Since I've started playing disc golf, coverage has gotten really good. Here's the last round of this year's world championships:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULczFFENOy8
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULczFFENOy8
Forget Bolf, Let's Talk Frolf: The Disc Golf Thread
- Thread starter McDrew
- Start date
Don't know how I missed this thread and this post until now, but yeah, this is what I'd have contributed. The coverage has not only gotten really good, it's gotten really prolific. Used to be one, maybe two tournaments a year would produce a final round VHS/DVD. Now we've got multiple channels on Youtube providing edited full tournament coverage as well as live streaming broadcasts year round.
I'm patiently waiting for coverage of a tournament I ran this past summer to be released on the Central Coast Disc Golf channel. Last I was told was it was slated for this week. I'll come back and post a link to it when it goes up.
There's a video on YouTube of Paul McBeth playing a round with Ultimate player/trick-shot specialist Brodie Smith. It's fun to see them talk through the differences of throwing in Ultimate vs. disc golf, and to see Brodie try to learn to throw disc golf-style
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmTIfhJqzyg
After that video (and a companion trick shot video on Brodie's channel) released, Brodie said if he got 10,000 likes he'd sign up to play a disc golf tournament. Since then, he's registered for a membership with the Professional Disc Golf Association. It's not a requirement in order to play most tournaments, but it is a step suggesting he's serious about it being more than a one-off. Disc golf has long been considered where Ultimate players go to retire, so he might be entering a whole new phase of his frisbee career.
The funny thing about that video is they shot it last winter but only just released it a couple weeks back. No idea why they waited so long to put it out.
He's also golfing (regular golf) a lot. There's obviously a lot more money there than anything disc-related, even at fairly low levels.
I promised to come back and post links to videos from the tournament I host once they were put up. Here they are...
Front 9:
View: https://youtu.be/4e8ZuPgQtNw
Back 9:
View: https://youtu.be/qkDLPdkgjOg
Final 9:
View: https://youtu.be/O-Za6UZW8cw
Front 9:
View: https://youtu.be/4e8ZuPgQtNw
Back 9:
View: https://youtu.be/qkDLPdkgjOg
Final 9:
View: https://youtu.be/O-Za6UZW8cw
I missed these the first time around, very nice!
A couple of highlights since reopening:
Paige Pierce at the DDO draining a ~100 footer:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jE0-FxQzhHo&t=200
Eagle at the Preserve doing likewise:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVGGpEej3vA&t=60
Simon's whole final round at the Preserve is a highlight, too.
I'm going out to play my first round next weekend.
FYI in case you're unaware, coverage of the DDO is going to air on CBS Sports Network August 26-29. 7pm each night, one round per day, and a mixed doubles skins match on the final day.
Worlds just finished up. The final round of the FPO was bonkers, especially the last 3 holes which were utter madness.
And then the MPO finale out-bananased them.
I'm guessing one highlight will make Sportscenter's top 10.
I've been playing for almost 25 years. Watching and following the pro game for just as long. I've been first hand witness to some historic stuff. Conrad's shot was the single greatest throw in the history of the game. It is arguably one of the most clutch moments in any sport ever. A friend of mine was trying to come up with an analogy to another sport so that someone without any knowledge of disc golf could understand the context. Best response he got was the 2004 Red Sox. It was Games 4-7 of the ALCS rolled into one, making the playoff hole the 4-game sweep of the Cardinals. Seemed about right.
I tried to search for video of these events, but given that I don't know what "FPO" or "MPO" stand for, I had no success. Can you lend a brother a hand?
If you want the full context in real time, this is the recording of the live broadcast (FPO = Female Pro Open, MPO = Male Pro Open).
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAIlt-oVf0I
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVHbSC4Ha30
If you want a condensed version, here is an edited final 9 holes for the women:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4vpmB0RlTk
And the condensed final 9 + playoff for the men:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_35PJikJcPs
The short version is that in both the men's and women's round, the defending world champions (each five timers going for #6) had a one stroke lead going into the 18th hole. Both lost. The women involved botched play from the eventual runner up. The men involved the single greatest hole out in the history of the game. He birdied from 250 feet...basically like if Oosthuizen had holed out for eagle on 18 last Sunday to force a playoff. And he did so after the eventual runner up had laid up his second shot (par 4 hole) believing par was all he needed to win.
