📏 Everything's bigger in Portland

Hello and welcome, this is The Players Meeting. The only newsletter that has a self-proclaimed noodle arm.

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If you missed Cascade’s recap, then I got you: Cascadia Beckons

Let’s get into it.

TOUR COVERAGE
Portland Open

PREVIEW (6/1-4)

The West Coast’s premier event starts today. Just 2 hours south of Cascade Challenge, this will be the Tour’s 1st ever Elite+ event.

And everything’s juiced up for it: 4 days with a cut, 2 courses, 4 layouts, more DGPT points, more money, more media, and more spectators. The Glendoveer Golf & Tennis property will fully be taken over by the East and West courses.

As if last year’s single bomber course wasn’t enough, the Tour said “Double it and give it to the next person.” Pros will need lots of water, pain meds, and mental stamina as they tackle lengthy tee shots and more mandatories (38 total) than holes.

The DGPT is dumping lots of resources into this event in hopes it turns out to be a big deal. Being the 3rd year at this property, it’s becoming a mainstay with its beautiful scenery, spectator space, and actual amenities.

The biggest question come Sunday is whether it was actually a big deal. Either way, the city should change its slogan from ‘Keep Portland weird’ to ‘Everything’s bigger in Portland’.

LAST YEAR RECAP

MPO/ 🥇Simon Lizotte (-34) 🥈Garrett Gurthie (-33) 🥉Isaac Robinson(-28)

The first 2 rounds were held at Blue Lake Park followed by 2 rounds at Glendoveer East. As a result, Lizotte & DoubleG carved up the park course and then feasted on the golf lines.

It came down to the wire with a DoubleG fatal mistake on Hole 18’s upshot, which gave Lizotte the opportunity to prove his favorite slogan - “Twice or it’s luck.” This win came directly after his 1st Elite win of the season at OTB Open.

FPO/ 🥇Valerie Mandujano (-20) 🥈Ohn Scoggins (-11) 🥉Catrina Allen (-10)

It was the Mandujano show all weekend with her wire-to-wire victory that started with a hot 1002-rated round. Like Lizotte, she also proved that her early season WACO win wasn’t just luck.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

On the surface level, these courses do not line up with the game of Ohn Scoggins. But she somehow always gets it done, and just 4 days ago she wiped the field to win her 4th Major title in the FP40 division.

But don’t keep your eyes on only the flex FH queen… Kristin Tattar is back in the States after a month-long break. For FPO fans, it’s nearly perfect timing as the competition is at an all-time high.

Holyn & Hansen are coming into form as they fight for their 1st DGPT win. Pierce is injury free and ready to win her 3rd title this season. And Kat Mertsch is riding the momentum from her recent Silver win.

DEBATE
The Evolution of Course Design

It feels like every week the topic of course design pops up. With the 1st Elite+ event pushing the limits of a ball golf course, the debate continues to drone on.

In one corner, we have those who think Portland Open’s bomber courses and property are the future of our game. Innova co-founder - Dave Dunipace - believes this evolution is important, and woods golf is too flukey and not what a sport should be.

And in the other corner, we have those who think its length is repetitive and could cause injury. Chandler Kramer’s FH-only rotator cuff is at risk.

To those airing their grievances on social media, other pros responded by saying git gud or get left behind.

No matter your stance, our sport is still young and continues to evolve based on our wants and needs. While the Tour seems to moving towards big, spectator-friendly properties, it still features beloved wooded gems like Smugglers’ Notch & Maple Hill.

Sometimes we all fall victim to the “What have you done for me lately?” mentality. But taking a step back, we can realize the variety that comes with touring the big, beautiful USA.

POWERED BY POWERGRIP USA
Join the Glitch Gang

Hey, you with the Berg! Yeah, I’m talking to you. It’s time you check out the other side of the rainbow and take advantage of Powergrip USA’s restock of the MVP Neutron Soft Glitch.

If you’re unfamiliar, don’t let the light weights scare you. This disc lives up to the hype and more. When thrown properly, it handles torque while flipping to flat then slowly turning as it glides for days.

If you’re looking for a fun flier, a warm-up disc, or even a beach frisbee, then the Glitch is for you. It does it all while making holes you’ve played hundreds of times fun again.

Retail therapy is the best kind of therapy, so treat yourself today at Powergrip USA.

MCBEAST TOUR & FUN GAMES
Random Dubs

1️⃣ This weekend marks the official start of McBeth’s Euro Takeover. He’s playing 8 straight events through til the European Open (7/20-23).

Starting with the European Pro Tour’s Estonian Open, McBeth will face lesser-known stars all while being showcased on their DGN & JomezPro equivalents. Due to his poor start in the States, all eyes are on him and his performance.

How many events will he win? Or the better question… how many will he lose? Maybe this is the perfect restart to his season.

If you’re interested in following along, you can watch the Final Round free on YouTube here, post-production here, or check UDisc for live scoring. The McBeast Watch starts now.

2️⃣ For you northern disc golfers who have real winters, file away this game into memory and bring it back when it snows. Courtesy of Alden Harris and friends, Snow Tic-Tac-Throwoff can bring new joy to your disc golf-less winters.

All you need are some sharp-edged drivers and a wall of snow. The only rule is the disc has to stick.

Meme of the Week

Thanks for reading today. Get out and make good decisions this weekend!

- Charlie