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The Longest Running Disc Golf Podcast out of Maybrook, NY - Since 2019
318. Summer Battle Royale and NETC Updates - Mar. 12, 2026
The clocks have turned forward, the snow is finally retreating into the mud, and the Hudson Valley disc golf scene is officially shifting into high gear. In the latest episode of the Hudson Valley Disc Golf Podcast, Pat was joined by a panel of Alex, Corey, Randy, Tim, Evan, Jaimen, and Brandon “B-Cline” Cline to break down the transition from winter survival to spring competition.
From the technical nuances of the New England Team Challenge to a radical proposed format change for the Summer Battle Royale, there is plenty to cover as we head into the 2026 season.
Upcoming Events and Registration Alerts:
The most immediate news for local players is the sheer volume of tournaments hitting the calendar. With the daylight lasting longer, the “soggy season” is officially underweighted by the excitement of upcoming player packs and PDGA points.
Key Dates to Circle on Your Calendar
If you haven’t signed up yet, several local staples are nearing capacity:
Blatnik Breeze 9 (March 28th): Driven by Innova, this event at Blatnik Park currently has 44 out of 72 spots filled. The message from the crew? “Don’t fear the breeze.”
Fools Fest (March 28th-29th): Running concurrently with Blatnik, Fools Fest is the destination for those looking for Pro and AM division action. Pro spots are limited, so move quickly.
Discap Flex Series: The first Flex at Thatcher (April 3rd) is nearly full, while registration for Flex 2 at Mine Kill opens tonight.
Wing It and Sling It Open (April 18th): Hosted by ADK Discs at Dove Creek, this C-Tier is already half full.
The Return of the Leagues
As the ice melts, the weekly grind returns. Gardner has officially kicked off doubles, and Camp Gaw is expected to follow suit shortly. Corey announced that JDubz will officially return on March 24th, with Spring Pre-Dubs happening in the interim for those who can’t wait. Meanwhile, Alex confirmed that Stony Kill weekly doubles will begin on March 18th.
Summer Battle Royale:
One of the most debated segments of the podcast involved Brandon Cline’s proposed changes to the Summer Battle Royale. Historically, the event has relied on a preliminary seeding round at Stony Kill, followed by a double-elimination bracket.
The Group Stage Proposal
Brandon is considering pivoting to a “World Cup Style” format to lower the barrier for entry.
The Problem: Many players found it difficult to commit to a specific preliminary weekend at Stony Kill just to get seeded.
The Possible Solution: Randomly assigned groups of four. Players would play three matches within their “pool” over the course of a month (June). The top two players from each group would move into a single-elimination bracket.
The panel was split on the change. While Tim and Jaimen advocated for using PDGA ratings to help seed those who can’t make the prelims, Brandon expressed concern that rating-based seeding often puts lower-rated players at an immediate disadvantage. The goal remains the same: maximizing rounds played while keeping the “weirdness” and upsets that make match play exciting.
Team Challenge:
The New England Team Challenge (NETC) is reaching its fever pitch. For the local squads, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
DisCaptains
Jaimen brought the good news that the DisCaptains has officially locked into the finals after Devil’s Grove swept Oak Ridge in doubles. With a “grudge match” looming against an Oak Ridge team that was difficult to schedule with last year, the DisCaptans are looking to enter the finals with momentum.
Stonykill
On the other side of the coin, the Stony Kill crew is facing a do-or-die scenario. After a tough 23-14 loss to a powerhouse Queen City team, Stony Kill sits at 1-5. To stay in D-Pool and avoid the drop, Stony Kill must beat Wedge in their final match on March 21st at Wilcox.
The “Fig Newton” Factor: Their fate also depends on Newton Hill’s performance against Bear Bottoms and the Bammers. If results fall the right way, both local teams (Stony Kill and Wedge) could potentially stay safe.
Lemonheads
In the final match, the group recapped a high-stakes “floater” match between the Lemonheads and the Devens Misfits at J Park. The match carried significant weight for both teams: a win for the Lemon Heads would virtually guarantee them the top seed for the finals, while the Misfits were fighting for a spot in the top four. The Lemon Heads recruited Kat Chiacchia as a last-minute third female player after verifying she was a free agent. The Misfits arrived highly prepared, bringing a four-page document of scouting reports on the Lemonheads players. The Lemonheads won singles (12.5 to 8.5) and dominated doubles (17 to 4), resulting in a total victory of 29.5 to 12.5. This victory officially locks them into the finals (likely as the #1 seed) on April 11th at Oakholm.
DÉJÀ Trois
The crew recapped the recent Riverside Groundhog Day event, which featured a unique requirement: every player had to use an Elevation Disc for their mulligan shots.
For those unfamiliar, Elevation Discs are made of a high-grade rubber that is incredibly “floppy.” The benefit? They hit the ground and stop dead, virtually eliminating the dreaded “roll-away” on sloped greens. Evan noted the Interceptors reliability on sloped greens like Prospect Park’s Hole 13. Pat used an overstable Gecko driver to save par multiple times, noting that while the release feels “touchy” due to the flexibility, the lack of ground play is a massive advantage in wooded, rocky terrain.
