MVP Open Begins at Maple Hill with High Stakes

Leicester, Massachusetts, September 24, 2025

News Summary

The MVP Open kicks off this week at Maple Hill disc golf course in Leicester, Massachusetts, recognized as the #4 course worldwide. This tournament represents the final chance for players to secure spots in the Tour Championship, making every hole a critical test of skill and strategy. The event promises drama, with course updates and keen competition among top players, highlighting the stakes—both for titles and for playoff positions.

Leicester, Massachusetts

Big Weekend at Maple Hill: MVP Open Kicks Off and Stakes Are Sky-High

This week the disc golf world swings its eyes to Maple Hill, where the MVP Open begins on Thursday, September 25th, at the Maple Hill disc golf course in Leicester, Massachusetts. The course itself is not just any green space — it’s ranked as the #4 course in the world and #1 in the United States by UDisc — and players know every tree and slope could tilt a season.

The MVP Open has a long lineage and has been stewarded by the same organizer since its start back in 2008. It was previously known under another name and has evolved, but one thing remains: this event is the last playoff opportunity for players to qualify for the Tour Championship or secure higher seeding. That line alone turns Maple Hill into a pressure cooker — players are fighting for the top 28 MPO and top 18 FPO spots in the DGPT standings after the MVP Open to advance to the Tour Championship.

There’s an extra twist this year for anyone who can put together magic rounds: the top 4 MPO and top 2 FPO finishers at the MVP Open, regardless of their standings, will also earn a spot at the Tour Championship. That means a hot weekend here can erase a season of quiet results and vault a player straight into Championship contention.

Past Drama—Maple Hill’s Final-Round Theatre

Last year’s edition packed the sort of swings fans live for. The MPO field saw Aaron Gossage and Ricky Wysocki tied with the lead going into the final round, with Gossage ultimately finishing slow. A notable charge came from Paul McBeth, who birdied his last six holes, shot an 11-under par, and was close to forcing a playoff. The event also delivered a first-time Elite Series winner when James Proctor sealed victory with a dramatic 46-foot putt for bogey surrounded by a frenzied crowd at the green.

On the FPO side, the final day was electric: Kristin Lätt had a three-shot lead over Missy Gannon going into the final round, but Missy turned up the heat. Missy Gannon made a crucial 40-foot birdie on hole 17, while Lätt missed a 24-foot putt on the same hole, tying the game. Missy took the win and went on to win the Player of the Year award.

What to Watch This Weekend

All eyes will be on a few names and the math behind the leaderboard. Paul McBeth is looking to achieve back-to-back DGPT wins for the first time since 2019 and is a three-time champion of the MVP Open. After his recent GMC win, McBeth moved up the DGPT standings — he’s now second in DGPT standings, only seven points ahead of Calvin Heimburg. That seven-point gap means Heimburg has a realistic shot to overtake him; Heimburg has a chance to surpass McBeth, trailing by just seven points, with Isaac Robinson in fourth place, 42 points behind.

On the women’s side, watch for the battle over season honors. Ohn Scoggins and Missy Gannon are both seeking to potentially win the tour points championship, but need to secure strong finishes at the MVP Open. Meanwhile, Holyn Handley currently leads the FPO standings but has had a shaky performance recently, meaning momentum and nerves will play huge roles on Maple Hill’s slopes and narrow fairways.

Course Changes and Conditions

This year’s event introduces a few tweaks designed to ratchet up the challenge. Expect an increased number of alternating hole positions and changes to the layout to enhance the challenge for players. Specifically, this weekend’s MVP Open will feature several course updates including new alternating pin positions and an alternate tee pad for FPO on hole 18 for rounds 1 and 2. Those changes, plus Maple Hill’s signature mix of woods, elevation swings, and scenic but punishing lines, will keep lead changes coming.

Weather looks like it will play a part: a rainy opening round on Thursday, clearing into a beautiful weekend with highs in the mid-70s. That opening wet round could create slick greens, tighter fairways, and course management moments that decide who rises and who falters.

Why It Matters

Beyond the trophies and bragging rights, the winners here will also affect seeding for the big season finale. Simply put, a strong MVP Open finish can change the map for the DGPT Championship. This is where hope stabs at opportunity — and where a single putt can rewrite a season.

FAQ

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Additional Resources

• Ultiworld: 2025 MVP Open Preview
• Wikipedia: Disc Golf
• DGPT: 2025 MVP Open
• Google Search: MVP Open
• Sports Illustrated: Must-Play Disc Golf Courses
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Disc Golf
• DGPT: 2026 Schedule Announcement
• Newsweek: Best Disc Golf Course
• Spectrum News: Sterling Apple Orchard Disc Golf Course
• DGPT: Full 2025 Q Series Schedule

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