🗳️ Roc the vote

Hello and welcome, this is The Players Meeting. The only newsletter that brings an MVP Glitch to the beach instead of a frisbee.

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If you missed The Preserve’s recap, then I got you: DG’s Sanctuary

Let’s get into it.

POLLS
PDGA Elections

It’s that time of year again. The PDGA Global Board of Directors has 2 at-large positions up for election to serve 3-year terms.

Unlike last year, the Nominating Committee has already completed a “comprehensive assessment” of the 13 self-nominated candidates and whittled them down to 6.

The PDGA Radio podcast sat down with each candidate for 20 min to get to know them better. But here at TPM, we did all the listening for you.

Here’s a very quick lowdown:

Geoff Hungerford (#688) - “You are voting for someone who strongly supports the PDGA staff and is absolutely overwhelmed with their confidence and experience.”

• Experience: Currently on the Board of Directors, 6 years on the Seniors committee, Founded the Colorado Disc Sports Association (1992)

• Priorities: International growth, Enhance the Global Masters Series

Adam Wright (#6387) - “I want to see the best for the sport and PDGA… to get to that next level. And I think I have ideas and the ability to help.”

• Experience: 25 years in broadcast media, long history of running events in MN

• Priorities: Recognition as a High School sport, Increased course safety, Improved media

Tim Petrea (#34756) - “This is my 4th year attempting this… I want to be a part of the PDGA board and do my part… Play matters for the sake of play.”

• Experience: Parks & Rec Director, Served on other non-profit Boards

• Priorities: Increased Parks & Rec programs, TD education, Establish with the National Federation of High School Sports

Nate Heinold (#49340) - “This will be my last time running… I’ve really enjoyed the work and would love to serve one more term to give back to our members.”

• Experience: Current Board President, Full-time TD of several Tour events

• Priorities: Fund courses in underserved areas, Membership requirement for C-Tiers, Continue investment in DGPT & DGN

Luke Turnbull (#63994) - “Just keep doing what we’re doing and improving what we’re doing. I think that’s the way forward.”

• Resident of Australia

• Experience: 9 years on the Australian DG Board, Business/Operations Analyst

• Priorities: Asia-Pacific growth subcommittee, Promotion as exercise alternative, TD mentor program

James Koizumi (#126027) - “I want to find, inspire, motivate, and cultivate future leaders that are going to take this game forward. I’m here to do the best job that I can.”

• Resident of Canada

• Experience: Executive Director of Calgary DG Club, Lawyer

• Priorities: Increase transparency and governance, Shift strategic vision to global, Grow community relations and leaders

If you need more info, the PDGA has it all spelled out here. And if you’re one of the 264k members, then root through your email (or spam) for your link to cast your vote.

You have until the end of this month. Oh, and one more thing about the PDGA… Jk, you can move on to the next section.

TOGETHER WITH DISC GOLF SWAG
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You can add background colors, images, text, and anything you can think of. Play around with Disc Golf Swag’s design tool today and create your next favorite disc.

TOUR COVERAGE
41st KC Wide Open (Silver)

PREVIEW (7/7-9)

After a stretch of 3 straight Elites and the looming Europe Swing, there isn’t tons of buzz for this weekend. But you should know this is a long-standing event with lots of history and an amazing club backing it.

Kansas City, MO has amazing BBQ and an even better football team, but just 30 min north of Arrowhead Stadium lies the Bad Rock Creek DGC. Installed in 2014, Bad Rock has hosted this event many times as well as the 2018 PDGA Pro Masters Worlds.

For the unfamiliar, it’s reminiscent of DMC’s park-style course - bomber, open holes mixed with tough woods. There are plenty of undulating greens and OB water to challenge pros looking to cash in while others are heading across the pond.

LAST YEAR RECAP

MPO/ 🥇Andrew Marwede (-25) 🥈Joel Freeman (-23) 🥉Hebenheimer, Scott, & Leiviska (-17)

This off-week A-Tier ended just 3 days before the start of Worlds, so most big names skipped out. Of those that played, Marwede’s FH came in clutch as he averaged 1054 over the weekend.

FPO/ 🥇Ellen Widboom (+7) 🥈Emily Beach & Stephanie Vincent (+14)

With only a field of 8, the 2020 Idlewild champ separated herself from the field in Round 2 and eventually locked in the win to take home $1.6k.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

With most big names already gone or leaving very soon for Europe, there’s a short list staying behind. One of them is the 18-year-old Cole Redalen.

He’s coming off his best finish on Tour with 2nd place at The Preserve, which he credits to his increased practice and “play my heart out” mentality. Either way, he must have figured out something this season…

POWERED BY POWERGRIP USA
Simon Says Throw Glitsch

Hopefully, by now you’ve placed your preorder for the Glitch Glistch (1|7|0|0). If you missed it, then it’s not too late to secure the Simon Lizotte & MVP Powergrip collab.

This is the hottest disc on the market, and I promise it lives up to the hype. The first batch of preorders will start shipping next week. Don’t miss out!

BH GRIP & PUTTING TIPS
Random Dubs

1️⃣ Speaking of Cole Redalen… He shared his ongoing form evolution on The Nick & Matt Show. Last year, he worked hard to imitate Drew Gibson’s spinny, powerful throw.

But due to Redalen’s longer levers, the change didn’t work well. Instead, he focuses on creating a similar whip by using his entire body and imparting lots of spin.

Like Gibson, he fan grips every throw including long bombs. If he were to power grip with his current form, then he’ll grip lock the disc.

The more controlled grip allows him to release as expected while still giving him enough power on Tour. To him, the extra distance isn’t worth the loss in accuracy.

During your next round, give it a whirl and see if it stops you from hitting 1st available.

2️⃣ Straight from Chris Taylor (yes, THE Coach Chris Taylor), we’ve got some putting tip basics. Screenshot them, make them your wallpaper, read them at bedtime…

It doesn’t matter as long as you commit them to memory. You will improve.

Meme of the Week

Thanks for reading today. Get out and make the putt this weekend!

- Charlie