By the Numbers: Hudson Valley Trivia
Think you know the local courses? Tim proved he’s the reigning king of course knowledge during a quick-fire trivia round. Here are the stats that surprised the room:
Shortest Hole in the Region: Stony Kill Hole 5 (Short) at a mere 103 feet.
Longest Hole in the Region: Wilcox Blue Hole 7, stretching out to 838 feet.
The “Must-Birdie”: Central Park Hole 11 averages a 2.69, making it one of the easiest holes to park in the valley.
The “Bracket Buster”: Dove Creek Hole 12 remains the highest-scoring par 4, consistently inflating scores and ruining clean rounds.
Conclusion:
The 2026 season is no longer “upcoming”—it is here. Whether you’re looking to join a casual weekly doubles league, test your mettle in the Summer Battle Royale, or support our local teams as they head into the NETC Finals, now is the time to check your bags, replace those lost winter discs, and get registered.
Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendars
Fools Fest (FDR)
When: March 28-29 (Pro/Age Protected) & April 4-5 (AMs).
Status: Registration is open and filling fast.
Note: If you want to play the Blatnick Breeze, you’ll have to juggle your schedule carefully as it falls on the same weekend as the first half of Fools Fest.
Wing It and Sling It Open (Dove Creek)
When: Saturday, April 18th.
The Draw: This is the first-ever PDGA tournament at the relatively new Dove Creek course.
The Swag: Visit Montgomery County is handling player packs, which include a rain jacket (get your size in by March 18th!). If you miss the jacket, you get two new MVP discs.
Bonus: There’s a Wingfest happening in the city of Amsterdam the same day. Eat wings, win baskets, play disc golf. What more do you need?
Support the Show:
Join the Hudson Valley Disc Golf Podcast Patreon! Not only do you get to support local disc golf media, but you’ll get shoutouts, bonus content and be eligible for the new Podcast Bag Tags.
See you on the course!
317. 2025 DisCap Volunteer of the Year Terry Hudson and NETC Catch Up - Mar. 05, 2026
The Hudson Valley disc golf scene is a unique blend of competitive grit, community-driven volunteerism, and the kind of camaraderie that only comes from searching for a lost disc in eighteen inches of New York snow. In the latest episode of the Hudson Valley Disc Golf Podcast, Pat is joined by a full house—including Corey, Evan, Alex, Jaimen, Randy, Erich, and Tim—to sit down with recently named 2025 DisCap Volunteer of the Year Terry Hudson. Terry’s journey from a casual park-goer to course designer and tournament director is a testament to how quickly the sport can take hold of a person.
The Origin Story:
In 2021, while visiting Shenantaha Creek Park with his children, he stumbled upon the baskets. Lacking traditional golf discs, he grabbed a Can Jam frisbee from the car and headed to Hole 15. The obsession was instantaneous. Within the same year, Terry had registered with the PDGA and began the deep dive into disc technology. Like many beginners, his first trip to a big-box sporting goods store resulted in a bag full discs he wasn’t quite ready for—specifically a Latitude 64 Musket and a Dynamic Discs Truth. Today, those discs serve as “yard discs,” a nostalgic reminder of the learning curve every player must navigate.
Navigating the Icelandic Pines:
Terry’s passion for the game didn’t stay confined to the Hudson Valley. During a work trip to Iceland in 2022, he connected with the local “Frisbee Golf” club to experience the rugged terrain of the Grafarholt course. Terry describes the “unrelenting pines” that seemed to grab every disc in the air. Despite shooting a +33, the experience of playing in the “midnight sun”—where 2:00 AM looks like 8:00 PM—remains a highlight of his early career. It reinforced a universal truth of the sport: no matter where you are in the world, the community is ready to pick you up at your hotel and show you their home course.
Dove Creek DGC at Sassafras Hollow:
Terry’s most significant contribution to the region is his work in Amsterdam, New York. Alongside his partner in design, Sean Collins, Terry helped transform underutilized land into a legitimate disc golf destination. The development of Sassafras Park and the Dove Creek course required more than just a shovel and a map; it required salesmanship. Drawing on his professional background in sales, Terry spent months “pestering” the town and county for funding. The result is a course that balances challenge and accessibility. For Terry, the goal was to create something that didn’t just exist but thrived. This led to the creation of the “Wing It and Sling It” tournament, a C-Tier event cleverly timed to coincide with the Amsterdam Wingfest. By leveraging local culture and ChatGPT-generated branding, Terry has successfully integrated disc golf into the broader recreational fabric of the city.
As a left-handed player, Terry offers a unique perspective on course navigation. Many courses are traditionally designed with a right-handed backhand bias, making the “lefty lines” a frequent topic of conversation. When asked what a lefty AM player should carry at Sassafras Park, Terry suggests a minimalist but effective trio:
The Putting Putter: A Gateway Wizard (specifically the Retro Wizard for its thinner profile).
