💸 Is a World title worth $1M?
💸 Is a World title worth $1M?
Minivan Upgrade, Last Chances, and McLogan
Hello and welcome, this is The Players Meeting. The only newsletter that gives you the same feeling as realizing it’s not going to rain this weekend.
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Today’s Post-Worlds blues is brought to you by Powergrip USA. Save 10% with code PLYRSMTGSEP22.
Let’s get into it.
“Worlds is life-changing”
Just days before Paul McBeth won his 6th title, Discraft unveiled the latest in his lineup - The Athena. Forcing his hand, McBeth admitted to his lineup’s naming scheme: # of letters = # of Worlds (4x Zeus, Luna, Anax; 5x Malta, Hades; 6x Athena).
The timing of Athena was planned regardless of his win. But what comes now is a year of commemorative 6x discs, royalties, merch lines, outside sponsorships, etc.
What about the runner-up, Aaron Gossage? He just won his biggest payout ever and likely a great bonus, but many think he lost out on +$100k.
To begin this season, he signed a new contract with Discraft. He’s been traveling in a minivan and has made $35k in payouts so far.
Will this 2nd place finish change much for his finances? It remains to be seen, but he believes the experience will “prove invaluable for the rest of [his] career.” Either way, Discraft is the one cashing in on millions.
Over on FPO, Holyn Handley came out of this Worlds with a lot of bargaining power. Her potential - especially on open courses - was put on display, and manufacturers will be in her DMs soon.
Butler County DG Classic - Silver Series
PREVIEW (9/9-11)
This weekend, PA’s North Boundary Park is hosting a sparse group of pros including those not invited to Simon Lizotte’s wedding, gathering points for playoffs, or wanting to snag a USDGC spot.
It’s officially the last event of the regular season, so here’s the Tour’s final stretch:
Green Mountain Championship, 9/15-18
MVP Open @ Maple Hill, 9/22-25
Off week
USDGC/Throw Pink, 10/6-9
DGPT Championship, 10/13-16
Play at North Boundary Park will be a change of pace from Worlds. It’s classic East Coast golf with technical shots and the sound of tree kicks.
LAST YEAR RECAP
This was the Pittsburgh Flying Disc Open (A-Tier) that played a different course - Moraine State Park. But the same infamous Pittsburg Flying Disc club is hosting this year’s new event.
MPO/ The field was even sparser with only 10 of the 56 MPO players rated above 1000. Separating from the field, Terry Rothlisberger & Raven Newsom battled in rounds 1 and 2.
But Newsom kicked it into overdrive and won by 8 strokes over Rothlisberger. He averaged a 1049 rating and cashed his largest win of $1,248.
FPO/ Similarly sparse, there were 13 players. Holly Finley & Michelle Frazer battled it out those 3 days, and it came down to the 2nd to last hole when Finley took the lead. It was also her largest payday of $872.
Players to Watch
Now that we’re on the eve of DGPT playoffs, there are late season implications and storylines. This weekend will be some players’ last hope to be able to play in Vermont (GMC).
Here are the standings and a quick rundown from u/Plupandblup:
MPO:
Currently out for GMC (Top 100) & playing this weekend: Scott Stokely, Jordan Castro, Zach Melton, Philo Brathwaite, Silver Lätt, Trevor Harbolt
For MVP (Top 64): Randon Latta, Ezra Robinson, Paul Ulibarri, Nathan Queen.
These players have GMC as their last hope.For the DGPT Championship (Top 32), there are many notable players outside the cutline who have MVP & GMC to get points (e.g. Andrew Marwede, Tristan Tanner, Ben Callaway).
FPO:
GMC (Top 50): No notable names
MVP (Top 32): Stacie Rawnsley, Erika Sinchcomb, Lykke Lorentzen
DGPT Championship (Top 20): Lisa Fajkus, Juliana Korver, Rebecca Cox, Henna Blomroos, etc.
But DGPT points aren’t the only thing up for grabs in Butler County & GMC. There are 4 USDGC & 2 Throw Pink spots available.
With it being the late season, most of the top contenders already stamped their tickets. Those who haven’t are Lätt, JohnE McCray, Jake Hebenheimer, Colten Montgomery, and Cale Leiviska.
For this weekend, you’ll be able to watch the coverage live for the final round on DGN. Or on next-day coverage at the DGPT YouTube channel.
Random Dubs
1️⃣ Want to express your secret love for KJ USA? Or your unexplainable desire to watch Nikko Locastro lose?
An Ultiworld writer is gathering data to write an article on DG fandom. Take less than 10 min out of your day to contribute your takes on favorite players.
2️⃣ You’ve likely heard the name Tim Selinske (PDGA #2026) several times since beginning your DG obsession. But who is he and why’s he honored in our sport?
Innova co-founder with Dave Dunipace & the Duvall brothers
The “Voice of Innova” - Sam Ferrans
DG Hall of Famer 1999
World record holder of catching the fastest thrown disc: ~70 MPH
The annual Tim Selinske US Masters Championships [PDGA Major] starts today
Meme of the Week
Thanks for reading today. Get out and channel McBeast this weekend!
- Charlie
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