Disc golf has exploded in popularity over the past decade, becoming one of the fastest-growing outdoor sports in the world. With more courses, more fans, and record-breaking tournaments, one question continues to rise above the rest: Who is the best disc golf player?

Whether you are a seasoned player, a casual fan, or someone discovering the sport for the first time, understanding what makes an athlete elite is key to appreciating disc golf at the highest level. The title of “best” is not given lightly—it's earned through consistent performance, mental resilience, power, accuracy, and the ability to dominate under pressure.

In this comprehensive guide, we break down what defines greatness in disc golf and highlight today’s top 3 men and top 3 women based on major wins, world rankings, consistency, and influence on the sport.

What Defines the Best Disc Golf Player?

Before diving into the rankings, it's important to understand what truly makes someone the best. Disc golf athletes are judged on several critical factors:

1. Major Championship Wins

World Championships, U.S. Disc Golf Championships, and European Opens often determine the separation between a great player and a legendary one.

2. Consistency Across Seasons

A single tournament win is impressive—but sustained excellence over years sets elite players apart.

3. Skills and Versatility

The best disc golfers excel at:

• Driving with both power and precision

• Shaping lines through wooded fairways

• Reliable putting under pressure

• Adapting to varying course styles

4. Mental Game

Pressure moments—final-round lead cards, playoff holes, and major title chases—reveal the real champions.

5. Impact on the Sport

Influence matters. The best players help grow disc golf, build fan engagement, and inspire future generations.

With these criteria in mind, let’s look at the top athletes competing today.

Top 3 Male Disc Golf Players in the World

These three men consistently dominate leaderboards, hold major titles, and are widely recognized as the current elite tier of disc golf.

1. Calvin Heimburg – The Most Consistent Player in Modern Disc Golf

Calvin Heimburg has repeatedly proven why many consider him the best disc golf player in the world right now. Known for his smooth mechanics, elite consistency, and ability to stay calm even during the highest-pressure rounds, Heimburg is the definition of a complete athlete.

Why He’s Ranked #1

• Unmatched consistency with year-after-year top finishes

• A powerful yet controlled driving game

• Precision mid-range and fairway shots

• A calm, analytical approach to every hole

• Numerous Elite Series and Major podium finishes

Heimburg’s style is a blend of power and precision rarely seen at this level. Whether facing open bomber courses or tightly wooded technical layouts, he remains a threat to win every event he enters.

Signature Strength

His ability to throw incredibly straight drives at high speed—often described as “point and shoot”—separates him from the field.

2. Paul McBeth – The Greatest Disc Golfer of All Time (GOAT)

If this article were written five years ago, the answer to “Who is the best disc golf player?” would have been automatic: Paul McBeth. Though he faced injuries in recent seasons, McBeth remains the most influential and accomplished male player in the sport’s history.

Career Highlights

• 6x PDGA World Champion

• Multiple U.S. Disc Golf Championship titles

• Dominant 2010s era where he won nearly everything

• One of the highest-earning and highest-profile athletes in the sport

McBeth’s legacy is unmatched. His name is synonymous with disc golf excellence, and he remains highly competitive in every major event he enters.

Signature Strength

Clutch performance. When the pressure is at its peak, McBeth elevates his game like no one else.

3. Eagle McMahon – The Most Electrifying Talent in Disc Golf

Eagle McMahon is one of the most naturally gifted disc golfers the sport has ever seen. Known for his jaw-dropping power, ability to shape impossible lines, and highlight-reel shot-making, McMahon is a superstar in every sense.

Why He’s Top 3

• Elite distance—one of the farthest throwers on the planet

• Exceptional form and timing

• Versatility in shot shaping (backhand, forehand, rollers, and even huge spike hyzers)

• Multiple Elite Series and Major victories

Despite injuries in earlier seasons, Eagle has consistently returned to compete with the world’s best, proving he belongs in any conversation about today’s top players.

Signature Strength

Backhand power and creativity. Eagle makes shots few others even attempt.

Top 3 Female Disc Golf Players in the World

The women’s division has seen tremendous growth and rising competition over the past decade. These elite athletes represent the pinnacle of FPO (Female Professional Open) disc golf.

