Final Round Radio

There are few names in disc golf that have carried such a high level of esteem and respect as long as Barry Schultz. A two time World Champion ('03, '04), three time USDGC Campion ('01, '03, '06) and 2013 Disc Golf Hall of Fame inductee, It's no stretch to say that he is one of the games living legends. Barry joined Final Round Radio for the second time (Episode 38), and once again shared all the wisdom and insight that he did the first time.  In Episode 60, we talk to Barry about live broadcasting, distractions from cameramen and the gallery, being called "The Other Champ", and the recent departure of PDGA Executive Director Brian Graham. (who we talked to in Episode 52). 

A long-time resident of Wilmington and the North Carolina coast, Dave George now proudly calls Charlotte his home. Having moved from the beach in march, Dave brings almost 20 years of retail experience with a massive skateboard retail shop to the world's biggest manufacturer of discs, Innova Champion Disc. Dave is no neophyte to disc golf, however. He's been an experienced tournament director, most notably of the Azalea Open.  "Big Wave" Dave George sat down with us in the hot seat to talk about his transition to the big city, how the similarities of skateboarding and surfing helped him sell disc golf and what some of his favorite things are about working for Innova.  Don't forget to call the Hyzer Line (704.727.6077) and let us know what your thoughts are on the recent Ultiworld article claiming that disc golf's popularity is on the decline.

Stephen Schroeder may not be a household name on the national disc golf scene yet, but that is going to change soon. Known as one of the farthest throwers on the Charlotte disc golf circuit, and one of the most all-around talented players in the city, Schroeder is ready to show what he's got on a much brighter stage. Qualifying for the 2016 USDGC the hard way (Monday open qualifying), Schroeder surprised everyone but himself by playing to a tie for 25th, beating out notable names like Nate Sexton and Philo Brathwaite. Schroeder looks to build on that momentum in 2017 and take his game to another level. Schroeder joined two thirds of the Final Round Radio crew for Episode 58 where we talked about his ball golf-influenced approach to the game, his quickly growing reputation for teaching some of the best lessons in town and how it felt playing on the same card as defending champ Paul McBeth at this year's USDGC.

In the final act of what turned out to be a three part USDGC special, we talked to Gregg Barsby, Philo Brathwaite and Steve Brinster. These interviews were recorded Thursday night, after the second round of play. As we all know by now, the final round of the USDGC was cut short due to the impact of Hurricane Matthew, making Jeremy Koling the winner. Barsby and Brathwaite were first on the mic, and the duo did not disappoint. Long time Final Round Radio listeners will remember Barsby from his epic interview in Episode 7, and it appears that not much has changed in the year and a half since. Philo is also making his second appearance on Final Round Radio (third if you count our Maple Hill special from earlier this year), having held court in Episode 19. Steve Brinster, the 2013 USDGC champion, makes his Final Round Radio debut in the final segment. Unfortunately, we didn't have time for the Par 4, Hyzer Line (704.727.6077) or Final 9 in any of these interviews, but they'll be back in our next episode.

In an unprecedented turn of events, the USDGC cancelled the final round of the 2016 tournament due to the effects of Hurricane Matthew, resulting in the first ever major victory for Charlotte native and Prodigy-sponsored player Jeremy Koling. The decision did not come without some confusion (and controversy). Players hoping to make a run at the title in their final rounds woke up to Facebook messages and emails stating that the tournament has at first been delayed an hour or two depending on who you asked. Then, word came down that the final round was pushed back until Sunday. With the logistical nightmare that would have ensued (forcing players to reschedule flights and hotel rooms), the final decision was that the final strokes of the 2016 USDGC had already been thrown. With a -17 score and a four stroke lead on 2nd-place Nikko Locastro, Jeremy Koling was announced the winner. Some players believed it was the right call, others thought it was too hasty and not handled properly. Final Round Radio was on loca

The Final Round Radio crew posted up at Legal Remedy Brewing Company in Rock Hill, SC during the 2016 USDGC player's party to talk to some of the top names in disc golf. For Episode 55, we're giving you our interviews with Brian Schweberger (Schwebby) and the two members of the first family of disc golf, Valerie Jenkins and Nate Doss.  Big thanks once again to Jim Ogburn of Legal Remedy Brewing for letting us recording in the brewery where we had a bit of relative quiet outside the player's party.  Stay tuned, as we'll release another special USDGC episode tomorrow featuring our interviews with Gregg Barsby, Philo Brathwaite and Steve Brinster!

