The Return of Eagle McMahon

Eagle McMahon's classic forehand.

At the recent PDGA Champions Cup, Eagle McMahon threw an excellent forehand for his second shot on the par-four third hole. It was a smooth, level hyzer that finished near the basket.

After the throw, commentator Nate Sexton observed: “I have just missed the McMahon forehand. It’s so nice to have it back because he dealt with so much injury—a couple of years where he wasn’t really able to go to that shot…One of the most powerful forehand throwers I’ve ever personally seen.”

Sexton is absolutely right. McMahon possesses an iconic forehand—the kind of sidearm that disc golfers study in order to learn good mechanics.

Unfortunately for McMahon, however, he injured his shoulder in late 2021. And then, in 2022, he suffered another shoulder injury.

All of this led to a serious change in McMahon’s disc golf game. He was able to get back to playing. But because of the shoulder injury, he was unable to throw the forehands that had once defined his game.

In order to keep playing, McMahon shifted to an all-backhand approach. And despite such a major limitation, he was still able to win the 2022 European Cup. It was a particular impressive victory because it came after a fierce head-to-head battle with Paul McBeth. And after the tournament ended, even McMahon seemed slightly amazed by what he’d accomplished.

More recently, it’s been a somewhat rocky road for McMahon. For a long time, he was forced to stick to his backhand-only game. (At the 2022 European Open, he actually threw several left-handed backhands—to compensate for his missing right-handed sidearm.) But such a major change led to some uneven results.

The good news is that McMahon is finally back to throwing a forehand. And what’s noticeable now is the deliberate care in his throwing motion. In both his forehand and backhand, he seems to be taking it easy. His technique has become more relaxed, composed, effortless.

All of this makes plenty of sense. McMahon doesn’t want to suffer another injury. But also, there’s something older and wiser in his approach. He’s aiming for smooth technique—not all-out muscle. It’s a smart way to keep his arm healthy—and keep playing.

There was a time when McMahon could blast his way through a round of disc golf. He was young and invincible. A famous example would be the 700-foot backhand drive he threw in the 2021 Match Play Championship. Watching the shot, it’s clear that McMahon put everything he had into the throw—and it worked. The disc turned over nicely and finished up practically parked under the basket.

Noting McMahon’s more recent technique, though—of smoother, lighter throws—it’s possible he’s moved on from the muscle-shredding, cannon shots of his earlier days. But that’s just age and wisdom creeping in. McMahon is trying to ensure his longevity. And that’s commendable.

But also, even if McMahon is now going a little easier, he’s still growing as a player. And he’s always been a great putter.

This year, McMahon finished 13th at the PDGA Champions Cup. And then he finished tied for 6th with Paul McBeth at the Cascade Challenge.

There’s something rounding into form for McMahon. He’s adjusting to his new technique. And it’s quite possible that things are coming together nicely. He may soon win another tournament.