Last week, I was fortunate to attend the 2022 USDGC/TPWDGC as both a VIP and Staff member.
As part of my recognition for the 2021 EDGE/PDGA Educational Award, I was invited by Jay and Des Reading to attend the opening players meeting, where I received my award and got to make a speech (thanking those who have helped me get where I am today including Tita, Stork, Brian, Toddy, and Gary).
Over the next two days, I worked with EDGE, teaching more than 200 kids all about frisbee & disc golf, including doing a demo as part of the program introduction. I also got to speak with parents and teachers, and gave away a few Dodgebees!
In the afternoons, I got to walk around, watching the best players in the world competing on one of most technical and challenging courses I’ve ever seen. I flew home on Saturday, so unfortunately didn’t get to watch the final round in person, but it was amazing to experience the first three rounds – the atmosphere, organization, and scale of the event.
Highlights include getting to be interviewed by Terry Miller for the Disc Golf Network, meeting several Disc Golf Hall of Famers including Michael Sullivan, Alan Beaver, Andi Young, and Chris O’Cleary (USA Ultimate Hall of Fame).
I got to chat with pro disc golfers Paige Pierce, Jeremy Koling, Drew Gibson, David Wiggins, Paul McBeth, and Leah Tsinajinnie, Jeff Korns (from Resistance Discs), Innova Celebrity Ambassador Wes Finlay (drummer from Rebelution), Seth Munsey (from Disc Golf Strong), Jonathan Poole (USDGC Event Director), and Brian Mace (Maceman Disc Golf).
None of this would have been possible without Jay & Des Reading so I owe a huge thanks to both of them.
The future of disc golf is being driven by a lot of passionate players, people, and organizations, and I’m so excited to be a part of the future.
Lots more to come, so stay tuned!