The Mid-Range: A Gateway Element for neutral, straight-line shots.
The Driver: A Gateway Spear for the 512-foot dogleg left on Hole 12.
Team Challenge Update:
Stony Kill vs. Crane Toads
Stony Kill entered the week at 0-4 but found their footing against the Crane Toads. A major talking point was the “penalty point” system; while Stony Kill was short on players, their inclusion of three female players netted them a bonus that helped secure a 12-8 lead after singles. The day was defined by “mom’s breakfast sandwiches” and a bottle of Buffalo Trace that kept spirits high despite the slushy conditions.
Lemon Heads at Stony Brook
Meanwhile, the Lemon Heads traveled to Richmond, New Hampshire, to face Stony Brook. The match required “ribbon parties” on Friday night—taping long ribbons to discs to ensure they could be found beneath 18 inches of fresh powder. Due to the extreme conditions, the teams agreed to a 14-hole layout to avoid dangerous river crossings. Tim and Levi led the charge, with Tim winning his match 8 and 6, proving that local knowledge is no match for consistent execution.
DisCap vs. Diamonds at Allen Tree Farm
The Discap team handed the Diamonds their first loss in over a year during a neutral site match at Allen Tree Farm. Discap took a narrow 9.5 to 8.5 lead in singles. Key performances included Kyle Hirsh’s dominant win and Corey battling through “winter rust” and a snowy course to secure a push against the Diamonds’ obviously best player. The victory was clinched by Greg Kurtz and Chris Bolton, who won the final match of the day. With this win, Discap moves to 4-2 for the season. While not yet “100% clinched” for the finals, they are in a prime position. Their final regular-season match is scheduled for March 21st against Oak Ridge.
The 9-Pin Cider Putting League Wrap-Up
As the winter season winds down, the 9-Pin Cider Putting League celebrated its finale. The league has seen incredible growth, reaching a total unique player count of 200 this season. The final night saw 62 players competing for the top spots. In a grueling playoff for the Pro League, Joe Caron edged out Nick Cardone for the win. The league has become a staple of the Hudson Valley disc golf community, providing a warm, social environment for players to hone their short games during the off-season.
2025 Volunteer of the Year
The episode concluded with a heartfelt discussion of Terry Hudson’s “Volunteer of the Year” honors. While Terry was surprised by the announcement, his peers were not. From fundraising and installing teapads to building bridges and clearing fairways, Terry’s impact is visible on every hole at Dove Creek.
Terry was quick to share the credit, noting that “nothing gets done without a team.” He highlighted the tireless work of Sean Collins, Chris Wilson, and Will Cable, who were by his side moving 500-pound steel beams into ravines to ensure the course was built to last.
Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendars
Fools Fest (FDR)
When: March 28-29 (Pro/Age Protected) & April 4-5 (AMs).
Status: Registration is open and filling fast.
Note: If you want to play the Blatnick Breeze, you’ll have to juggle your schedule carefully as it falls on the same weekend as the first half of Fools Fest.
Wing It and Sling It Open (Dove Creek)
When: Saturday, April 18th.
The Draw: This is the first-ever PDGA tournament at the relatively new Dove Creek course.
The Swag: Visit Montgomery County is handling player packs, which include a rain jacket (get your size in by March 18th!). If you miss the jacket, you get two new MVP discs.
Bonus: There’s a Wingfest happening in the city of Amsterdam the same day. Eat wings, win baskets, play disc golf. What more do you need?
Support the Show:
Love the content? Consider joining our Patreon. You get shoutouts, bonus content, and the satisfaction of supporting Hudson Valley Disc Golf.
See you on the course!
316. Scott Stokely Presented by Brian Heller and David Martin - Feb. 25, 2026
In the world of disc golf, few names carry as much weight as Scott Stokely. With a career spanning five decades, 17 World and National titles, and a legacy as one of the sport’s premier educators, Scott has seen disc golf evolve from a fringe hobby in Southern California to a global phenomenon.
On this episode of the Hudson Valley Disc Golf Podcast, we had the privilege of sitting down with Scott to discuss his storied past, the “imposter syndrome” of being a sport forefather, and his vision for the future of disc golf. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a casual “frisbee golfer,” Scott’s insights offer a masterclass in the history and heart of the game.
The Culture of the “Party Park”
Scott’s journey began at Oak Grove Park in Pasadena, the site of the world’s first permanent disc golf course. However, as Scott explains, the prestige we associate with Oak Grove today didn’t exist in the 1970s. Back then, it was simply a park where a specific group of people gathered. One of the most poignant parts of our conversation focused on the demographic that founded the sport. Scott is adamant that the history of disc golf shouldn’t be “sanitized” for modern audiences.
“Oak Grove was a party park,” Scott recalls. “It was a blue-collar hangout for people who wanted to be somewhere the police wouldn’t go.” Because of the park’s unique geography—separated from the rest of Pasadena by a massive ravine—it became a sanctuary for “misfits and outcasts.” These were the people who built the “Gopher” culture, and Scott believes their bond over the game is what allowed disc golf to grow. It wasn’t about organizations or corporate sponsorship; it was about a shared connection among people who didn’t fit in elsewhere.
