Finding a begrudging appreciation of DDO

May 3, 2022 by Christopher Wiklund in Analysis, Opinion with comments

The Dynamic Discs Open, formerly known by the much cooler name of Glass Blown Open, is an event which I struggle with on an annual basis.

Every year, we hear about the great players pack, the atmosphere of the event, how Emporia is the Disc Golf Capital of the World, and how just really great everything is about it! And yet I hate it. Is it the cranky contrarian in me? Possibly.

I’ve got the routine down pretty well. I gripe and groan to myself and whoever will listen about having to watch four rounds of golf on courses which aren’t exactly my cup of tea. I dutifully fire up the coverage when it comes out and usually by around the midpoint of the third round, there has been some compelling storylines developing, some battles for the top spot, and some lesser known name making a run up the leaderboard to add some spice. I usually find myself swearing that next year I’ll be more open minded about what happens on the course, and that I won’t get as irritated by the on-course prospects when Emporia time, like a visit from an uncle whose stances on human rights you find despicable, comes around at Christmas time. I can usually find my way through to enjoying the golf, but this year was painful.

The 2021 Dynamic Discs Open was difficult to watch at times and did not inspire excitement for the 2022 World Championships which will return to the windswept plains of Emporia, Kansas, later this summer. Unless you’re Ricky Wysocki, Brodie Smith, Kristin Tattar, or Catrina Allen, the thought of playing another four round event in the wide open wind…