The 5 most likable MPO disc golfers on the Pro Tour

This list is arbitrarily limited to five MPO golfers …

I’m told Google (and the average reader) likes odd numbers.

But you know what’s great about disc golf?

I could easily extend this list to 15 or 25 names, and it wouldn’t be hard to fill each slot. Quality dudes abound in this little sport of ours. The following are five MPO athletes I consider to be the most likable of the lot. I’d be pleased as peaches to share a card with any of ‘em …

You probably would, too.

1. Eric Oakley

Eric Oakley is captain of the All-Pro Tour Nice Guy squad.

Though wildly talented, he’s best known for his mega-funky form and being married to Tina Oakley, the woman behind Whale Sacs. But during the interview Green Splatter had with him back in December, it became clear the driving force behind Oakley’s involvement with the sport isn’t winning more disc golf events: It’s giving back to the fans who’ve supported him for years.

Clinics, YouTube videos, hosting tournaments and breaking bread with ‘em on social media – it’s all part of the plan. If Oakley’s not (yet) one of your favorite D.G. players, add him to the list.

2. Nate Sexton

Man, Nate Sexton has it all:

• Family? Check.
• USDGC title? Of course.
• Sweet Tour Series disc? Definitely.
• Cushy, post-touring media gig? That’s a given.
• Memorable, mildly erotic surname? No doubt about it.

Game. Set. Match.

There’s a reason so much good happens to this guy …

He doesn’t suck.

I don’t know Sexton personally. But I have to think the planet’s most successful manufacturer of golf discs wouldn’t make him their team’s captain without knowing he’s beloved by all. That goes for fans, teammates, media members, the Vatican – the whole kit and caboodle, really.

3. Zach Melton

Not many white guys can pull an afro like Zach Melton. And he doesn’t stop there: He takes things one step further with an epic beard to complete the look. Meaningless stuff aside, similar to Daddy Sexton, Dynamic Discs named him their captain to start the 2023 Pro Tour season …

He’s not only liked, he’s respected.

Also, if you stalk Zach at all on social media, you know he’s funny – and a good follow. And I’m not just saying that because he’ll have died forgetting more about the game of disc golf than I’ll ever know. I say it because it’s true: Mr. Melton is likable. His loyal fanbase is proof of it.

4. Simon Lizotte

Simon Lizotte is King of Disc Golf Content.

Seriously, the man once threw a “double-ace” on camera.

If it can be done within the course of a disc golf lifetime, Simon’s been there and done that. Even in the latter-half of his career, what makes him so likable is the humility with which he keeps owning. The ace-runs are fun, but what I like best about him is that – in spite of his big-time success – how self-deprecating he can be. He’s got it all, but it’s not gone to his head …

It’s admirable.

5. Matthew Orum

Way too many corny, teen-drama sitcoms have an episode where some foreign-exchange chick shows up from Europe. Before long, dudes are falling head-over-heels for her – it’s the accent.

Matty-O is disc golf’s version of that.

Simply put, he’s unapologetically himself. The Southern drawl is painfully thick. The puka-shell necklace is dated. His sunglasses spend more time on the ground than his face. And to top it all off, his backhand form (and putt) is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before in your life …

And you know what?

He STILL dominates.

People are drawn to confidence. Especially when it’s so obvious the confidence comes from a place of comfort in one’s own skin – not conformity. Queue the hashtag: #RollTide

* Honorable Mentions: Matt Bell, James Conrad, Garrett Gurthie and Aaron Gossage.

Usually, I’m passionate about the defense of my listicles …

This one, though?

Not in the slightest.

You could take this thing a million different ways.

Disc golf’s lucky: This is a good problem to have.

Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

Editor’s Suggestions:

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