The Great Tech Shift of 1983
Every sport has a turning point, and for disc golf, it happened in the early 80s with the invention of the beveled-edge disc. Before this, everyone played with traditional Frisbees. Scott notes that within one year of the beveled-edge disc’s arrival, half of the top 50 players in the world disappeared from the leaderboards. The flight physics changed so radically that many legendary Frisbee athletes couldn’t—or wouldn’t—adapt to the new throwing style. Scott credits his own longevity to the luck of being a kid at the time, which made him more adaptable to the “new” way of playing.
The Beautiful Simplicity of the Game
Why has disc golf exploded while other “Frisbee” sports like Freestyle or Double Disc Court (DDC) have struggled to find a mainstream audience? Scott’s answer is simple: The Learning Curve.
To play DDC or Freestyle at a fun level, you need weeks or months of specialized skill development. In disc golf, you can walk onto a course on day one, understand the rules, and have a blast—even if you can’t throw 400 feet.
The Ethics of Manufacturing: Stokely Discs
In the most recent chapter of his career, Scott has moved into manufacturing. But true to his “Wild West” roots, he isn’t interested in traditional marketing fluff. Scott’s approach to selling discs is refreshingly blunt. He famously tells his customers: “There is no such thing as the best putter.” “The best putter is the one that comes out of your hand best,” Scott says. He refuses to tell people his “Wren” or “Finch” models are the best on the market because he believes that kind of marketing is dishonest. He simply asks players to try them, promising high-quality plastic and thoughtful design, but leaving the final verdict to the player’s “feel.”
Scott also shared the technical hurdles of manufacturing, specifically the difficulty of making lightweight discs (in the 130g–150g range) that still feel like premium plastic. Since a mold has a fixed volume, making a disc lighter requires changing the density of the material. If you add too much “lightweight” additive, the disc stops feeling like the premium “Champion” or “Star” plastic players love. This experience has given Scott a newfound respect for major manufacturers like Innova and Discraft, who have spent decades perfecting these ratios. “My job as a manufacturer would be so much easier if the big manufacturers sucked,” he jokes. “But they don’t. They make great products, which makes it a lot harder to compete.”
Traveling Back in Time:
Scott doesn’t just play disc golf; he studies it. In what he calls his “version of a midlife crisis,” he has spent the last several years traveling the world to teach the game. This journey has taken him from the elite school programs of Finland to the rural villages of Cambodia. Scott observes that disc golf exists on a predictable timeline. When he visits a country like Romania or Cambodia, he feels like he is stepping into a time machine. Cambodia today feels like the US in 1976—one course, where neighbors don’t quite understand what you’re doing but are happy to let you use the land. Conversely, Finland and Estonia are arguably ahead of the US. In Finland, disc golf is part of the standard school PE curriculum. In Estonia, massive billboards welcome travelers to the “Home of Kristin Tattar.”
Final Thoughts
Talking with Scott Stokely is a reminder that disc golf is more than just a game; it is a community with a rich, gritty, and beautiful history. As Scott continues his “full-time nomad” lifestyle, traveling the world with his girlfriend and teaching the next generation of players, his mission remains clear: preserve the history while embracing the future.
Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendars
Fools Fest (FDR)
When: March 28-29 (Pro/Age Protected) & April 4-5 (AMs).
Status: Registration is open and filling fast.
Note: If you want to play the Blatnick Breeze, you’ll have to juggle your schedule carefully as it falls on the same weekend as the first half of Fools Fest.
Wing It and Sling It Open (Dove Creek)
When: Saturday, April 18th.
The Draw: This is the first-ever PDGA tournament at the relatively new Dove Creek course.
The Swag: Visit Montgomery County is handling player packs, which include a rain jacket (get your size in by March 18th!). If you miss the jacket, you get two new MVP discs.
Bonus: There’s a Wingfest happening in the city of Amsterdam the same day. Eat wings, win baskets, play disc golf. What more do you need?
Support the Show:
Love the content? Consider joining our Patreon. You get shoutouts, bonus content, and the satisfaction of supporting Hudson Valley Disc Golf.
See you on the course!
315. NYTC 5 Recap, The 20th Annual J-Park Ice Bowl and Disc or No Disc - Feb. 19, 2026
Welcome back to the blog! This week’s podcast episode was absolutely stacked. We had a full house in the studio (Alex, Jaimen, Erich, Evan, Tim, Corey, and eventually Randy) to break down Week 5 of the New York Team Challenge (NYTC), recap the 20th Annual J-Park Ice Bowl, and argue about snake biology during a chaotic round of “Disc or No Disc.”
Before we dive in, a huge shoutout to our newest Patreon member, Peter FitzSisti. Your support keeps the lights on and the mics recording.