1. Kristin Tattar – The Dominant #1 Woman in the World

When discussing the best disc golf player in the women’s game, one name consistently rises above the rest: Kristin Tattar. She has dominated the FPO field with unmatched precision, mental composure, and big-tournament performances.

Why She’s Ranked #1

• Multiple PDGA World Championships

• Back-to-back major-winning seasons

• Unmatched consistency (rarely finishes outside the top 5)

• The most complete skill set in FPO

Tattar’s success has elevated the women’s game globally. She has become the face of modern FPO dominance and continues to set new standards each season.

Signature Strength

Accurate driving and elite forehand control—Tattar rarely makes unforced errors.

2. Paige Pierce – The Most Accomplished Female Disc Golfer in History

A true icon in the sport, Paige Pierce has defined a generation of women’s disc golf. With power, confidence, and multiple world titles, she remains one of the greatest athletes to ever play the game.

Career Highlights

• 5x PDGA World Champion

• Numerous Major wins across the globe

• A pioneer who pushed women’s disc golf into the mainstream

Even when dealing with injuries or inconsistent seasons, Pierce still possesses the ability to win any event she enters.

Signature Strength

Elite power. She throws farther than nearly anyone in FPO history.

3. Missy Gannon – The Money Clutch Finisher

Missy Gannon has become one of the most respected and reliable players on tour thanks to her combination of composure, smooth form, and outstanding putting game.

Why She’s Top 3

• Multiple Elite Series victories

• One of the most consistent finishers in the FPO field

• Known for clutch performances late in tournaments

• Exceptional backhand distance and accuracy

Gannon’s rise to the top tier of women’s disc golf has been built on discipline and smart course management rather than risky high-power plays, making her one of the hardest players to beat when she finds her rhythm.

Signature Strength

Putting. When Gannon heats up on the green, she becomes nearly unstoppable.

The Evolution of Disc Golf’s Best Players

Disc golf is evolving rapidly. Course designs are becoming more challenging, competition is increasing, and players are more athletic than ever. Today’s top athletes represent a blend of:

• Scientific training

• Professional coaching

• Year-round practice

• Mental performance work

• Physical conditioning

The days of casual, once-a-week practice are long gone. To become the best disc golf player, athletes now follow routines similar to traditional professional sports.

Rising Stars to Watch

While the top three men and women dominate headlines, several rising players are closing the gap.

Men’s Rising Stars

• Gannon Buhr – Known for elite power and mental composure at a young age

• Isaac Robinson – 2023 World Champion with incredible putting

• Ezra Aderhold – One of the strongest throwers on tour

Women’s Rising Stars

• Ella Hansen – Massive power and growing tournament consistency

• Holyn Handley – One of the most underrated players in FPO

• Ohn Scoggins – A putting legend making deep runs in majors

These players represent the next wave of elite competitors who will shape the sport’s future.

How to Choose the Best Disc Golf Player of All Time

While rankings change year to year, historical greatness is measured differently. Fans often debate GOAT status using:

1. Total Majors Won

In disc golf, majors are the ultimate measure of career dominance.

2. Longevity

A player who wins over a decade or more shows true greatness.

3. Influence on the Sport

Some athletes redefine what’s possible—changing technique, strategy, or popularity.

By these standards, Paul McBeth and Paige Pierce remain at the top of all-time discussions, while Kristin Tattar and Calvin Heimburg are building legacies that could challenge those titles.

So… Who Is the Best Disc Golf Player Right Now?

Taking into account performance, rankings, consistency, and dominance, here are the clear answers:

Best Male Disc Golf Player Today:

Calvin Heimburg

Best Female Disc Golf Player Today:

Kristin Tattar

These athletes not only win—they change how the game is played.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Disc Golf Greatness

Disc golf’s competitive scene has never been stronger. With rising player salaries, corporate sponsorships, televised coverage, and global growth, the sport is poised for an exciting new era.

As more athletes train professionally and push the limits of what’s possible, the debate over the best disc golf player will continue to evolve. But one thing is certain: the sport is in the hands of extraordinary talent, and its future has never looked brighter.