Eligibility part 3

Waking up at 430 AM last Sunday had the opportunity to watch edited round two coverage of the lead card at the FPO elite series disc golf pro tour event.

Though interested in watching the best FPO player in the world handle the new layout, was most interested in the second place player whose previous recent finish inspired a group that wants to "save women's disc golf" to solicit donations to compensate every player who lost earnings claiming that she should not be allowed in FPO because she was born male ignoring the ruling made by an international sports organization which allows transgender athletes to compete under specific conditions.

Though not 100% positive that I never saw her play before but the game I saw of hers was not an FPO player but an MA1 one. It is possible knowing her circumstances influenced my observation but compared to the three card mates, there was a definite difference in how powerful the disc was released even compared to the best FPO player in the world (and arguably all time).

After reeling off five straight birdies on the back nine in the third and final round, the transgender player was tied with the best player in the world with two holes to go eight shots clear of the rest of the field. Double bogeys on the final two holes caused her to finish second by 4 shots still 4 shots clear of the rest of the field.

People in discussion groups were expressing their displeasure (losing their shit) especially while the six shot final round defeceit was erased. Many comments about the coverage all weekend were using dead name pronouns while stating the player should not be allowed in FPO with suggestions of TPO and APO (alt pro open for anyone female who isn't hetero monogamous). One good point made was stating that no trans man has ever succeeded in sport.

The fact there is a part three of this topic shows internal conflict about this situation. Unless it is a deliberate attempt to gain FPO eligibility as opposed to wanting to be female and the eligibility guidelines are continuously met, will support trans FPO players.

I do wonder if the guidelines need to be adjusted.

Returning for Christmas

Though Marscon for many years was what I considered Christmas, it is no longer the case. Though I finally was able to go this year for the first time in 6 years, with COVID and its restrictions there was about 60% of normal attendence and instead of MARSCON!!!, it was Marscon. Nice to be there but the vibe which caused all caps just wasn't there.

Following 35 anxious seconds this week waiting for a busy website after making sure I did not fall asleep before 930 at night the first week back on first shift, I am registered for the 2022 PDGA Masters World Championship held in Peoria, IL this July. After my experience in 2019 was memorable for the pain from a dislocated knee that a doctor wrote a note excusing the week off from work, really want to go back to a worlds.

Will need to reserve a hotel from Sunday through Thursday nights likely heading home after my fourth round on Friday through the event will end  the Saturday after and not because I have VIP tickets for Weird Al on Saturday.

Only the top 40% of players will be playing on Saturday. Though I am good enough to justify travelling about 150 miles to play, making the cut is unlikely. The average rating to make the cut in 2021 was 914 and only five of my 50 rated rounds played in 21/22 were rated at least that high and all of them were on courses far easier than the two being played in my division in the event.

Of the 76 registered players in my division, my rating is currently 63rd. Five players have a rating higher than my highest lifetime rated round. Many in that division are simply better than me.

Some call that a defeatist attitude. I call it a realistic one but would be very happy if I would need to scramble to find a place to stay that Friday then drive back to Chicago for the concert. I would not mind if that made the planned upcoming project not valid as well.