🌟 Disc golf's next super star?

Park Golf, 5 Gum, and The Shimmy

August 18, 2022

Hello and welcome, this is The Players Meeting. The only newsletter that makes you feel like a fly on the wall of Ricky’s van.Email Read Time: 4 Minutes & 50 Seconds

Today’s Iowan edition is brought to you by Powergrip USA. Save 10% with code PLYRSMTGAUG22.

Let’s get into it.

Buhr’s Hidden Power

As you’re well aware, Gannon Buhr is 17 years old from Urbandale, IA. He already has 2 Junior World titles, a Silver Series win, only 3 outside top-10 finishes this season, and shows zero signs of slowing down. Consistent is his middle name.

Following in Eagle’s footsteps, it’s already written in stone that he’s the next big thing. Sure, he’s got some things to improve on like mental game, pace of play (already working on it), and growing into his body.

But while already on his way to stardom, he might have a leg up on the competition. In a UDisc interview, he explained how he learned more about his secret strength.

Having his ACL separate from the bone in 2020 and spraining his ankle last year, he was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) - meaning his ligaments are prone to disconnecting particularly in hyper mobile joints. 

He believes “it makes [his] tendons and ligaments a little more stretchy and durable.” Throwing far has always been linked to technique over strength, so having long AND flexible levers is a huge advantage.

Will this “superpower” help him be his generation’s GOAT? We’ll see in the next 10 years or even in 3 days at his hometown for DMC.

Des Moines Challenge

PREVIEW (8/19-21)

This Elite Series event will play 3 rounds at Pickard Park in Indianola, IA. This course has a classic championship-level park feel. There’s hints of Jonesboro’s hills mixed with Idlewild technicality.

Last year, Iowa showed up in a big way. So expect loud galleries, beautiful course maintenance, and an experience with a Corey Wong performance.

There’s a small chance the weather could replicate what we saw last year with lightning delays. In rounds 1 & 2, the weather caused cards to finish holes the following day, and FPO had to abandon the Saturday round completely.

LAST YEAR RECAP

MPO/ The 1st two rounds set up for Paul McBeth to fend off Gavin Rathbun & Iowan favorite Ben Callaway. Having 1 stroke over them, McBeth hit 5 early birdies in a row and didn’t look back.

There were glimpses of a comeback by Rathbun or chase card Heimburg, but even Vinny’s hot round of -13 (1088 rated) couldn’t stop McBeth. He shot -11 for his 1st victory at DMC and to continue his “tournament after Worlds” dominance.

FPO/ With such a weird weekend, Missy Gannon found a way to win in 2 rounds and take down her 1st DGPT Elite Series. At the start, she sat tied with Paige Pierce & Kristin Tattar.

But in the Final Round, her card mates found bogeys early as her putter continued finding chains. And she relied on it at the end to sink a 25 footer for the win.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Paul McBeth is on the longest losing streak of his career. This shows how amazing he is, while also meaning we could be nearing an end of an era.

But let’s not forget the last time the media counted McBeth out… He went on to come back and win his 5th European Open. He might do the same come Sunday.

You’ll be able to watch live all weekend on DGN. Or on next-day coverage from JomezPro, Gatekeeper Media, and GK Pro.

Getting Over the Yips

Nearly everyone who jumps into tournaments notices they change into an unrecognizable player. They forget how to throw a FH, how to putt, or hit the fairway.

And the community gives the same common tips: play more competitive rounds like league nights, local C-tiers, cash rounds, or whatever gets those competitive juices flowing. Getting used to the pressure is the only way to succeed.

Recently Kona Panis posted that she’s hiring a sports therapist. Remaining transparent, she wants it to be less of a stigma to ask for help especially with the mental game.

It’s no secret she’s had a rough season after her blockbuster contract, but maybe this will become a trend. Practicing mental techniques is commonplace in other sports. 

What do you do to help the nerves? Recently saw this tip I’d never heard before: Chew gum during your next competitive round.

Random Dubs

1️⃣ Out of East TX, Brock Cummings (aka Harpoon Larry) announced he’s working on a private course + camping retreat called BlackBerry Pines. While being jealous, you can help make his dreams a reality by supporting the Patreon page.

2️⃣ On the latest episode of Gossip Girl Debate Night, Brodie put his and Paul McBeth’s “rivalry” to bed. To sum it up, they’re no longer friends due to Bad Friend Moves made by Paul (#MakeMoves).

  1. Without warning, Paul stepped away from Foundation DG just after Brodie and fam moved to Lynchburg, VA

  2. A mutual friend did “something bad” to Brodie and fam, but Paul knew about it and didn’t stop it. A classic he-said, she-said situation

At the same time, McBeth didn’t seem concerned over the debacle. He was busy tossing out the 1st pitch at Tuesday night’s White Sox game.

Meme of the Week

Thanks for reading today. Get out and snack on birds this weekend!

- Charlie

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