Great background. Minor nit: MPO is technically Mixed Professional Open. In practice it's usually all men, but a few women (at least Paige Pierce, Elaine King, Juliana Korver, Val Jenkins, Des Reading, and Catrina Allen: Sarah Hokom declined an invitation) have tried their hands in MPO at a few tournaments. Juliana Korver actually cashed in MPO at the 2001 USDGC.
https://www.pdga.com/pdga-documents/tour-documents/divisions-ratings-and-points-factors
Also more flavor on yesterday: The eventual MPO winner switched sponsors from the industry heavyweight Innova to a much smaller upstart named MVP at the start of the season. A lot of people were skeptical that he'd be immediately competitive with the new plastic, and some even doubted that MVP's quality was good enough for a serious competitor to win a major. So there was a little bit of “Tiger Woods switching to Nike clubs” in the mix as well as all the great details Red(s)HawksFan mentioned.
Oh, I know about the "Mixed" thing. Figured I'd keep it simple for the uninitiated.
Fun fact about me. I played the final round of the 2003 USDGC with Julianna Korver. Was the highlight of my career for a few years, too. It also gave me the opportunity to witness first hand what I now have to qualify as the best sustained clutch performance in disc golf. That tournament came down to a 10-hole sudden death playoff between Barry Schultz and Ken Climo. Schultz birdied the last four holes in regulation then all ten playoff holes to win. Climo birdied the last three in regulation and, obviously, the first nine of the playoff. Just unreal response to a super high pressure situation to match each other throw for throw like that.
Awesome story, thanks.Oh, I know about the "Mixed" thing. Figured I'd keep it simple for the uninitiated.
Fun fact about me. I played the final round of the 2003 USDGC with Julianna Korver. Was the highlight of my career for a few years, too. It also gave me the opportunity to witness first hand what I now have to qualify as the best sustained clutch performance in disc golf. That tournament came down to a 10-hole sudden death playoff between Barry Schultz and Ken Climo. Schultz birdied the last four holes in regulation then all ten playoff holes to win. Climo birdied the last three in regulation and, obviously, the first nine of the playoff. Just unreal response to a super high pressure situation to match each other throw for throw like that.
A great display of sportsmanship. For those who might not be familiar, Paul McBeth is, I think, the five-time previous world champion. Nicknamed “McBeast”, he has been dominating the sport for the last 8 to 10 years, and recently signed a 10 year/$10 million sponsorship contract with Discraft, one of the leading disc manufacturers. So yeah, disc golf at the professional level is starting to really turn into something. It’s pretty amazing how quickly that happened.
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McBeth has finished top 2 at the last 9 World Championships (5 wins). He also has a couple US titles, a few European titles, and another hundred or so career wins. Only one player has won more World titles (12), and his name is Ken Climo. When Climo was winning most of his titles in the 1990s, 9 in a row from 1990-1998, everyone had regular day jobs and there was no real tour. Now, there are upwards of 50-60 players touring more or less full time (the number grows every year) playing top flight events practically every weekend. Competition is way more challenging now. McBeth is the best we've seen.
Thanks for the break out. I assume a guy as knowledgeable as you typically are is trolling with the thread title...
It's not frogurt, it's froyo.Thanks for the break out. I assume a guy as knowledgeable as you typically are is trolling with the thread title...
Jomboy with the breakdown of the final hole and playoff:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lpcB5PJBVo
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lpcB5PJBVo
Not the first time Jomboy has broken down a disc golf shot, and I do enjoy that either he's done his homework with some of the lingo or he's a disc golfer himself. Either way, he treats it with more respect than some other media outlets. I get that it's still a bit of a fringe sport and "frisbee" has a reputation, but it still sucks when even a moment like this is seen as just another opportunity for meatheads to make fun of the game.
He says at the beginning of a couple of the earlier breakdowns that he plays.
The Jalle eagle breakdown also showed some homework done:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4jmTlHWAYI
The Disc Golf Pro Tour announced a multi-event deal with ESPN today. No live TV coverage yet, but condensed edited tournament broadcasts will air on the ESPN family starting in August with the Portland Open (already played the first weekend in June).
View: https://twitter.com/DiscGolfProTour/status/1410222358586171392
Clearly the deal was in the works for weeks if not months (there was already a one-off ESPN deal last fall), and I'm sure the plan all along was to make this announcement in the afterglow of Worlds, but talk about fortunate timing with how much attention the sport has already been getting this week.
View: https://twitter.com/DiscGolfProTour/status/1410222358586171392
Clearly the deal was in the works for weeks if not months (there was already a one-off ESPN deal last fall), and I'm sure the plan all along was to make this announcement in the afterglow of Worlds, but talk about fortunate timing with how much attention the sport has already been getting this week.
I am so bad at this game. I wish I was better. I love the crazy shots that go in. Why do so many people smoke pot while playing ? (I don't but I have noticed this behavior)
I’ve often wondered if a higher percentage of disc golfers or ski lift operators are high. Percentage on both is damn close to 100.
I don't know the definitive answer as to why so many players smoke, but I suspect it's a combination of the "hippie" counter-culture origins of the game (and most frisbee sports) and that the sport by and large is played out in the woods, away from the general public. It's a bit more of a natural combination of sport and vice than, say, bowling and pot.
