👀 Is McBeth already in the legacy stage of his career?

Hello and welcome, this is The Players Meeting. The only newsletter that soaks in summer’s 9 PM sunsets knowing they won’t last forever…

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If you missed DDO’s recap, then I got you: Tornado Alley

Let’s get into it.

NEWS
McBeth’s floor has gotten lower

Another weekend, another Paul McBeth rollercoaster. This time, it was castle themed and broadcast live. Here’s a quick recap of the Konopiště Open:

• While fighting daylight, McBeth shoots the course record (-14, 1078 rated) on Saturday

• Like clockwork, McBeth flops with a -2 (988 rated) on Sunday to end 13 strokes off the win

• Averaging a 1063 rating, Anttila dominated wire-to-wire while cashing the longest putt I’ve ever seen

With yet another poor finish, the meme question that can’t be answered got brought up - Is McBeth washed? Let’s instead word it differently… Is he in the legacy stage?

2 months ago, Brian Earhart gave his hot take that rivaled even The Halal Guys’ Spiciest Shots™️. He said, “I am no longer convinced that Paul McBeth is a shoo-in to win a tournament this year… I don’t believe it anymore.”

Earhart explained that the stats don’t lie and something is off with his game. His motivation seems lacking and speculations point to distractions like property purchases, his foundation, and Europe.

To bring it full circle, this season shows that the field has finally caught up. And no, the 6x World Champ is not washed up, but the next Major - European Open (7/20-23) - will tell all.

For now, tune in to the Krokhol Open where McBeth will compete in Norway with fellow US player - Bradley Williams - and Czech Republic’s own Jakub Semerád. Live coverage starts at 10 AM ET.

TOUR COVERAGE
Des Moines Challenge

PREVIEW (6/23-25)

For the 3rd year in a row, the Tour returns to Iowa for this Elite event steadily gaining recognition. But this city and Des Moines Metro Disc Golf Club are not inexperienced in hosting storied events.

Back in 2004, Worlds was here when Barry Schultz beat Ken Climo for his 2nd and final MPO World title. Now, Pickard Park will host our touring pros for this busy, middle stretch before the Europe Swing.

This course is one of the best park-style properties on Tour. It has great length and elevation, well-manicured fairways, and exciting water carries.

Besides the golf, this event knows how to pamper its guests. Unlike last week, you can expect boisterous crowds, a Bronco ace contest (after Friday’s round), and pros rocking free haircuts.

LAST YEAR RECAP

MPO/ 🥇Simon Lizotte (-27) 🥈Robert Burridge (-27) 🥉Keith/Jones/Freeman/Smith (-21)

This event had it all: Friday weather cancellations, a McBeth course record on Moving Day, and a 4-hole playoff between a Tour vet & a newcomer. After the unfortunate “StumpGate”, Lizotte beat Burridge for his 3rd Elite win of the season.

FPO/ 🥇Kristin Tattar (-15) 🥈Eveliina Salonen (-11) 🥉Macie Velediaz (-7)

It was pretty much the Tattar show from the get-go. While dealing with elbow pain and a split finger, she threw a 1033-rated 1st round then beat the field by 4 to continue her epic season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Opting to skip the great KS plains, there are several big names back.

• Paige Pierce: Had her half business half vacation trip to Bonnaroo

• Simon Lizotte: Home for 3 weeks and back with a new B-tier win

• Eagle McMahon: Quick recovery from shoulder re-injury? We’ll see if he shows. No longer registered

• James Proctor: Continuing his breakout year after 3 weeks away. Here are some Proctologist heavy hitters…

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To the Gyronauts out there, this disc gives Axiom Pyro or even Eclipse 2.0 Resistor vibes. Shop Powergrip USA for all your disc needs.

SUMMER TIPS & USA #1
Random Dubs

1️⃣ It’s officially summer. Leagues, tourneys, and poison ivy are in full swing AND we’re halfway to Christmas. Get hyped.

To kick off this period of long days, Raven Klein - FPO touring pro - is coming at you with some hot weather tips. Some are obvious, while others could use repeating…

1. Stay hydrated. There’s a reason why bags have dedicated bottle slots. You can even go the extra mile with some beer electrolytes.

2. Grab yourself a “cooly towel”, soak it in water, and hang it around your neck like Wysocki at DDO.

3. Carry a collapsible stool or use a cart. It may not look cool, but you’ll feel cool.

4. “Umbrellas aren’t just for rain.” It takes less energy to carry a stool & umbrella, than what the sun saps out of you in the summer heat.

2️⃣ The European Open announced the Presidents Cup rosters for the yearly team event of USA vs Europe. And for some reason, Team USA had everyone but… checks notes… the #1 player in the world.

To those who skip the fine print, Calvin Heimburg wasn’t included because he missed the top 4 of UDisc’s 2022 World Rankings. But he now has a chance to make the team through the fan vote.

Do you want to see Vinny continue Team USA’s undefeated streak? Then vote for him. Do you want to see European’s rising star - Mauri Villmann - get matched up against McBeth? Then vote for him.

You have until 6 PM ET today. Vote here.

Meme of the Week

Thanks for reading today. Get out and celebrate summer this weekend!

- Charlie