New York Team Challenge: Week 5 Recap
We are getting down to the nitty-gritty of the NYTC season. With finals looming, every point counts, and the conditions this week—deep snow and freezing temps—made every match a battle.
The Widowmakers vs. The Beasts
The Widowmakers hosted the Beasts at Wilcox, and things got interesting right off the bat with a format change: Doubles First.
The idea here is simple: if you play doubles in the morning, players can leave immediately after their singles matches in the afternoon, rather than waiting for everyone to finish. Despite the experimental format, the Widowmakers defended home turf aggressively.
Final Result: Widowmakers took it 26.5 to 4.5.
Key Takeaway: With a 4-2 record, the Widowmakers are looking dangerous heading toward finals.
Revolution at Tower of Power
Erich represented the Tower of Power at Steven P. Wallace against the Revolution. This match felt like a “Who’s Who” of the podcast, featuring matchups against local legends like Cody Conine and Logan Akins (our MA2 Player of the Year).
Erich had the “pleasure” of battling Logan in singles. Despite a brief glimmer of hope where Erich pulled it back to one-up, Logan shut the door quickly. However, the vibe was immaculate. The Revolution continues to dominate the “Vibe Check” standings, bringing a spread that included homemade meatballs and a blue cheese so good a player threatened to drink it.
Final Result: Revolution wins 25 to 9.
Key Takeaway: Tower of Power is still hunting for that first win, but their spread remains undefeated.
Minekill at Chatham Hills
This match was defined by attrition. Chatham Hills showed up short-handed meaning they were eating penalty points before a single disc was thrown.
Alex got his rematch against Ryan Nelson. It was a “tale of two nines”—Alex held his own on the back, but Ryan surged late to take the match 3 and 1. Despite the penalty points and injuries, spirits remained high (mostly thanks to the breakfast sandwiches provided by Alex’s mom).
Final Result: Whips sweep it 25 to 2.5.
Key Takeaway: The Whips move to 4-2, keeping their finals hopes alive.
Wrenches vs. The Goats
Played at CTK, this was perhaps the most comfortable match of the weekend—literally. The Goats rented out the Welcome Center for their spread, which featured indoor heating, bathrooms, and The Couch.
Corey and Tim spent a solid five minutes on the podcast raving about this couch. It wasn’t just a piece of furniture; it was a “10/10” experience that you sank into perfectly. If you haven’t experienced the CTK couch, you haven’t lived.
On the course, it was a grind. The deep snow made walking exhausted, but the Goats managed to hold off the Wrenches.
Final Result: Goats win 22.5 to 12.
The 20th Annual J-Park Ice Bowl
On Sunday, the local community gathered for the 20th Annual J-Park Ice Bowl. This charity event is a staple of the season, and despite the cold, it was a massive success.
By The Numbers:
64 Players braved the elements.
Over $1,500 Raised for the local food bank (plus food donations!).
Team Names of the Year: We had some absolute gems, including CK’s Fat Tyre, Suck R Discs, and The Porcupine Pricks.
The Winners:
Gold Division: Jaimen & Marcia Focht (Winning by 3 strokes despite Jaimen battling illness).
MA1: Logan Akins & Cody Conine (The “Puttheads” took it down with a sizzling -10).
MA3: Eaman Foster & Jim Burns (Winning in a twilight playoff).
Pro: Kyle Hirsch and Corey Cook (The UncrustaBulls)
A huge thank you to TD Jeff Weichowski for organizing another fantastic event. “Sunshine and smiles ruled the day,” indeed.
Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendars
Fools Fest (FDR)
When: March 28-29 (Pro/Age Protected) & April 4-5 (AMs).
Status: Registration is open and filling fast.
Note: If you want to play the Blatnick Breeze, you’ll have to juggle your schedule carefully as it falls on the same weekend as the first half of Fools Fest.
Wing It and Sling It Open (Dove Creek)
When: Saturday, April 18th.
The Draw: This is the first-ever PDGA tournament at the relatively new Dove Creek course.
The Swag: Visit Montgomery County is handling player packs, which include a rain jacket (get your size in by March 18th!). If you miss the jacket, you get two new MVP discs.
Bonus: There’s a Wingfest happening in the city of Amsterdam the same day. Eat wings, win baskets, play disc golf. What more do you need?
Trivia Corner: Disc or No Disc?
We closed the show with a heated game of Disc or No Disc.
The contest pitted Randy & Erich against Alex & Evan. Pat unleashed some devious categories that seemed to be about geography or biology but were actually hidden pop-culture references.
The Winner: Randy and Erich took the win.
Final Thoughts
We are deep in the winter grind, but the days are getting longer and the tournament calendar is filling up. Whether you are prepping for the NYTC finals or just trying to find your drive in a snowbank at Wilcox, keep throwing.
Support the Show:
Love the content? Consider joining our Patreon. You get shoutouts, bonus content, and the satisfaction of supporting Hudson Valley Disc Golf.
See you on the course!
