Remembering Gregg Barsby’s 2018 Pro Worlds Victory

One of Disc Golf’s Greats

In over 40 years of PDGA Pro World Championship history, Gregg Barsby is one of just 20 MPO players to win the most sought after title in our sport. He earned his Worlds win in 2018 at Smugglers Notch, during the thick of the McBeth-Wysocki era of PDGA Major domination. Gregg was already a seasoned legend, with over a decade on tour under his belt. He wasn’t the favorite going into the week, but he had the experience and cool-headedness needed to get the job done.

Barsby didn’t shoot the hot round in any of the five days of competition. Rather he kept it consistent, knowing that Worlds is a marathon, not a sprint. By the last round, Gregg had built a two stroke lead over the field. He got off to a slow start on the final day, but sometimes that is just what it takes to kick start your focus.

Not starting well shook me awake. I told myself to just keep playing, that I can’t change the past, and that patience paid off as eventually shots started dropping.
– Gregg Barsby

Down the stretch, Gregg clutched up. He absolutely laced Hole 15 with a forehand, moving him into the solo lead at -40. Ken Climo called Gregg’s approach on 16 the shot of the tournament, keeping him one stroke ahead of Josh Anthon. On 17, Gregg sunk a nervy 25-footer for birdie, which might be the most important putt of his career. And on 18, though his drive flirted with the OB, it stopped in the perfect landing zone to secure him the win. As we head into the 2024 PDGA Pro World Championship, remember the history of epic wins and heart-wrenching losses that make this tournament what it is.