🦤 Mr. Philobatross

Hello and welcome, this is The Players Meeting. The only newsletter that’s rewatched the Philobatross so many times that “Alright Philo!” is burned into memory.

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If you missed OTB Open’s recap, then I got you: Fox Capitol

Let’s get into it.

PLAYER PROFILE: PHILO BRATHWAITE

With the Beaver State Fling tomorrow, it’s a requirement to remind yourself of Philo Brathwaite’s incredible albatross in 2016. Here it is in all its glory:

Not only did it put Philo on the map, but it put disc golf on the screens of millions and continues to go viral from time to time. Clearly, lots have changed in the past 7 years but before this throw, Mr. Albatross had a great origin story:

• 1999 - Discovered the game at 18 years old

• 2004 - Won his 1st tournament in MA4 (Novice)

• 2005 - Moved up to MA1 and placed 15th at AM Worlds

• 2006 - Turned pro at 25 years old and started touring. Approached by Innova at the Las Vegas Halloween Classic and has been sponsored ever since

• 2016 - Hundreds of tournaments and clinics later, The Albatross was a game-changer across the board. He gained respect within the community and from his parents for pursuing this career

• Now - Hits Tour stops as a player and a commentator on DGN

As with many legends, there comes a time when they can’t compete for the win on the biggest stage. 5X World Champ - Juliana Korver - is going through that transition.

Last week, she announced this will likely be her last year competing and will transition more into media. She’s touted as one of the best analyst commentators and her increased mic time will be cherished by many.

Philo is on a similar path. He’s only competed in 1 DGPT event this year and doesn’t have any more scheduled.

In the meantime, he’s hosting clinics with Barsby and Bell while also slated to return to the booth with Ian Anderson tomorrow. It’s undeniable that Philo has changed the game on and off the course with his Roc shots and laid-back vibes. 

He’s a walking legend and will continue to spread the love of disc golf from behind the mic or with a disc. Later this month, he’ll be a threat at a Major title with the Tim Selinske US Masters in Eugene, OR.

BEAVER STATE FLING (SILVER)

PREVIEW (5/19-21)

It’s finally that time of year again. The Tour has made it to the magical PNW woods in Milo McIver state park. But this isn’t your father’s Beaver State Fling.

This year features the new and improved Riverbend Gold layout. It’s a championship course that encompasses the entire park property - A hybrid of the two legendary East & West courses.

While this change might disrupt tradition, it was necessary to improve scoring separation, traffic flow, and spectating. The incredible Stumptown DG Club has worked tirelessly to prepare the “best course in its best layout.”

In particular, FPO’s layout uses alternate baskets and tees to demand a mix of shots and allow anyone to take home the win. And don’t worry, the iconic holes that you’ve come to love are still there: extended Genius hole and Albatross hole.

LAST YEAR RECAP

MPO/ 🥇Garrett Gurthie (-24) 🥈Joel Freeman (-22) 🥉Corey Ellis (-21)

It was “car wash” conditions in Estacada, OR. But despite the mini lakes on the course, players shredded with DoubleG hitting -11 (1080 rated) on Saturday and Freeman doing the same with an ace on Sunday.

Regardless of Freeman’s charge and Ellis’s bad basket luck, Gurthie’s game was on lock, and won his 2nd DGPT Silver event.

FPO/ 🥇Valerie Mandujano (-11) 🥈Catrina Allen (-7) 🥉Ohn Scoggins (-6)

While the final scores don’t reflect it, the competition was neck and neck until mid-Sunday. Allen made mistakes while Mandujano pushed past to win.

She made up 8 strokes within that Final Round to secure back-to-back wins on Tour. The week prior she took down the DGPT Elite - Portland Open.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

For months, Ricky Wysocki has been sidelined while battling Lyme flare-ups. He couldn’t compete while his throwing wrist had a limited range of motion.

Now, he’s making his comeback tomorrow. To get to this point, he’s tried a myriad of remedies including antibiotics, ozone therapy, and hyperbaric chambers. His early return is promising as it’s just ahead of his original plan for the Portland Open.

Going all the way back to 2011, Wysocki has had a long history here. He won back-to-back years in 2016 & 2017 and finished on the podium 3 other times.

It would come as no surprise if we hear the words “Raptor legs is back, baby” come Sunday.

SHOP WORLDLY WITH POWERGRIP USA

Being the 1st disc golf retailer to operate on 2 continents, Powergrip’s worldly efforts know no bounds. Their sponsored team spans from Finnish superstar Väinö Mäkelä to Massachusetts resident Simon Lizotte.

Besides their team members, Powergrip USA has one of the most expansive selections of plastic from across the pond. It ranges from big brands like Latitude64 to cult-favorite Kastaplast and to emerging Finnish brand Exel Discs.

Shop all your wants and needs with Powergrip USA.

RANDOM DUBS

1️⃣ When you analyze your BH form, you’re thinking about footwork, off-arm, elbow, and dozens of other steps. But in reality, Overthrow DG believes the most important part is your lead arm and getting the disc into the power pocket.

The more curl and tighter you get into the pocket results in more whip and distance. Obviously, there are many ways to get there, but to reinforce it they’ve reimagined the infamous Beto Drill - the video that likely started your form journey.

Watch Overthrow’s full video for an in-depth explanation.

2️⃣ You’ve already seen this clip, but you know you want to watch it again. Take notes for when you plan a trip to South Florida, specifically Dreher Park in West Palm Beach.

@hec561

Worst way to lose your Disc!! #Discgolf #fyp #funny #gators #florida #floridadiscgolf #paulmcbeth #English #spanish #sports #simonlizzotte... See more

As for safer Disc Gators, watch this 2014 award-winning ad featuring FL native Garrett Gurthie & Terry Miller “The DG Guy”.

MEME OF THE WEEK

Thanks for reading today. Get out and toss new plastic this weekend!

- Charlie