314. The Tower of Power: Jason Gorsage - Feb. 12, 2026
Welcome back to another recap of the Hudson Valley Disc Golf Podcast. This week, the crew sat down with a guest who is quietly revolutionizing how we experience competitive team disc golf in the Northeast. We’re talking about Jay Gorsage, the mastermind behind tcmatchplay.net and the newly launched tcwhiteboard.com.
If you’ve ever tried to scribble down match play scores on a soggy piece of paper while your hands are numb from the February cold, you know exactly why Jay’s work is a game-changer. But beyond the code, this episode was packed with stories of frozen fairways, snowmobile chili deliveries, and a trivia segment that went completely off the rails.
Here is everything you need to know from this week’s episode.
From “Frisbee Golf” in ’97 to Modern Tech
Jay’s history with the sport runs deep. He recalled his first exposure to the game way back in 1997 at a temporary setup in Niskayuna, New York. Back then, it wasn’t about high-speed drivers or technical distinct plastics; it was about lids and object courses.
Like many of us, life got in the way. Jay put the discs down for a decade, only to pick them up again in 2010. But the bug truly bit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I found out friends were playing, and I said, ‘Hey, I’ve got some discs,'” Jay explained. “That’s when I really got into it.”
Fast forward to today, and Jay has logged over 80 unique courses (with a particular fondness for Diavolo in North Carolina) and bagged 17 career wins. But his biggest contribution to the community isn’t his play on the course—it’s the infrastructure he’s built for it.
Building the Future of Team Challenge
The origin story of TC Match Play is one of necessity. Jay, a data warehouse professional by trade, was tired of the logistical nightmare that is winter disc golf scoring.
“It started with playing Team Challenge in the winter, trying to write match play scores on pieces of paper in the cold and wet,” Jay said. He realized that existing apps like UDisc weren’t optimized for the specific, weird nuances of match play formats.
What started as a simple tool running on a Raspberry Pi in his basement has evolved into a sophisticated web application. Jay revealed a fascinating detail about the recent development of TC Whiteboard: he utilized AI agents to turbocharge the coding process.
“It makes me cringe to say that I’m writing code using an AI agent, but it really does help,” Jay admitted. “I had it initially redesign the TC Match Play app, and I think it did that in 20 minutes. I had a working prototype of what took me a month and a half to write myself.”
The result? A clean, real-time scoring platform that three different leagues—New York, New England, and a league in the Carolinas—are looking to adopt.
Battle in the Snow: DisCap vs. Borderland
The episode also featured a deep dive into the recent New England Team Challenge match between DisCap and Borderland. If you looked outside last weekend, you know the conditions were less than ideal: deep snow, biting wind, and freezing temperatures.
Despite the weather, the DisCap squad managed a dominant performance. But the real MVP of the day might have been Corey’s logistical wizardry.
Facing impassable roads and a need for warmth, Corey opted for a unique transport method: his snowmobile. “I made my chili the night before, put it in a Ziploc bag, stuffed that in my disc golf bag, and hooked my crockpot onto my handlebars,” Corey laughed.
The “Double Meat Chili” (served alongside vegetarian options, much to the relief of the diverse roster) fueled a team that was battling the elements as much as they were battling Borderland. The conditions were so severe that strategy shifted entirely from “birdie everything” to “survival mode.”
“Pars were great,” Corey noted regarding his match. “I think I only got two birdies… so the rest of the match I kind of figured as long as I didn’t do anything stupid and take bogeys, I was probably going to win.”
The “Whiteboard” Effect on Morale
One of the most interesting takeaways from the match recap was how Jay’s app actually influenced the psychology of the team. In the past, players in a shotgun start have no idea how their teammates are performing. You could be losing your match and feel the weight of the entire team’s failure on your shoulders.
With TC Whiteboard, that changed.
“Being able to see live scores when we were playing was… almost a distraction, but it’s so cool,” one host noted. Jaimen added that seeing the sea of “green” (indicating wins) on the digital scoreboard helped him relax during his own singles match. “I wasn’t worried about anything really. It was a lot more relaxed than my opponent was.”
It turns out, knowing your team has your back—in real-time—is a powerful performance enhancer.
New York Team Challenge Picks
The crew wrapped up by locking in their picks for the upcoming weekend of New York Team Challenge. The consensus seems to be favoring the Revolution over Tower of Power and the Wrenches over the Goats (though some hosts flipped their picks last minute).
Trivia Chaos:
No episode is complete without a segment of “Disc or No Disc,” where the hosts try to guess if a random word is a real PDGA-approved disc.
This week, the hosts were split into teams, and things got weird fast. The categories seemed random at first—questions about maritime flags, 1969 baseball teams, and superhero dogs. But astute listeners (and eventually Corey) realized the hidden theme.
Despite Jay’s team leading early, the trio of Evan, Randy, and Corey pulled off the win.
NFL Talk
Finally, the guys touched on the Super Bowl. In a twist that perhaps only a 2026 timeline could provide, they discussed the “story arc” of Sam Darnold winning a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.
