MVP makes a late team move.
February 15, 2018 by Charlie Eisenhood and Alex Colucci in News with 0 comments
Earlier this week, Matt Dollar announced on Facebook that he is officially sponsored by MVP Disc Sports for the 2018 season. The move makes Dollar the highest rated professional on Team MVP (his current PDGA rating is 1001).
“I saw MVP over there making their Gyro Tech, building a team from the base up, and sponsoring events like the MVP Open (formerly known as the Maple Hill/Vibram Open) and my own United States Mini Disc Golf Championship,” Dollar told Ultiworld Disc Golf by email. “I talked to my friend that works at MVP and the more he told me about the company, team, disc technology, and everything else they have going on, the more interested I became. After lots of consideration, it was clear that MVP Disc Sports was where I wanted to be.”
Here’s his announcement video:
Dollar has maintained a very active YouTube channel, Matt Dollar Disc Golf, in recent years. There, he has featured everything from shot-by-shot tournament coverage occasionally with himself doing commentary, to form tips and practice rounds, to vlog style videos where he updates viewers on his touring exploits.
Perhaps most notable among Dollar’s tournament coverage is his United States Mini Disc Golf Championship videos from the first ever USMDGC, which he directed late last year. Dollar hosted the event with support from MVP Disc Sports as the title sponsor. The Michigan-based company also provided baskets for the event. He plans to again direct the USMDGC in 2018 with MVP as the title sponsor once more.
Previously, Dollar spent two seasons sponsored by Latitude 64 and prior to 2015 was sponsored by Innova Champion Discs.
We asked Dollar a few questions — here’s what he had to say. At press time, a representative from MVP had not responded to a request for comment.
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Ultiworld Disc Golf: Why did you decide to make the move?
Matt Dollar: There were several factors that played into it. I almost continued with Latitude 64 for a third year, because that would have been the easy thing to do. I enjoyed representing them the last 2 years. But it felt like time for a change. My game was feeling stale and the discs in my bag were changing constantly. I was still having success, but not consistency.
I saw MVP over there making their Gyro Tech, building a team from the base up, and sponsoring events like the MVP Open (formerly known as the Maple Hill/Vibram Open) and my own United States Mini Disc Golf Championship. I talked to my friend that works at MVP and the more he told me about the company, team, disc technology, and everything else they have going on, the more interested I became. After lots of consideration, it was clear that MVP Disc Sports was where I wanted to be.
UWDG: How are you feeling about the new plastic? Comfortable and ready to throw this season?
Dollar: I’m feeling really good about my discs. I’m throwing further than I ever have before with my new drivers and putters. I’m ready to get out on some bigger courses and in some pressure situations to learn even more about my new game. I was going to debut at the Memorial, but I decided to play a big B Tier on a ball golf course this weekend (Hilton Head Open) as a warm up for Arizona.
UWDG: You mentioned on Facebook that you’ll be doing a bit more touring this year. Why?
Dollar: Last year I was the Tournament Director for like a dozen events, including a Series. While I love running events, it’s a lot of work, and that many events require me to not travel as much or as far. I’m still going to run a handful of events this year, but I wanted to refocus a little more of my energy into competing this season.
UWDG: You’re immediately one of the top pros (if not the #1 guy) on Team MVP. Does that add any pressure for you?
Dollar: I don’t think so. I used to get really nervous before tournament rounds and even during the rounds in pressure situations. But after over 400 tournaments, I rarely feel butterflies anymore and whenever I do, I immediately embrace it as feeling ALIVE!!! Instead of pressure, I feel lucky that I get to be the guy that makes other players (1000+ rated included) realize that these discs and this company are for real. I have the equipment and support to do well and I will do my best to make an impact.
