Hey there! It’s your girl Grace from UnsolicitedDiscPix, back with another tale from the fairway. This time, I ventured into the heart of Florida for the 2022 Lake County Trailblazer Driven by Innova – Pro/Advanced Weekend, and oh, what an adventure it was! This marked my second disc golf tournament, and the stakes were high with some big-name pros on the roster. The highlight? I got to photograph the legendary Paul McBeth in action for the first time! Buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a wild ride through this disc golf extravaganza!
The Lake County Trailblazer unfolded over a weekend of crisp November air amidst the picturesque landscapes of Clermont and Eustis, Florida. The tournament was a PDGA-sanctioned spectacle hosted by the Lake County Disc Golf Club, split into two weekends catering to both Amateur and Pro/Advanced players. The Pro/Advanced Weekend was a Pro/Am A-Tier event with a whopping $8,000 added to the cash prize pool, making the competition sizzle with anticipation!
Our journey began at the Champions Pointe at Lake Hiawatha Preserve, where the first round kicked off. The feature card boasted the likes of JohnE McCray, Garrett Gurthie, Andrew Fish, and the man himself, Paul McBeth. Oh, and did I mention that Paul is a five-time PDGA World Champion? His command on the course was nothing short of a visual feast, and capturing his precise throws through my lens was a dream come true!
The first two rounds were covered by the charismatic Michael from DiscGolfVanLife, whose witty commentary alongside Matt Knight, the 2022 Trailblazer Tournament Director, added a dash of humor to the electrifying atmosphere. The camaraderie among the players, whom you could tell were long time friends, was heartwarming, making the competition fierce yet friendly.
As the action transitioned to the second round at The Green Gauntlet at Palmetto Point Park, Eustis, the lead card saw Paul McBeth, Joseph Anderson, Garrett Gurthie, and Noah Meintsma showcasing their disc golf finesse amidst the lush Florida foliage. The crowd was buzzing with excitement with every dramatic putt and precise throw.
The final round coverage was taken over by Foxx Hills Productions, delivering a riveting showcase of disc golf mastery on YouTube. The stakes were high, the competition fierce, and the crowd was on the edge of their seats as the pros navigated through the challenging courses, battling for the coveted title amidst the rain.
Being among such talent and passion for the sport was surreal. The community, the laughter, the cheers, and the sheer love for disc golf resonated eventhrough the wet and humid Florida climate.
A massive shoutout to DiscGolfVanLife and Foxx Hills Productions for their stellar coverage, and to all the amazing athletes who made the 2022 Lake County Trailblazer a tournament to remember. The disc golf community is indeed a vibrant and welcoming one, and I am stoked for many more adventures to come.
The tournament concluded with a total of 165 players competing, and a pro purse of $17,504. The event was directed by the adept Matt Knight, with Samantha Murray serving as the Assistant Tournament Director.
The 2022 Lake County Trailblazer was a testament to the blend of professional and amateur talent on a challenging course setup, and I am beyond thrilled to have been a part of this disc golf adventure. The memories etched during this tournament are priceless, and the friendships forged are cherished.