The funny thing is that for a long time there's been debate in the sport about pot and whether or not it (and the stereotypes) is holding back the game, yet the game is experiencing its biggest growth and recognition more or less in parallel with the growing acceptance/legalization of weed.
I think you just mapped out an improvement strategy for your game...
I've been playing for 15+ years, but I seldom practice. Then, I get pissed that I'm not getting better. In truth, I have improved quite a bit over the years, but I almost always just go out and play, and have never really worked to get better. I'll go out and practice drives in a field maybe once or twice a year, and I have a portable target for putting, but I don't use it much. "Drive for show, putt for dough" applies exactly as well for disc golf as in regular golf. The best players I know are typically the ones with the best short games
My favorite refrain after another dismal round? "Well, that was another fine display of mediocre disc golf"
i am so happy this thread exists. i was about to post conrad's shot and see if others enjoy following professional disc golf, too. i started playing at borderland in easton ~2002. my home course was golden gate park in SF for about 10 years and now you can find me at stafford in novato, ca. i started watching pro disc golf about 10 years ago when central coast started their youtube channel. watching coverage progress from single cam, no commentary "where is the disc?" kind of camera angles to multi-cam, multi card, pro graphics and commentary is unbelievable. i generally watch the GK or jomez edited rounds but am looking forward to seeing live coverage improve even more.
i watched that shot 20 times in a row. just couldn't believe it and actually felt emotional seeing so many people sharing the moment. with a year of events with no crowds, seeing a mass of spectators losing their collective mind was cathartic for me- even from my couch 1,000 miles away.
happy to see conrad win. i have a soft spot for players (like me) that do not have a reliable forearm in the bag and instead rely on long anhyzers that hold the line forever. mine just might be 200' shorter than conrad's. and he is probably reaching for an aviar (pre-mvp) while i'm throwing a roadrunner or sidewinder.
been reading a bunch about players being unhappy with the USDGA, the course design, and general organization. i hope disc golf's mainstream emergence means standardized baskets, tee pads, and how OB is marked (CA can still keep our 2 meter rule, though).
for anyone new to the game, either as a player or spectator - there is no better sport than disc golf. anyone from massachusetts should go over to maple hill and play the shortest layout. after that, watch pro coverage and you will get a sense of how incredible these athletes are.
i watched that shot 20 times in a row. just couldn't believe it and actually felt emotional seeing so many people sharing the moment. with a year of events with no crowds, seeing a mass of spectators losing their collective mind was cathartic for me- even from my couch 1,000 miles away.
happy to see conrad win. i have a soft spot for players (like me) that do not have a reliable forearm in the bag and instead rely on long anhyzers that hold the line forever. mine just might be 200' shorter than conrad's. and he is probably reaching for an aviar (pre-mvp) while i'm throwing a roadrunner or sidewinder.
been reading a bunch about players being unhappy with the USDGA, the course design, and general organization. i hope disc golf's mainstream emergence means standardized baskets, tee pads, and how OB is marked (CA can still keep our 2 meter rule, though).
for anyone new to the game, either as a player or spectator - there is no better sport than disc golf. anyone from massachusetts should go over to maple hill and play the shortest layout. after that, watch pro coverage and you will get a sense of how incredible these athletes are.
In the spirit (I guess) of the big Mickelson/Brady vs DeChambeau/Rodgers match, there's a celebrity pro-am disc golf event happening next week. It's being hosted at UFC fighter Ben Askren's private course in Wisconsin. Among the "celebrities" participating are Askren and a couple of his fighter friends, chef Andrew Zimmern, some guy from the Real World and The Challenge, Penguins goalie Casey DeSmith, and White Sox pitcher Dylan Cease (conveniently this is happening during the All Star break). It's a start.
No live coverage, but the usual post-produced videos will come after from GK Pro.
View: https://twitter.com/DiscGolfProTour/status/1412426042975916034
edit: Huh. They took the tweet down. The event is still posted on their website. https://www.dgpt.com/event/celeb-pro-am/
No live coverage, but the usual post-produced videos will come after from GK Pro.
View: https://twitter.com/DiscGolfProTour/status/1412426042975916034
edit: Huh. They took the tweet down. The event is still posted on their website. https://www.dgpt.com/event/celeb-pro-am/
The list of pros is legit. Aside from Brodie Smith—who's obviously good from a marketing standpoint, as well as being friends with Askren—it's wall to wall heavy hitters. Paige and Cat on the FPO side, and 3 of the 1050 boys with Simon Lizotte and KJusa rounding out the field:
Jomez with some compiled footage/alternate shots with follow/flight tracking of Conrad's shot.