“It is kind of funny to say, like, ‘Yeah, I’m Sam Darnold, former Jets QB. I got a Super Bowl ring on my fifth team,'” one host joked. Whether you are a believer in the Darnold redemption arc or just happy to see the Patriots lose, it was a fittingly chaotic end to a packed episode.
As we head into the next week of challenges, make sure to check out tcmatchplay.net for your local league needs. And if you find yourself playing in a foot of snow this weekend—maybe consider taking the snowmobile.
313. Gators, Gators and Gaiters - Feb. 05, 2026
Snow, Steel Toes, and “Ribbon Dysfunction”: A Recap of the Hudson Valley Disc Golf Podcast
If you’ve lived in the Northeast long enough, you know that winter disc golf is a different beast entirely. It’s a sport defined not just by skill, but by the ability to tolerate frozen fingers, deep drifts, and the mental fortitude to trust that your disc is actually under that pile of snow where you think it landed.
In this week’s episode, we had a packed house. Joining host Pat were Alex, Corey, Evan, Jaimen, Tim, Randy, and Erich. While we originally had a guest booked, the winter weather (or perhaps the fates) intervened, leading us to pivot into what we do best: dissecting the local scene, arguing about gear, and testing our knowledge with a chaotic round of trivia.
Here is a breakdown of the snow-covered action from the New York Team Challenge, the latest news from the Valley, and a trivia showdown that left us wondering: Is that actually a disc name?
The Snow Bowl: New York Team Challenge Recap
The centerpiece of the discussion was the recent neutral match between the J-Park Wrenches and Chatham Hills Country Club, played at the snowy Stonykill (SPW).
The Conditions: “Floofy” and Freezing
The weather reports might have claimed it was sunny and 12 degrees, but the players on the ground told a different story. With snow depths ranging from a foot to 18 inches, the course was less of a fairway and more of a tundra.
While the teapads were shoveled, the fairways remained largely untouched. As Corey noted, the snow was “floofy,” which sounds pleasant until you’re trying to hike through it. The conditions were so severe that the captains made a game-time decision to scrap the plan of playing the Long layout in the afternoon. Instead, the teams played the Shorts twice—a mercy ruling for everyone’s legs and sanity.
Gear Check: Gaiters, Boots, and Ribbons
When you are playing in a foot and a half of snow, your gear choices can make or break your round.
Boots: The debate between steel toe vs. composite toe raged on. While steel toes offer protection, they also turn into “chilly toes” in sub-zero temps.
Gaiters: There was some confusion on the show about what a “gator” actually is (a reptile? A disc? A clip to retrieve discs?), but eventually, we settled on the legwear. Shockingly, neither Alex nor Corey wore them, opting for snowmobile gear and heavy insulation instead.
Ribbons: This was the only match of the year where taping ribbons to discs was strictly necessary. However, Alex suffered from a severe case of “ribbon dysfunction,” losing the ribbons off his discs after just a single throw, despite prepping them the night before.
The Results
Despite the grueling conditions, the level of play was impressive.
Doubles: The Wrenches dominated the doubles portion, taking it 11-2.
Singles: The singles matches were much tighter, with several matches pushing or ending in close battles.
Final Score: The Wrenches took the victory with a total score of 17.5 to 8.5.
Alex, the lone Chatham Hills representative on the podcast, took the loss in stride, noting that while he lost his head-to-head singles match against Corey (5 and 4), he did manage to win the “draft” for the trivia teams later in the show.
Local News and Upcoming Events
Beyond the Team Challenge, the Hudson Valley disc golf scene is buzzing with winter activity.
Nine Pin Cider Putting League
Despite a literal blizzard, 35 hearty players showed up for Week 4 of the putting league.
Winner: Brandon Cline took the top spot (and a free flight) with a score of 21.
Ace Pot: Adam Nelson hit an ace to keep things exciting.
Reminder: There are still three weeks remaining (Feb 9th, 16th, and 23rd), so there is plenty of time to get in on the action.
Registration Alerts
If you are planning your 2026 season, now is the time to wake up.
Fool’s Fest: Registration is opening soon.
PDGA Memberships: This is your friendly reminder to renew your subscription so you don’t get locked out of registration at the last second.
MVP Am Side: Happening April 24-26. It’s a massive commitment (three days of golf, including rounds at Maple Hill and Pyramids), but it includes candlepin bowling, so it’s obviously worth it.
The 20th Annual Ice Bowl
On Sunday, February 15th, the community will gather at Joralemon Park for the 20th Annual Ice Bowl Charity Doubles.
The Cause: All profits go to the Northeast Regional Food Bank in Albany.
The Impact: The local community has raised over $21,583 from past events.
The Fun: Mulligans are available ($5 each), and there’s a hefty ace pot up for grabs.
Battle of the Brains: The Disc Golf Trivia Quiz
With no guest to interview, Pat launched into a trivia segment that pit Team Alex (Alex, Evan, Randy, Erich) against Team Corey (Corey, Tim, Jaimen).
The theme? “Is It A Disc?” The questions revolved around words that double as travel terms, movies, or concepts, forcing the teams to guess if a manufacturer had actually slapped that name on a piece of plastic.
