A New Era is Upon Us - Disc Golf is Evolving...

PLUS: A Candid Conversation with Disc Golf's Legendary G.O.A.T.

We just wrapped up the local Bag Tag season this weekend here in Las Vegas.

Huge thanks to Scott Merritt - club president, and his team, and volunteers for running a 12 month long event.

Monster and I loved playing with all our buddies, and working to improve our games.

If you’re not playing disc golf in a club near you, please do…

You’re missing out on connection, friendship, and most of all, watching that disc fly… 💗🥏⛳️.

Jeremy “Big Jerm” Koling

Oh… you wanted results?

I was fortunate enough to win the MA2 division, and monster took 2nd in FA3 division. So proud of her, and humbled to take down a division I just started playing in during my 3rd year in.

It was great watching our buddy, Zack Gray take down the event. We got to play with him and he was on FIRE!! He finished 13 down. Really impressive. Congrats Zack for winning MPO on the day.

Zack Gray - MPO Champ of the final Bag Tag event.
Congrats - You represent Prodigy really well.

Now let’s get into this weeks content!

Estimated read time: 5 minutes 14 seconds

THIS WEEK’S SCOOP: 

🌟 The Evolution of Professional Disc Golf:
A New Era Dawns 🥏

Have you noticed the seismic shift in the professional disc golf landscape lately?

There was a time, not so long ago, when names like Paige Pierce, Paul McBeth, and Ricky Wysocki were synonymous with victory in almost every tournament.

Paige Pierce

Their dominance was a spectacle, with each event seeming like a foregone conclusion.

But the winds of change have been blowing, and 2023 has given us a glimpse into a future filled with fresh talent and fierce competition.

This 2023 season, we witnessed the unavoidable realities of sports: injuries and the need for recovery.

Wysocki faced a wrist injury, McBeth took time off to compete in Europe and later dealt with a shoulder issue, while Pierce underwent ankle surgery.

Yet, in their absence, the professional disc golf scene didn't just survive; it thrived.

🚀 The Rise of New Champions:

The field has seen a surge of new faces claiming their spot in the limelight.

Kristin Tattar

In the FPO division, despite Kristin Tattar's continued dominance, players like Sai Ananda, Ella Hansen, Kat Mertsch, Holyn Handley, and Ohn Scoggins have made significant impacts.

🏆 A New Era in MPO:

The MPO division, too, has seen a remarkable rise in first-time winners.

The absence of household names like McBeth and Wysocki has paved the way for young guns to showcase their skills.

At the 2023 PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships, Isaac Robinson's phenomenal performance underscored this new era.

With an average round-rating of 1056, he led the field in strokes gained from tee to green, marking the arrival of a new powerhouse in disc golf.

🌟 The Future is Bright:

The impact of this shift goes beyond individual tournaments.

Young talents like Anthony Barela, Gannon Buhr, Alden Harris, Kyle Klein, Evan Scott, and Cole Redalen are not just names; they represent the future of disc golf.

These early 20-somethings and teenagers are redefining what it means to be a top-tier player in the sport.

As we celebrate the legends of the past, we also embrace the dawn of a new era.

The legacy of Juliana Korvers, Ken Climos, and Barry Shultzes will always be a part of disc golf's rich history.

But as they once stepped up to fill the void left by their predecessors, so too will this new generation of disc golfers rise to the occasion.

🌍 Enjoy the Journey:

The evolution of professional disc golf is a testament to the sport's growing popularity and the depth of talent it attracts.

As we witness this exciting transition, let's savor each moment and enjoy the show.

The future of disc golf is here, and it promises to be spectacular.

Gif Of The Week

THE ALL-TIME G.O.A.T…

Ken Climo

🌟 Ken Climo: Insights from a Disc Golf Legend 🥏

The DGPT recently had the privilege of delving deep into the mind of Ken Climo, often hailed as the greatest disc golfer of all time.

In an enthralling interview with Brian Earhart, Ken shared his journey from childhood in Clearwater, Florida, to his ascension as a disc golf icon.

Ken reminisced about his All-American childhood, filled with sports, fishing, and fun.

His entry into disc golf was marked by curiosity, quickly turning into a passion as he honed his skills and technique.

The transformation from a baseball and BMX enthusiast to a disc golf legend is a story of dedication, focus, and natural talent.

What stands out is Ken's philosophy of playing against the course rather than the competition, a mindset that propelled him to unparalleled heights in the sport.

His insight into the evolution of disc golf, from equipment to course design, offers a unique perspective on how the game has grown and where it's headed.

But beyond the victories and the records, it's Ken's humility and love for the sport that truly resonate.

His commitment to being a father, balancing personal life with professional aspirations, is both inspiring and grounding.

👀 Want to hear more about Ken's journey, his thoughts on modern disc golf, and his take on what makes a great player? 

Dive into the full-length interview and experience the wisdom of a legend firsthand.

And Ken, if you happen to read this:

Thanks for being a legend and coming back to keep giving to the sport, Ken.

You are appreciated and loved by us all!

These are 2 of Ken’s ALL-TIME fav discs…

Meme of the Week:

Agree? or Disagree?

-sean 🔥🕺

P.S. Help grow the sport, forward this onto a friend who plays, or is someone you feel should learn about our sport so it can positively impact their life as it has yours!! 😉👍 (it takes less than 30 seconds, do it right now!)

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