Guess where Melissa and I just came back from?

Jeffersonville, VT! 

Awwww yeah!!! You know what I’m talking about…

We got to witness the opening magic of the 2023 Disc Golf World Championship at Smuggler's Notch Resort.

Summertime Vermont?
It's a dream!
Mountains as green as the game itself. 🌲

Though rain greeted us, the championship days?

Perfection! (Minus a sneaky mosquito bite).

We mingled with the backstage legends, including a fist bump with Jeff Spring.

Big applause to Doug Bjerkaas and his PDGA crew - excellence in action.

See you at the next championship? 😉

If you've never been to VT, trust me, it's worth the trip!

Let’s get into it…

Estimated read time: 3 minutes 29 seconds

THIS WEEK’S SCOOP:

The New 2023 World Champs…

Way to go Kristin & Isaac!

Woah, can you believe it?

Isaac Robinson and Kristin Tattar just blew everyone away at the World Disc Golf Championships this year!

If you were there or watching, you'd have felt that electric energy in the air.

If not, let me paint the picture for you. 🎨

Kristin, the unstoppable force, is now a 2-time reigning champion.

Who saw that coming?
Well, actually... probably a lot of us.

Just... wow.

Did anyone catch Ali Smith's phenomenal ace in round 4 on the women's side?

Gave me chills!

But, as the game goes, nerves can be the real opponent.
She ended up sharing the 7th spot.

And Holyn Handley?
Those shots in round 5?
Mind-blowing!

She took home the bronze with style.

Missy Gannon's performance was equally commendable.
That hole 18 in the 4th round... ah, the drama!

But guess what?

She secured the 2nd spot.
How monumental is that? 🚀

Kristin, though, played like she owned the course. Dominating since day 1, she breezed through with a comfortable lead.

By the final day?

A jaw-dropping 7-stroke lead by hole 11.

Unstoppable.

Catch the final round highlights here:

Now Over to the gents:

Isaac had us all biting our nails on Championship Sunday in Vermont, but he squeaked it out.

While it's his first time clinching the world title, it's his second major Disc Golf win this year.

Imagine this…

He’s just 18 holes away from glory.

His determination?
Palpable.

After firing off a staggering 12-under round at Fox Run Meadows on Saturday, he grabbed the top spot and battled all day on Sunday and was able to take down the championship.

Boom! Way to go dude!

You remember Evan Scott, 2021's Amateur World Champion?

He made a climb brilliantly on Saturday, but unfortunately lost some grip on the last day.

And don't get me started on Calvin Heimburg's nail-biting moments or Anthony Barela's final day heroics!

Every moment was like watching a blockbuster. 🎥

So, what's the secret sauce? 

What does it take to be on top of the world?

Maybe having numbers like Isaac will get you there…

Isaac and Kristin showed us was is possible.

The purse?

The question remains - was Isaac your top pick?

Who were you rooting for?

Drop me a line.

If you missed it, catch the men’s highlights here:

And always remember, whether you're on the field or in the bleachers, it's the love of the game that counts! ⛳

Congratulations to Isaac and Kristin.

Thank you for showing all of us what’s possible!

DAILY DISC GOLFER OF THE WEEK:

Philo Brathwaite

PDGA #: 26416

Ever heard of Philo Brathwaite?

If you haven't, let me introduce you to one of the most unique figures in disc golf.

And for those nodding along, remember that unbelievable Albatross shot?

Yep, that was Philo.

AND… he made it onto ESPN!

But here's the thing – Philo isn’t just about the Albatross. He’s a game-changer, inside and out.

Philo's story isn’t your everyday athlete tale.

Born as the first American in his family, he’s got a fascinating ancestry with roots diving deep into global ports.

Imagine an athlete who stands out, not just for his game, but for his persona, style, background, and the very sound of his voice.

Think of a disc golf aesthetic you've never seen before. 

That's Philo.

"Why does he stand out?", you ask.

Because in a sport that, let's be honest, sees a lot of the same faces, Philo wears his individuality like a badge of honor.

And his fans?
They're all about that Philo vibe, donning plaid shorts, and cheering him on.

However, beyond the greens and cheers, Philo offers a unique perspective on the sport.

Ever pondered how a black disc golfer stands out in a predominantly white-centric sport?

How do we bridge racial gaps and make this sport more inclusive?

Philo quips, “I didn’t set out to be the only black guy doing this…it just so happened that I was.” But he knows there's weight to his role, emphasizing ethics, professionalism, and sportsmanship.

He holds a prestigious rank in the PDGA, but did you know he's the highest-rated black player globally?

And while that's a cool title, Philo's more about being there for his fans, the real heroes.

To him, it’s not just about race. It's about every single person who loves the game. "The fans drive disc golf, not the pros," he says, staying behind at events to connect with everyone.

Now, I know what you're thinking, "Why aren't more black players drawn to disc golf?" 

According to Philo, it's all about early exposure and changing perceptions. It’s about introducing kids to this incredible sport before societal ideas of "cool" set in.

With discussions on race at the forefront today, we can't ignore the racial prejudices Philo's faced.

From being mistaken for a threat to casual racist encounters, he's seen it.
But guess what?
He remains relentlessly optimistic, crediting his unwavering spirit to his family's teachings.

The bottom line? 

Philo isn’t just a black player; he's a beacon for anyone wanting to pursue their passion against the odds.

He’s proof that it’s not just about the game, but the journey, resilience, and the will to be different.

P.S. Ever felt the thrill of watching that Albatross shot? Watch it again, if you haven’t seen it in a while…

Imagine the change we can bring if we took a leaf from Philo’s book and tackled challenges head-on.

Think about it.

Until next time, keep throwing and keep dreaming!

Happy Disc Golfing! 🥏

-sean 🔥🕺

Ps… Philo, THANK YOU for being such a wonderful ambassador. It was totally rad to meet you in person at the breakfast joint at Smuggler’s Notch for this year’s Worlds. Your commentary is epic, and on point. Keep it up my man. We’re all watching! I’m grateful to have a chance to call you one of our esteemed Daily Disc Golfers of the Week!
Congrats!

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