Key Takeaways from the Quiz:
Travel Terms: We learned that almost every word for “journey” is a disc.
The Final Score: In a stunning display of useless knowledge retention, Team Alex took the victory. However, Corey’s team did manage to steal a few points, largely thanks to identifying Brick (which, yes, is also a disc by Quest Applied Technologies).
The Hall of Fame Debate: Belichick vs. The World
The episode wrapped up with a detour into the NFL. The room was generally in agreement that Bill Belichick’s exclusion from the Hall of Fame is baffling, regardless of your team allegiance.
Pat, who despises Belichick, admitted that the coach should have been a first-ballot inductee based on stats alone. The group theorized that his potential return to coaching might be the reason for the snub, but the consensus was clear: it’s a bad look for the Hall.
Also, Pat officially blames Tom Brady for the popularity of the phrase “Let’s Go.” If you find yourself shouting that after a 20-foot putt, you now know who to blame.
Conclusion
Whether you are braving the “floofy” snow at Stonykill, grinding out putting league reps at Nine Pin, or just arguing with your friends about whether “The Whiplash” is a real disc (it isn’t), the Hudson Valley disc golf community remains as active as ever.
We want to extend a huge thank you to our Patreon supporters—Tim, Corey, Evan, Jasan, and Erich—for keeping the lights on.
312. 2025 HVDGPPotY and 2026 Goals - Jan. 29, 2026
This week, the Hudson Valley Disc Golf Podcast crew—Alex, Erich, Evan, Corey, Tim, Jaimen, and Randy—braved a massive snowstorm (dropping between 12 and 18 inches of snow across the region) to recap the 2025 season. With no Team Challenge this week, the episode focused on naming the Players of the Year and reviewing the hosts’ personal performance goals for 2026.
2025 Player of the Year Awards
The crew utilized data from Justin Muchelli to determine the winners, using four distinct statistical models: Total People Beaten, Weighted Points (A-tier=3, B=2, C=1), Podium Points (3-2-1), and Top 5/10 placements.
FPO (Female Pro Open) Player of the Year: The winner was decisive across all four statistical models. Kate Clay took the title, likened by the hosts to the “Tiger Woods of the Hudson Valley.”
Statistics: Out of 12 tracked events, Clay secured 5 wins and 3 second-place finishes. Her victories included major events like Kisco, BRO, Battenkill, Stonykill, and Wilcox.
MPO (Mixed Pro Open) Player of the Year: The male division was highly contested, with different models producing different leaders (Wyatt Mahoney won “Total People Beaten,” and Antonio won “Podium Points” by winning 2 events). However, the consensus winner was Kyle Hirsch.
Statistics: Hirsch won the Weighted Points model with 13.61 points (compared to Jaimen’s 11.81) and the Top 5 model. His consistency was key, including a top-5 finish at Wilcox against touring pros and second-place finishes at Mighty Gaw, Kisco, and Battle of Saratoga.
Host Retrospectives and 2026 Goals
The hosts reviewed their 2025 predictions against their actual numbers and set new targets for 2026.
Jaimen: Focused heavily on course work in 2024. He installed a total of 45 teapads (16 at CTK, 11 at Maro, and 18 at Jenkinsville). He played 18 events in 2025 (8 A-tiers, 7 B-tiers).
2026 Goal: Play 20–25 tournaments and focus on enjoyment over course labor.
Corey: Had a breakout year, peaking at a rating of 968 and playing approximately 30 tournaments. He played 7 A-tiers.
2026 Goal: Win a B-tier event, reach a 980 rating, and improve forehand distance.
Alex: Exceeded his playing goal, finishing with 25 events (goal was 15). He also secured an ace at Hizer Creek.
2026 Goal: Register for Worlds, play ~15 events, and finish the back 9 at Old Kinderhook (OKDGC).
Tim: Struggled with injury, missing 15 weeks of the season. Despite this, he played 9 events, secured his first 2 wins, and broke the 900 rating barrier.
2026 Goal: Stay healthy, reach a 925 rating, and learn a turnover shot.
Randy: Rating hovered around 954 (peaking at 956).
2026 Goal: Run the Helderberg tournament (scheduled for July 11) and create more video content.
Evan: Played 23 events and raised his rating to 866.
2026 Goal: Play 17 events, reach an 888 rating, and move up to the F-Pool in NETC.
Key Takeaways
Kate Clay Dominance: Clay won 41.6% of the 12 major tracked events in the FPO division.
Kyle Hirsch Consistency: Hirsch secured the MPO title through high average placements rather than sheer volume of wins, scoring 13.61 weighted points.
Heavy Volume: Corey and Jaimen combined for roughly 48 tournament appearances, with Corey hitting a personal best rating of 968.
Trivia Victory: In a “Disc or No Disc” trivia segment, Team Rex (Randy, Evan, Erich) defeated Team Alex (Alex, Tim, Jaimen, Corey) 9 to 5.
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