The Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) Rookie of the Year Award. celebrates rising stars making notable debuts in their first season. This prestigious title goes to players who make a splash on the Pro Tour and demonstrate both incredible potential and consistent skill. For 2024, this honor goes to two exceptional players who have thrilled fans and competitors alike: Jesse Nieminen in the area of MPO and Emily Weatherman in the FPO.
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Up-to-date rookie criteria for 2024
It is critical to note that the DGPT has reformatted the criteria for Rookie of the Year this season to better reflect the current state of professional competition and ensure that aspiring players know exactly when they are entering their “rookie season.” become. ”
Previously, a DGPT rookie was anyone who had not competed in more than three combined DGPT Elite Series events, PDGA National Tour events, or PDGA Professional Major events in a single previous season. Players who have competed in two or more PDGA Professional Majors in a single previous season are also ineligible for the award.
These initial criteria allowed players to be considered rookies several years in a row. Additionally, the bar has been set relatively low when it comes to the cap a player can compete in before being considered a rookie the following year (3 in a single previous season).
Now the DGPT has introduced a modern and improved set of eligibility criteria for who is considered a rookie. A player's rookie season (“Rookie Year”) is the season in which he meets any of the following criteria:
- Start the season for the first time as a DGPT Tour Card holder or;
- Plays six (6) or more DGPT World Standings points events (PDGA Pro Majors / DGPT Elite Series*) in a single season or;
- Completes his 10th all-time DGPT World Standings points event (PDGA Pro Majors / DGPT Elite Series*) or;
- Qualified for the DGPT Championship
With these modern eligibility criteria, aspiring players will have more room to develop as a player before officially entering their rookie year. Additionally, under the modern definition, players only have one rookie season.
Now let's take a closer look at how Jesse and Emily earned their rookie titles!
Jesse Nieminen: MPO Rookie of the Year 2024
I am from Kuopio, Finland, Jesse Nieminen In his first full season with the DGPT, he quickly made a name for himself and finished 2024 as MPO Rookie of the Year. With a tireless drive and a flair for dealing with pressure, Nieminen joins the prestigious list of ROTY winners Luke Taylor (2023), Isaac Robinson (2022)And Gannon Buhr (2021). Let's break down the numbers that show how Jesse earned his place among them.
Breakout win and a record-breaking round
Nieminen won his first DGPT victory at the 2024 Copenhagen Openwhich immediately put him in the spotlight. This win not only boosted his ranking; it was historic. Nieminen became only the second MPO player from Finland to secure a DGPT victory. But that's not all. In Round 2, he delivered an unforgettable -13 round with a score of 1071, marking the highlight of his season. He was a beast on the course, hitting every C2 in regulation play except one and achieving a flawless 100% fairway hit rate.
Consistent performance throughout the season
Over the course of his 2024 season, Nieminen posted a solid 41% cash rate and managed to secure three top-10 finishes. These numbers may seem modest, but they reflect consistency over the course of a demanding rookie season in a stacked MPO field, and competing in a high number of events (22 in total) is a testament to his commitment and perseverance. He has played the most events of any previous DGPT Rookie of the Year winner, and only he and Isaac Robinson had a win in their rookie season. Last but not least, he finished the season in 49th place DGPT MPO world rankings.
Statistics highlights
Nieminen finished the tournament with an average tour event rating* of 1013.5 and his putting and fairway stats were a testament to his well-rounded game. With a 84.85% C1X putting percentage (ranked 33rd on tour) and a 67.92% fairway hits rateHe has both accuracy and consistency that will only get better in the coming seasons.
Emily Weatherman: 2024 FPO Rookie of the Year
Emily Weatherman from Abilene, Texas, turned heads in the FPO division this year, delivering an impressive debut season full of record-breaking performances and consistent excellence. At just 18 years venerable, she earned her first DGPT victory, becoming the youngest FPO player to do so – a remarkable achievement for a first-year pro.
Victory at the Des Moines Challenge and an unforgettable record
Weatherman's large moment came on 2024 Trubank Des Moines Challengewhere she demonstrated maturity and skill beyond her years. She won on the Chase card and managed to overcome a five-shot deficit in the final round, making this performance one of the standout performances of the year. Her win came just 122 days after her first DGPT start, making her one of the fastest FPO players to secure a Tour Event* win (top-5).
Consistency and top finish
Over the course of the season, Weatherman posted an impressive 74% cash rate and achieved six top-10 finishes in 19 Tour events*. Additionally, she made it to the podium twice, including a third place finish at the 2024 Vigorous Discs openedthereby cementing her presence as a rising FPO star. At the end of the season he finished in 18th place DGPT FPO world rankingsshe has quickly established herself as a fast-moving competitor with a promising future.
Statistics highlights
Weathermans DGPT season statistics Show a player who excels in precision and focus. Her The fairway hit rate was 75.18% (9th place).with an impressive 76.05% in C1X putting (13th) and a 18.33% C2 putting rate (10th). These numbers not only highlight their skills, but also demonstrate their ability to capitalize on opportunities under pressure, a crucial trait for a high-performing professional.
A radiant future for Jesse and Emily
As we look forward to 2025, both Jesse Nieminen and Emily Weatherman have set the stage for invigorating careers on the Disc Golf Pro Tour. With their combination of tough work, skill and poise, they have shown that they are more than just newbies – they are competitors with the potential to be among the best. From Nieminen's breakthrough in Denmark to Weatherman's record-breaking run in Des Moines, each inspired fans and gave us invigorating moments we won't soon forget.
Congratulations to Jesse Nieminen and Emily Weatherman, your 2024 DGPT Rookies of the Year! Disc golf enthusiasts around the world can't wait to see what you accomplish next season.
➡️ See a full breakdown of the DGPT Rookie of the Year Award, including details on eligibility, selection criteria and how this year's winners were selected.
*Tour events are represented as DGPT Standard/Elite, DGPT+ and DGPT Playoff events including the DGPT Championship and PDGA Pro Majors. The data provided will be collected by StatMando from the conclusion of the 2024 DGPT season