I've already watched this one 3 times, I can't seem to get enough.
I've already watched this one 3 times, I can't seem to get enough.
That dirty hippie has some nice shots. The spectators are a little weird. No one is smoking pot. This may be staged.
No Red Sox tonight, no problem. Here's something to watch on ESPN2 at 8pm.
There's also apparently going to be some disc golf airing on Friday as well, as part of their Ocho programming.
There's also apparently going to be some disc golf airing on Friday as well, as part of their Ocho programming.
This is a relatively new channel and a relatively small (though long running) event so it might not hit most folks' radar, so I'm trying to spread it around where I can to help them out. Figured we've got some folks here who like to watch tournament coverage who might appreciate it. It was either post it in here or in the "brag about yourself" thread. (I'm the lefty on the card)
View: https://youtu.be/Ff7SQbxgTHc
(I'm the lefty on the card)View: https://youtu.be/Ff7SQbxgTHc
Awesome front half, I was going to shout out the earlier stuff but the par-birdie on 8-9 were awesome. Any time you're hanging in it with Fish you're doing well!This is a relatively new channel and a relatively small (though long running) event so it might not hit most folks' radar, so I'm trying to spread it around where I can to help them out. Figured we've got some folks here who like to watch tournament coverage who might appreciate it. It was either post it in here or in the "brag about yourself" thread.
View: https://youtu.be/Ff7SQbxgTHc
What was the group chat like making the call for Mike's lie on 9?
We were in agreement. No part of the trunk of the tree was over the OB, so by striking it, the disc made contact in-bounds on the basket side of the creek. So that's where we gave him his mark. The commentator was a bit misleading saying we gave him some sort of benefit of the doubt. There was no doubt among us.
It's an interesting OB in that only if you're in the water are you out. The creek's fairly dry so it's really just random puddles so it was possible to be in the creek bed but in-bounds. If it were treated like many creeks and streams at higher level events, it probably would have had a defined line independent of the water. One that might have been drawn at the top of the bank which would have put the tree OB and had Mike marking on the far side of the creek. Probably still a putt a player of his caliber would make, but for the hard luck of not landing two feet away in any direction, he got the best possible outcome due to the course quirk.
Worth watching the first couple holes of the Paige Pierce card at the DDO.
View: https://youtu.be/zo4VKNmm5LE
View: https://youtu.be/zo4VKNmm5LE
Watched the whole tournament with the wife, nice to see the pros struggle every so often. The wind was absurd.
A few other random thoughts:
Someone gifted me with a kastaplast Lots, that thing just glides forever when I hit it right. I like it very much so far (see how I avoided the obvious pun there?)
My local league starts up tonight, I'm excited. I've been trying to spend 15 minutes a day putting from about half circle and it has helped me a lot. Isn't always translating to the course yet, but it's the weakest part of my game by a good margin.
I played most of the winter since I don't typically do much for activity in winter. Playing in the cold probably cost me 20% of my power, it sucked. But was still fun and I'll probably do it again next year.
I'm going to be in Laconia NH with the wife on Sunday, anyone played any courses there they would recommend?
A few other random thoughts:
Someone gifted me with a kastaplast Lots, that thing just glides forever when I hit it right. I like it very much so far (see how I avoided the obvious pun there?)
My local league starts up tonight, I'm excited. I've been trying to spend 15 minutes a day putting from about half circle and it has helped me a lot. Isn't always translating to the course yet, but it's the weakest part of my game by a good margin.
I played most of the winter since I don't typically do much for activity in winter. Playing in the cold probably cost me 20% of my power, it sucked. But was still fun and I'll probably do it again next year.
I'm going to be in Laconia NH with the wife on Sunday, anyone played any courses there they would recommend?
Closest course of note is Franklin Falls Dam in Franklin. It's a free ACOE site. Haven't played it but have heard positive things. It's supposedly on the long side. Few other pay-for-play options nearby: Woods at Beauty Hill in Barnstead (two full 18s plus a putter course), Top O' the Hill in Canterbury, and Moose Mountain in Brookfield. I've only played Beauty Hill and I'd highly recommend it. I know the owner at Top O' and he's a good dude so I don't think you can go wrong there either. If you don't have the uDisc app, I really recommend it. Great way to find courses nearby plus scorekeeping and course maps are built in. Even just their website (udisc.com) is handy as a course directory.
The tournament was a ton of fun to watch. I don't know if I'd go so far as to say it's nice to see the pros struggle, but it was nice to see a course and conditions where one didn't need to shoot double digits under par each day to contend. Predictably, there's been a lot of negative talk about the courses because a lot of disc golfers are unimaginative and don't think pros should struggle or go OB too often. I thought it was a great test and the player(s) who navigated the challenges smartly were rightly the ones coming out on top.