With the 2016 USDGC quickly approaching, some of the top names in disc golf are making their trip to Charlotte. Two of those players, Avery Jenkins and Eagle Wynn McMahon of Team Discmania, stopped by to sit in for Episode 54. Avery, the 2009 World Champion, and Eagle, who is in his second year on tour, are at opposite ends of their careers, which gave this interview a very dynamic feel. Avery told us the story of his win in 2009 in a playoff with Josh Anthon, gave us the scoop on Discmania's new player combine and even answered the question of whether or not he was going to retire at the end of the year. Eagle talked about transitioning to life on the road, what it was like meeting his disc golf idols and whether or not he plans to go to college or commit to professional disc golf full time. We recap the San Francisco Safari and the Sneaky Pete Classic in the Lead Card. We figure out who would win in an arm wrestling match, Avery or Eagle, in the Par 4 (sponsored by NoDa Brewing Company). We play four fresh

It's been an active and lively few weeks for news in disc golf. The controversial 18-month suspension of Bradley Williams has rocked the disc golf world, causing many discussions over whether the suspension was too harsh, if Bradley's past reputation played a role in the decision, or if his actions earned him the decision. The suspension has raised questions about the PDGA, and the PDGA's discipline process. We were joined by the Chair of the PDGA's disciplinary committee, Robert Leonard, and Prodigy Discs team captain Will Schusterick for Episode 53. Kevin and Andy travelled up to Bond Brothers Beer Company in Cary, NC to speak with Will and Robert. The conversation was candid, and Robert didn't hide from our questions. As a top touring player, Will's perspective was crucial to the conversation. This story still has twists and turns to go, but in this episode, we bring you the word straight from the one of the persons directly involved with the suspension. As always, we appreciate you tuning in!

Following the recently-announced 18-month suspension of Bradley Williams, a wave of controversy has swept the PDGA. Already on probation, a tense incident with Matt Dollar at the Ledgestone Open led to the unprecedented disciplinary action. Bradley spoke with Kevin Keith of Final Round Radio about what happened, what his side of the story is, and how he's hoping to move forward. 

There's perhaps no greater authority on the game of disc golf from an organizational standpoint than Brian Graham, Executive Director of the PDGA. Brian took the time to drive up from his home in Augusta, GA to be our guest for Episode 52, and delivered a tremendous conversation. With K2 unable to call in, Andy and KB held court with the man in charge of disc golf's governing body. Brian was very candid with his interview, as we talked about everything from how Brian started playing disc golf (he used to be a skater) to how he got to be Executive Director of the PDGA to criticisms of the PDGA's governance, logistics and ratings systems. Brian adamantly answers what he thinks is the biggest challenge facing disc golf today, and it may not be what you think. We find out what Brian thinks of the word "frolf" in the Par 4 (sponsored by NoDa Brewing Company) and whether he carries a backpack or a cart on the course.

The Final Round Radio crew took it local in Episode 51 with Charlotte Disc Golf Club President Jim Banbury. Jim has a unique disc golf story in that he didn't start playing disc golf until the age of 57. Since then, he's become a two time Advanced Senior Grandmasters in 2012 and 2013, as well as becoming CDGC President and maintaining a 923 rating.  We recap the 2016 Worlds win by Ricky Wysocki in the Lead Card, as well as the Piney Point Palooza. Jim answers solid questions in the Par 4 segment (sponsored by NoDa Brewing Company) as well as the Ring of Fire. K2 also calls in from Dallas, where he's moved to #IRL and will be calling in from for the time being. In related news, please bear with us as we figure out the audio issues.

We had to work a little harder for Episode 50 than most episodes. We originally recorded Episode 50 Tuesday night at our sponsor, NoDa Brewing Company, which was an excellent time. We had a few friends of the show over, bought the first beers for everyone, and recorded an excellent podcast with Matt Cheney.  ... and somewhere after that we lost the audio file. Our bad. Fortunately, Matt was able to join us again Friday night at Another Round Disc Golf to re-record Episode 50, with K2 joining us again via Skype from Emporia, Kansas, where he is following the Pro World Championships.  Matt, who was a guest way, way WAY back in Episode 2, had plenty to talk about this time around. Matt breaks the news about the CDGC making a bid for the 2018 Amateur World Championships, as well as previewing the fourth season of the Charlotte Putting League. We also talk about the two month disc golf road trip that Matt took with his kids, playing courses like Bucksnort, Blue Ribbon Pines, High Bridge Hills and more. We hate to

Another week, another hard working, versatile and talented disc golfer joins the show. Mark Huether has a hand in designing some of the top courses in the Charlotte area (Nevin, Robbins, Bailey to name a few), earning him the prestigious title of "Mule #3". He is also a board member of the Charlotte Disc Golf Club and sponsored by Legacy Discs. Despite a full-time job as an engineer and a family, Mark still finds time to compete at a 995-rated level, although some would accuse him of being a sand-bagger. Find out what Mark has to say about his detractors, what the craziest shot he's seen in a tournament is, what the Mule #3 distinction means to him and whether he prefers boxers or boxer briefs in the Final 9. Don't forget to call us on the #HyzerLine (704.727.6077) and get at us on social media via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or finalroundradio@gmail.com!

