Hello and welcome, this is The Players Meeting. The email you can rely on to recap what’s happening in disc golf, in 5 min or less.
Starting something new this week... Instead of one mid-week newsletter, you’ll now get 2x TPM.
With a big tournament every week, the recap and preview will have their own edition. Both will still contain what you love to see without pushing past bite-sized.
Let’s get into it.
The Memorial (A-Tier)
RESULTS - 🏆 PAUL MCBETH & KRISTIN TATTAR
MPO/ That’s #7 for Paul McBeth. They don’t call it The McMorial for nothing.
McBeth gave himself a hefty lead (6 strokes) after 2 rounds at Fountain Hills. And used that to hobble himself across the finish line for 1st place.
He averaged 1074 to hold off the charging BFF’s (Anthony Barela & Adam Hammes) who train on these courses. The conditions ranged from perfect to wind, rain, and lower temps. But that couldn’t stop him from taking down the OB-riddled courses of Scottsdale, AZ.
FPO/ For her 1st time in AZ, Kristin Tattar had some ups and downs. Even with losing most of her drivers at Fountain Hills, Tattar kept strong and won.
Local legend, Jen Allen, stayed close the whole weekend but like the Finns, she couldn’t keep up. Tattar looks to Waco where there will be more competition.
STANDOUT PLAYERS
MPO/ Aaron Gossage. The young, Colorado native averaged a 1061 rating to secure 3rd place. His BH & FH distance were pushing past McBeth, AB, and Hammes. CO is a breeding ground for bombers.
FPO/ After missing the cut line at LVC, Henna Blomroos bounced back with a top 4 finish. She beat her best friend Eveliina Salonen by 3 strokes.
HIGHLIGHT
If you want to watch the full rounds, then go to Terry Miller’s YouTube channel. He’s the best.
Behind the Lens
JomezPro Founder & CEO, Jonathan Gomez appeared on The Upshot to discuss what happens behind the scenes.
With their recent 2-year DGPT deal, he helped clear the air on some popular speculations.
Can they afford the $500k?
Yes. They wouldn’t be taking on the agreement otherwise. With YouTube ads, merch sales, and Patreon, JomezPro is covered. They haven’t been paid to film an event for a while.
Why don’t they cover USDGC?
The two parties have gone back and forth on their involvement with the USDGC. It came down to differing opinions on coverage methods & paywalls. And Jonathan is fine with not being part of the USDGC team.
Jomez vs. DGN / Live vs. Post
Jonathan believes they’re two completely different products, and many people enjoy both. JomezPro exists for people who have a smaller amount of time to watch. And for those who love the commentary, player profiles, and extra graphics.
JomezPro → Paywall?
There are no plans to ever put next-day coverage behind a paywall. Jonathan believes in a huge audience (YouTube ads) with some paying for merch or Patreon.
Grow the sport, and the rest will follow.
Fresh Plastic
Insights by Daddy Disc Golf. SHOP THE SHACK for the latest!
👨🏫 Daddy’s Disc of the Week: Garrett Gurthie’s Halo Star Wraith
The Tour Series Halos are back this year for Innova’s Star Team. Double G is starting with a bright bang.
His 2022 Wraith is shaped like last year’s pop-top run of GG’s but with new, juicy color combos. So if you’re looking for a backup or need an 11-speed beefy bomber, then grab one now.
Up next, Hailey King’s Halo Star Hawkeye Tour Series (7,5,-1,1). Here’s what you need to know:
New mold to Innova’s lineup
Like the original Discmania FD
Stable, straight with some dome
Beautiful, great feeling halo plastic
Bottom line: Imagine an OG Discmania FD in Halo 🤌. Coming soon to retailers.
Going Green
Alfa Discs is a new manufacturer based in Norway. And they’re being as sustainable as possible.
Their whole line of bags is certified by the Global Recycled Standard through their use of RPET materials. But to take it a step further, Alfa is testing a special wood blend for their minis.
Maybe there’s a future for plastic/wood discs… but only if they’re not fully wooden. The PDGA would never approve it, and well check it out for yourself:
In 2011, Flywood Discs tested their “natural” discs.
Random Dubs
1️⃣ Remember what I said last week… Spin to win. A big difference between pros and ams is the spin they create. If you’ve seen Paul McBeth’s video on grip enhancers, then there must be something to help us noodle arms.
Max Wax is a new DG-specific grip enhancement product. It’s not another birdie bag or whale sac. It’s a distance hack that smells great without being too sticky. Pick one up now.
2️⃣ The PDGA recently updated its new mandatory rule to provide more clarity. I won’t bother trying to explain it, so see for yourself.
But check out this ridiculous (likely impossible) scenario you could create with the new ruling:
Stat of the Week
Thanks for reading today. Get out and do some fieldwork this week!
- Charlie
What'd you think of this today's edition?
And any thoughts on the 2x switch.