🤝 The DGPT takes the middle road with a new series

Hello and welcome, this is The Players Meeting. The only newsletter that’s as satisfying as flipping a disc up to flat and watching it ride straight.

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If you missed EO’s recap, then I got you: The Beast Came Alive

Let’s get into it.

NEWS
DGPT United Series

On Tuesday, the Pro Tour released a 1,000-word statement on its new United Series restoring 5 FPO events that were canceled to “protect competitive fairness.” Here’s it summed up in 100 words…

• Like Major, Elite, & Silver designations, the United Series will be select FPO events

• They will be in states where the Gender Eligibility Policy could be legally challenged

• For these events, transgender women can compete in FPO if they meet one of the 3 policy criteria (C.1 Hormone Therapy, C.2 Surgery, C.3 Transition before Puberty)

• PDGA Worlds will also be open to any transgender women who meet one of the criteria

• Any future events not designated as United Series will continue to effectively bar transgender women’s participation

When directly questioned on the announcement, Jeff Spring (DGPT CEO) had this to say…

Basically, the DGPT is doing this to avoid future lawsuits without canceling events and harming touring pros. Through lengthy discussions with many FPO, they found a way to continue playing.

Out of the many voices, Sarah Hokom views this as a “necessary pivot” and “the best we can do until the larger sporting organizations tackle this problem.” Based on other media posts, many are willing to walk this middle road with her.

Is this a solid compromise or a band-aid? As always, the public consensus seems split, but time will tell how it actually plays out.

Thankfully, the once-affected events will go on, and we’ll get to see the best players competing on the best stages. On whether this will be the plan forever, your guess is as good as mine.

TOUR COVERAGE
Mid America Open (Silver)

PREVIEW (7/28-30)

Another week, another event. 4,700 miles from Finland, the Tour returns to Missouri with a Silver Event at the acclaimed Harmony Bends course.

This wooded track comes in at #18 on UDisc’s World Rankings. And being a John Houck design, it’s considered a destination many don’t skip when driving through the Midwest.

Besides the many trees, pros will battle sauna-like conditions during the heat wave plaguing the area. Despite the promise of sweaty hands, the event is lucky to have zero rain in the forecast.

Harmony Bends is located in a floodplain and is notorious for experiencing flash flooding that can cancel events entirely. For those who know no rest, this “off-week” event will test every shot in their arsenal.

LAST YEAR RECAP

MPO/ 🥇Alden Harris (-26) 🥈Chris Clemons & Gannon Buhr (-24)

Hanging around the top for all 3 rounds, Harris was able to hold back a hyper-aggressive AB and his best friend Buhr. He averaged 1047-rated golf to take down the biggest win of his career.

FPO/ 🥇Sarah Hokom (E) 🥈Kat Mertsch (+5) 🥉Natalie Ryan & Jessica Weese (+7)

With her FH, Hokom carved through the difficult woods to take down her 2nd Mid America Open 14 years later.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Still riding the high from her 1st DGPT win, Ali Smith is locked and loaded for the 2nd event in her home state of MO. With similarities between the KC Wide Open and here, she’ll be a contender next to 3x Masters World Champ Ohn Scoggins.

As for MPO, Chris Clemons is another home-state hero back from a 3-week break. Last year, he tore into the course with a bogey-free final round to end in 2nd.

Having a FH in the woods proves to be effective at any level. But having a world-class FH (like Clemons) could be the difference between a podium finish or just cashing.

POWERED BY POWERGRIP USA
Simon Says Buy GYRO®

Raise your hand if you just got your Simon Lizotte Glitsch in the mail and instantly bagged it ✋. Do you know what would go great next to it… More gyro.

Powergrip USA just restocked MVP discs including fan-favorite molds in Fission plastic. This newer tech means the disc has an ultralight core (with microbubbles) that intensifies the gyro overmold effects.

A lighter core paired with a heavier rim means more glide and distance even at lighter weights. Snag a Fission Wave or a Fission Volt to keep your Glitsch company.

BODY FORCES & EURO TOUR
Random Dubs

1️⃣ It’s no mystery that throwing frisbees can strain your body and even cause injury. But have you ever stopped to think how much force actually gets generated?

Ace It Disc Golf did the math on how many pounds your plant leg feels as it braces. Drumroll, please… For his build and swing motion, it’s nearly 900 lbs.

So as you continue your distance journey, remember that throwing is an athletic motion. We’re not just tossing a frisbee at the park.

Subscribe to Ace It DG on YouTube for in-depth form analysis and breakdowns.

2️⃣ Even with the European Open over and many Americans already home, there’s still a doubleheader across the pond. And several household names are sticking around to soak in more Euro disc golf.

In Stockholm, Sweden, the Järva Open is happening with Prodigy players showing up strong. Isaac & Ezra Robinson, Alden Harris, KJ USA, and Luke Humphries are all competing.

With McMahon, Anttila, & Barsby, the Åland Open is taking place on the infamous Åland islands. Located in the Baltic Sea, it’s home to 16 DiscGolfPark courses and was created in part by Discmania 3 years ago.

Amazingly, both these events will have live and post coverage. For Järva: DG Stream (Live) & MDG (Post). For Åland: DGN (Live) & MDG (Post).

Meme of the Week

Thanks for reading today. Get out and play this weekend!

- Charlie