Lots of people who love disc golf find many different ways to contribute, and Pat Bowles is does it as well as anyone. He currently serves as president of the Albemarle Disc Golf Association, his is also a talented course designer who will see his first hybrid course come to fruition at Piney Point and he's even taught himself how to use a video camera and filmed for Another Round Productions. Despite balancing all of that and a full-time job, Pat still manages to keep a solid 950 rating. We talked with Pat about how he got started with the ADGA, course design and filming. We also talk about his background as a track and field athlete and how it helped prepare him for disc golf. Showing off true versatility, he even helps us out with the Lead Card, in the absence of K2. We hear some great user-submitted questions on the Par 4 (sponsored by NoDa Brewing Company), a couple of hilarious calls on the #HyzerLine and find out who is playing Pokémon Go in the Final 9. Remember to send us your Par 4 questions for us

In our second and final day at the Vibram Open, we filmed the chase card through their final 18 holes, we interviewed tournament champions Paige Pierce and Bradley Williams, tournament director Steve Dodge and Matt Krueger of UDisc. It's another great episode with another edition of the Par 4 sponsored by NoDa Brewing Company, the Hyzer Line and more. No Final 9 on this episode, but it will be back for the next one!  

We traveled all the way from Charlotte to Leicester, MA and Maple Hill Disc Golf Course to cover the 2016 Vibram Open. Not only did we follow the lead card and film it all for Another Round Productions, but we also set up shop after the final scorecards were turned in to get some candid interviews with some of the top players and ambassadors of the game. Hit the play button to hear interviews with 2012 Women's World Champion Sarah Hokom, Josh Barnhill of Booom Apparel, Philo Brathwaite of 850' albatross fame, and very special guests Terry Miller and Johnny V of Smashboxx TV. We also answer questions for the Par 4 sponsored by NoDa Brewing Company and hear your calls on the Hyzer Line. 

Episode 45 featured two Prodigy players from Asheville, NC - Colin Forehand and Coby Guise. Apart from both being sponsored by Prodigy, Colin and Coby are roommates and frequently travel to tournaments together. We talk about the European Open, US Amateur Championships and Charlotte Amateur Championships in the lead card, and talk about our worst shots in the Par 4 segment (sponsored by NoDa Brewing Company). In the second half of the show, we hear from our listeners on the Hyzer Line (call us now at 704.727.6077), put Coby and Colin through the Ring of Fire, and finish off with a strong Final 9. We've also got a special announcement: we'll be traveling to Leicester, MA in two weeks for the Vibram Open! Our next episode will be recorded at Maple Hill, and we'll be getting interviews with lots of the top players, directors and organizers of the tournament. Big thanks again to our sponsors NoDa Brewing Company and Crafty Beer Guys for helping to make this happen!

There's several new professional tours on the disc golf scene, and we got Steve Dodge of the Disc Golf Pro Tour to sit down with us for Episode 44. You may also know Steve from his tournament directing with the Maple Hill Open (now Vibram Open), being the director of Vibram Disc Golf and also from having helped found Marshall Street Disc Golf. Steve was a phenomenal guest as he had plenty to say about the difficulties of starting a new tour in a suddenly-crowded market, the work it takes to run a NT like the Vibram Open, and also why you don't see top pros throwing Vibram. We also debut not one, but two new segments: The Par 4 and The Hyzer Line! The Par 4, sponsored by NoDa Brewing Company, lets us answer four questions we get from our audience via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@finalroundradio), and also at finalroundradio@gmail.com. The Par 4 is going to be regular feature, so send in your questions for us or our guest today! The Hyzer Line is inspired by the old sports-talk radio segment staples where

For Episode 43, we flipped the script on ourselves and put the Final Round Radio crew in the hot seat. We brought on long time friend of the show Elliot Blake to turn up the heat on Andy, KB and K^2. Tune in to hear more about the three guys behind the podcast, how we got started in disc golf/podcasting and what we see next for FRR.

Michael Johansen becomes the first three-time Final Round Radio guest here in Episode 42, but this time, we came to his home turf: Brackett's Bluff, the legendary private course in Davidson, NC. MJ always drops plenty of knowledge on the mic, and this time was no different. We also talk about the memorial benefit that was held at the Bluff this past weekend, as well as the cover story in Creative Loafing about Charlotte disc golf.  Hit the play button, download the .mp3 or subscribe in iTunes, Stitcher or your favorite podcast app.