🦁 The Beast came alive in Nokia

Hello and welcome, this is The Players Meeting. We’re like that disc golfer who discs down on a 450ft par 3 - we’re built different.

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If you missed EO’s preview, then I got you: Schedule Changes

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TOUR COVERAGE
European Open (Major)

RESULTS - 🏆COREY ELLIS & KRISTIN TATTAR

What a weekend… Barbie and Oppenheimer finally released. Messi scored the game-winner in his MLS debut. And the 2nd PDGA Major ended in dramatic fashion.

In no particular order, here are the storylines you should remember or you may have missed:

1 - It was a classic Finnish summer at this iconic event.

Nearly every round, the weather was a coin flip. Depending on tee times, players were met with flash flooding, sunny skies, or both.

But to the locals, conditions were perfectly normal for this time of year. Those who couldn’t adapt suffered, while others pushed forward and benefitted.

As for the course and crowds, they easily met the high expectations. With more than 5k spectators lining the fairways, players tackled the track that favored accuracy over distance.

Unfortunately, this could be one of the last times Nokia DiscGolfPark will play host. Jussi Meresmaa announced the city will build a swimming hall that disrupts the course.

Despite the sad news, there’s little doubt that Finland won’t host the event at another championship course nearby. Meresma & the disc-loving community have Tampereen Center only 15km away.

2 - Is this a wake-up call for FPO?

Each morning, I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and opened UDisc. Like many, I thought I was still dreaming while checking FPO scores…

After Round 2, the conversation shifted from “Will Tattar win” to “By how much”. It almost felt like there should have been a mercy rule in place.

Joking aside, Tattar’s domination was nothing short of inspiring but scary for the field. Averaging 1000-rated golf, she shot the hot round each day.

So the question is, what can the FPO do to challenge Tattar? It’s looking like not much… She’s certainly on track to be in the GOAT discussion, but there’s one thing to remember.

Blowout victories aren’t uncommon at this event. The field isn’t at its strongest with Pierce injured and other challengers opting to skip Finland this year.

Either way, this wire-to-wire win completes Tattar’s career grand slam (USWDGC, Worlds, Champs Cup, & EO). She’s won every Major possible and is now on track to sweep this year’s.

3 - The Beast came alive on Sunday.

After 3 rounds and leaderboard shuffling, Championship Sunday brought many twists and turns. A 45-min lightning delay couldn’t put a damper on things as the skies cleared.

Consisting of Heimburg, AB, Ellis, & Klein, the lead card was poised to deliver a 1st-time Major winner. The stage was set and drama unfolded.

To sum it up, here’s the Final Round in pictures…

With one of the hardest finishing stretches, it was an emotional finish. Ellis threw OB only twice over the event and was there to pick up the pieces after AB missed 16’s green 5 times.

The sport changed Ellis’s life once, and now it’s changed it again. With DGLO and MVP Open behind him, he got his 1st DGPT win on one of its biggest stages.

4 - The American underclassmen showed up for now.

While lesser-known Europeans popped onto the radar, the Americans demonstrated why they’re undefeated in the Presidents Cup. Not a single European finished in the top 10.

In years past, this wasn’t the norm. Typically only the big names made the trip, but this year 46 US pros showed up.

As the strongest MPO field ever outside of the US, there were many firsts over the weekend. For these underclassmen, it was their 1st time traveling out of the country, 1st time in Finland, & 1st time at the European Open.

While the old guard tried to remain relevant, it was the 1st timers’ weekend to shine. But one day soon, it’ll be the Europeans’ time.

Said to be 20-30 years behind, the sport is clearly growing in popularity amongst their youth. In no time, there will be at least 5 Gannon Buhrs coming out of Finland, Estonia, & Sweden.

HIGHLIGHT

Speaking of which, there were 2 aces over the weekend. Both from European teenagers…

With an Opto-X Stiletto, the 16-year-old Swede - Hjalmar Fredriksson - hit the lefty BH ace in Round 1.

Then on Saturday, local Finn - Pekka Hyvönen - hit the ace on the 394 ft Hole 14.

POWERED BY POWERGRIP USA
Fresh Plastic

👉 Powergrip’s Highlight: Clash Discs Steady Cinnamon (9|5|-1.5|2)
Out of Finland’s candy shop, Clash’s latest fairway driver drops on Friday (7/28) at 11 AM ET.

Filling their lineup’s neutral 9-speed slot, the Cinnamon has been much anticipated. It’s a control driver that can fit within a player of any level’s bag.

For slower arms, this disc will start out dead-straight and always fade back. Whereas, a big arm can hyzer flip or even Cinnamon roll it.

If you’re finding your DD Escape getting flippy on you, then this will be the perfect step up. Or if you want a Discraft Undertaker in sweet European plastic, then this is the one for you.

MENTAL TRICKS & ADAPTIVE PLAY
Random Dubs

1️⃣ There I was on Sunday morning. Birds were chirping, and my tournament round was crawling along. Then all of a sudden I was seeing red.

My game went to shambles, and putts were going everywhere but in. If you’re like me, then the mental game is not a strong suit.

On the Fish Golf Brah-dcast, Raven Klein shared a mental trick that everyone should use. She calls it “Schrödinger's Disc.”

For any blind or near-OB shot, don’t react or assume the results. The disc is both in & out until you see where that disc landed.

This prevents you from dwelling on a bad shot or being disappointed in an unknown lie. Save the exhaustion and never assume.

At the end of the day, remember these wise words from Klein… “We don’t throw good shots to have fun. We have fun AND throw good shots.”

2️⃣ 2 weeks ago, the PDGA released a new appendix to its rules on wheelchairs and other adaptive devices in sanctioned play. Enhancements to players’ lies, relief, and sound-emitting devices were added to make the sport more inclusive.

We’re now one step closer to proving disc golf is truly for everyone. There’s no limit to what we can do with a disc.

Tweet of the Week

Thanks for reading today. Get out and hit trees this week!

- Charlie