Fantasy Disc Golf Picks for 2025 LWS Open at Idlewild

The 2025 LWS Open at Idlewild returns to Burlington, Kentucky, from August 22–24 and brings with it one of the most competitive MPO fields of the season. Known for its tight fairways, punishing rough, and iconic wooded lines, Idlewild demands precision, patience, and elite mental game—perfect ingredients for fantasy drama and surprise finishes.

How We Project Odds

Our model blends four major ranking systems using the following weights:

• PDGA Rating – 35% (skill-based baseline)
• Stat Mando Rankings – 30% (advanced analytics, recent performance)
• PDGA World Rankings – 20% (global consistency)
• DGPT Standings – 15% (2025 tour results)

This weighted approach highlights players who are not just rated highly, but also trending upward and performing on the current tour.

Top-Rated Players Entering Idlewild

Here are the highest-rated MPO players in the field, per the official PDGA event page:

Projected Win Odds – MPO

Using our composite model, here are the projected win probabilities for the top contenders:

Idlewild Course Profile

Idlewild is not a bomber’s paradise. The course favors players who can navigate wooded corridors, scramble efficiently, and avoid big mistakes. Multiple previous champions—like Isaac Robinson, Kyle Klein, and Joey Anderson—earned their wins through finesse and mental toughness.

Players who excel at controlled midrange shots, forehand placement, and precise putting will have the upper hand. Don’t expect anyone to coast with raw power alone.

Fantasy Picks Advice

Why Gannon Buhr Is the Clear Favorite (and What That Means for Fantasy Picks)

If you’re in a fantasy league where you can roster Gannon Buhr, do it. He’s the top-rated player in the field at 1061, currently ranked #1 in both the Stat Mando and DGPT standings, and he’s entering Idlewild with three straight wins across international and domestic play. Gannon won Idlewild in 2023, and the course perfectly suits his methodical approach: elite control, top-tier putting, and precise midrange placement. In wooded, technical environments, he thrives. His mental game is arguably the strongest on tour right now—he plays clean, rarely takes double bogeys, and is consistently gaining strokes on the field with his scramble and C1X putting stats. While his fantasy ownership will be high, fading him is a high-risk play. If your league format allows multiple top-tier options or requires value shopping, he might not be the most cost-effective—this is where guys like Calvin Heimburg, Anthony Barela, and Isaac Robinson become excellent picks.

Why Calvin, AB, and Isaac Are Strong Alternatives

If your league uses a salary cap, tiered roster slots, or rewards consistency, you can’t go wrong with Calvin Heimburg (1049), Anthony Barela (1048), or Isaac Robinson (1048). Heimburg is the defending champion at Idlewild (2024) and has been one of the most consistent top-five finishers on tour for years. He ranks top 5 on Stat Mando and maintains a balanced game across all metrics—distance, fairway hit percentage, and putting. Barela is having one of the best statistical seasons of his career and currently ranks #2 on Stat Mando behind only Buhr. His power game has always been elite, but his recent improvements in putting have turned him into a true threat on wooded courses. Isaac Robinson, the 2022 Idlewild champion and reigning world champion (2023), is a natural fit for this track. His game is built on accuracy and composure—he’s proven he can win on tight, demanding layouts. If Gannon is off, any of these three have the tools and pedigree to win.

Dark Horse Picks That Could Win You a League

Sullivan Tipton (1040) has surged in the last few months and is consistently finishing inside the top 20 on tour. He ranks well in strokes gained putting and scramble percentage, and Idlewild’s technical layout suits his composed, controlled game. If he stays clean, he has legitimate podium upside at a lower fantasy cost.

Ezra Robinson (1044) nearly won this event last year, finishing second in 2024. His familiarity with the course, paired with rising confidence and a solid rating, makes him a sneaky pick. If his C1 putting holds up under pressure, he could crack the top 5 again.

Evan Smith (1042) is another player trending upward. With consistent tour results this season and high fairway hit rates, he’s quietly carving out a reputation as a technical-course specialist. He doesn’t have a DGPT win yet—but this is exactly the kind of track where one could come.

Joey “Buckets” Anderson (1030) shocked the field by winning Idlewild in 2024. While his rating sits lower than other dark horses, he’s proven he can win this specific event. That kind of course history is rare and valuable in fantasy formats that reward wins or podiums.

• Anchor with Gannon Buhr – He’s at the top of every ranking system for a reason.
• Calvin Heimburg or Isaac Robinson – Strong Idlewild records, consistent tour finishes.
• Anthony Barela – High ceiling, and his Stat Mando ranking backs it up.
• Dark horse picks – Sullivan Tipton or Ezra Robinson are trending upward and make great value plays.

Past MPO Winners at Idlewild

Final Thoughts

The MPO field is deeper than ever, and Idlewild is known for delivering unexpected results. Still, our model points strongly toward Gannon Buhr as the favorite, with Heimburg, Barela, and Robinson close behind. Expect battles in the woods, narrow score gaps, and shakeups on moving day. Whether you’re betting or building a fantasy roster, lean on ratings and recent trends—and don’t be afraid to take a risk on a rising star.

Photo credit: DGPT – https://dgpt.com