts for practice, caddie outfits—they’re not hiding the ambition.
Go Throw just needs one respected event. If they can achieve that, they win. Uphill battle? Yeah. But they’re putting in the work. And keeping the $50K prize pool is a huge step.
The Best Basket Ever?
Another big talking point from the weekend: the basket. Some are calling it the best basket ever made.
I had a chance to talk with Dave McCormack, the inventor of the basket, to understand what makes it different. Check out the full clip here.
What do you think? Should more courses use these?
I think this thing solves the spit-out problem. I saw Nikko Locastro throw full-power drives from 30 feet—and it caught every time.
That’s what we need. Aces need to stick. It’s the coolest, most highlight-worthy thing in disc golf. If we want mainstream attention, that’s how we get it.
Go Watch It
I don’t want to spoil the Go Throw Masters for you. I want this event to mean something—so go watch it.
It’s worth it. Two rounds. Course records. On one of the dopest properties disc golf has to offer. You’re gonna like it—I promise.
What’s Next?
This week: the Kansas City Wide Open. Stay tuned for our preview video—and maybe even our new gambling segment (assuming that’s still a thing).
