MY VERY FIRST MPO WIN

For the better part of the year, I’ve been trying to just hang on. My competitive edge was there, but my game was not. It genuinely felt like nothing could or would connect. I lost a lot of confidence in my game and it led to more problems than I could have anticipated. Disc Golf is not just a sport or a hobby to me, it is my passion. I love being out on the course, facing the elements, and throwing discs. To have that dissipate was heartbreaking. I was completing tournaments entirely unhappy. Not the usual feeling of “oh if I could have just made a couple more putts” or “shoulda made a couple more smart choices.” If I’m completely honest, I was wrapping up a tournament and thinking about all the other things I could have been doing. The money I could have been saved by not traveling. The feeling of not belonging within the MPO division was so loud that the self doubt wouldn’t quiet. All the time and effort I had put towards Disc Golf and the time I plan to continue, may not be the best choice. I just bought a brand new van that has blueprints drawn to be built. This was everything to me and I was not able to perform. I was so frustrated and resentful. Was I chasing a pipe dream? Did I actually lack the ability to perform at a high level? Was the entire trajectory I was working towards the worst decision ever? Every question of doubt entered my mind.

It took months of me consciously chipping away at the thoughts to get out of a rut. Every day with every throw and every putt, I was speaking positive affirmations into my game. I could feel the progression, but was still playing worse than any season I had ever competed in. I then go on to injure my thumb in the midst of this self doubt. I was completely unable to putt or throw which forced me to take time off and withdraw from some tournaments. I was really frustrated at first as I felt like my game needed more work than ever before and I was unable to practice even a 15 foot putt. However, what I thought to be the worst possible timing turned out to probably be the savior of my game. I was able to focus on giving lessons, I caddied, I played full lefty rounds at league. I was doing things I wouldn’t normally be doing. The time off gave me a perspective that I was desperately needing. It led to a new appreciation that I hadn’t felt all year. All the doubt, well most of the doubt, was filled with excitement and the want to work. My thumb was slowing healing so I started with 10 footers, then 20’s, then small upshots, into big tee shots.

The small sentiments above alluding to the last 7 months all lead up to the last week of July. I played a tournament in Montana that was a 2 day, 3 round event. I was able to tie for second place and then claim the title of solo 2nd after a one hole playoff. 2nd felt great and I was able to drive home from the weekend feeling proud and fulfilled. It felt so rewarding sitting in the car with Ken, windows down, listening to our favorite songs. It wasn’t quiet or somber. I didn’t have to rethink every hole and think about the “what if’s.” And I surely didn’t have to sit and ponder if I needed to give up my dream. My game was starting to connect and it showed. Again, I was stoked for second but I had a massive hankering for a 1st place win. I take the following weekend off and then get right back at it.

Now we’re all caught up and in the 3rd week of August. I competed in the ApeX Open which is a 2 day, 3 round B-Tier tournament in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. I started Monday off working, Tuesday giving lessons, Wednesday going to league, Thursday giving lessons, Friday screen printing apparel for Caddie Daddy, Saturday playing 2 rounds, and finally Sunday playing a third round of 22 holes in regulation and a 23rd hole to win in a playoff. I WON.

From placing for last cash occasionally and missing the cut more often, to holding the number one trophy. I can believe it because I worked hard to earn it, but I never thought it would feel this way. I am so proud of myself. It feels so good to live up to the potential and expectation set forward. Right now it still feels indescribable and it may for a long time, but if i can ever put it into words, I’ll update you.

Before we move on to all the incredible people I want to thank, I must give a brief breakdown of how this all unfolded. I started Saturday off strong with a score of -10 (1016 rated). Putting me T-1 with one of my good friends and toughest competitors. This put us both ahead with a 5 stroke lead from 3rd. Second round, the pins were in the same position and I was able to catch one more birdie making the round total -11 (1029 rated). I was now sitting in 2nd trailing by 2 strokes, but still had a 5 stroke lead from 3rd. For the final round, nearly all the pins were moved into the deep and 4 extra holes were added. I woke up Sunday morning feeling ready. I knew it would be a battle until the end, but I felt a sense of calm within the competition. The entire round was push push push.

At one point, I was trailing by 4 strokes, but I just kept progressing. There were times when we both could have secured the win, but Disc Golf is often unpredictable. I put the pressure on and he would match immediately. He would put the pressure on and I had to answer due to trailing behind. Our last and final hole, is a makeshift island hole that plays hazard. There was a head wind that wasn’t there when we practiced, but I knew how to adjust. I was first up to tee and I put too much ani on the disc leading it straight into the hazard. My heart just drops. All I could think was, “no way did I just manipulate the disc in the wrong way. What an absolute mistake.” He goes to tee and also lands in the hazard. I’m floored. We walk up to our drives and I have a putt right inside the circle. I’m up first as he’s no more than 20’ from the pin. I am ready to make my putt - I have to in order to take this game into a playoff. I stand behind my disc confidently and watch as it hits right side heavy chains and doesn’t stick. I quietly step to the side to let my competitor putt. He goes to putt and his disc also doesn’t stick. Again, I am floored. Right then and there I knew I could not and would not let another opportunity slip away from me. Off we go into the playoff and I park it. His drive is also great, but not as close. He goes to putt and misses. I stand behind my disc, take a breath, and put it in. I did it! I WON. I WON. I WON. I WON. I was absolutely elated. My favorite people around me, a community that supports me, and some of my best friends were there to congratulate me. It was a feeling I am not taking for granted, but in place a feeling I will continue to strive for.

Though Disc Golf is an individual sport, this victory is truly shared. Shared with Josh, who I value competing with. His game is exceptional and his character exemplary. Kendra, who is my best friend and the best caddie daddy there is. The entire community who has played a round with me, has bought a disc or apparel, shouted at me out, spectated, let me crash in their spare bedroom, or wished me good luck. All of my best friends who have been so involved throughout this entire journey. My youngest brother Strat who used to swim for discs with me in the CSI river to now making sure I’m keeping up on my game and occasionally kicking my ass. It is shared with ApeX Disc Golf. When years ago I was approached to help start a local team who I could now not be more proud of their growth. My first tournament was a fundraiser to help me get to AM Worlds. It was at Cherry Hill and it was the kick off for ApeX. Nearly the same layout 4 years later being ran by ApeX as a B-Tier and it's bigger than ever before. Shared with my family. My Sponsor, Kastaplast, for creating a brand that took a risk off the beaten path of mainstream disc manufacturers creating a butterfly effect in believing in something bigger. My grandparents, my parents, my siblings - each of them has held my bag, stood out in the pouring rain, and moved around schedules to watch me play final 9’s.

This year was the hardest year of Disc Golf I’ve experienced thus far. It has given perspective and insight that hard work truly pays off. When you are passionate about something it is okay to take it to the moon. I wouldn’t be here taking my very first MPO win without each moving part. So too that I say, thank you. WE DID IT.

Cheers.