Simon Lizotte and the European Open - Disc Golf

 Simon Lizotte and the European Open

    Hey everybody Tuan here, this is a topic that I doubt many people know about. Starting in a week the European Open is occurring, one of the few major tournaments in the Disc Golf world. Worth more points than any other event throughout the year, majors give opportunities to players to rank higher to seed better in the final world tourney. 

European Open

    However, to begin, what is Disc Golf? It has the same concept as ball golf, however, it includes more technical courses as well as more smart decisions. With ball golf the sport is played on a massive course usually void of trees, fallen logs, boulders, etc. However, disc golf is a sport that can be played in a variety of locations. Due to the concept being simple, a person throwing a modified frisbee, it allows for course design that implements much of natures beauty. As such the danger of hitting a tree, sinking a disc in water, or wedging it in a mound of boulders is ever present. Although not the most physically taxing sport, the skill ceiling is high, however, the entry is low. As such, people of all walks of life, I invite you to give this sport a try! As such, if you are interested(great!), I have provided a great article to read more about disc golf:

What is Disc Golf?

    Moving on, the EO, European Open, is a relatively new major in the world of disc golf, in fact this tourney will mark the 10-year anniversary of it. Moving on, this event is exciting to watch due to some old and new faces showing up! The EO has been dominated by the star of the disc golf world for the past 5 EOs. 

Paul McBeth

(Discs)

    Paul McBeth has been tearing up the scene starting in 2012 when he won his first worlds championship, following it up with another win 3 times in a row, essentially the Lebron James of disc golf. During this time he has also dominated the European open, and is the clear-cut reigning champion of the major. 

    However, the fight will be hard this year as well. Notable names in the disc golf world will be    competing, and some will not be competing. Names to note this year are Ricky Wysocki, two time world champion who is nursing knee-related injuries due to Lyme disease, James Conrad who won the 2021 World championship, as well as a plethora of other hotshots in the scene. However, my eye is currently set on one name: Simon Lizotte.

Simon after winning his first event after his hiatus (Rothstein)

    

    My favorite current player, Simon has been recovering from triceps tendinopathy for the past year or so, taking him out of competition. A tragic blow to his career as though the injury is equivalent to straining one's Achilles tendon. It can be a deal breaker in this sport. However, after a healthy recovery period, Simon has begun regular touring once again, and having him back in the sports world is a big splash.

    Before his injury Simon Lizotte was known as an elite distance driver, having previously held the world record for distance with a throw measuring 1030 feet. He was known for always taking what were called "Simon lines." In disc golf there are multiple ways to tackle a hole off the tee. You can for example take the RHBH route, throw the disc right handed backhand, or taking a sidearm route through forehand. He would consistently take shots that other players physically and mentally could not do. He had the power and technique to propel the disc to distances other players could not touch, as such his thinking is affected as well!

    After coming back on tour he pulled of the herculean feat of winning two elite events back to back, cementing himself within the 2022 season as a hot player to look out for. With Paul McBeth waning in tournaments prior to EO, is it possible we get to see Simon ascend the throne? The Discmania sponsored European Open starts on July 21st, and runs through the 24th.

Citations:

Rothstein, Matthew. “New Dad Simon Lizotte Wins Otb Open.” Professional Disc Golf Association, Professional Disc Golf Association, 27 May 2022, https://www.pdga.com/news/new-dad-simon-lizotte-wins-otb-open.

Discs, Innova, and Jeff Panis. “2016 European Open - Mcbeth Heats up in Finland.” Innova Disc Golf, Innova Disc Golf, 7 June 2016, https://www.innovadiscs.com/tournaments/disc-golf-world-tour/2016-european-open-mcbeth-heats-finland/.