Member Highlight May

Tattie with her Championship win and OCC qualifier badge.

This month's member highlight takes us to the Stones Throw Spring Open, where Tattie Mabee made headlines with a triumphant performance in the FA40 division. Tattie's incredible victory secured her a spot at the Ontario Championship Cup (OCC), a prestigious achievement in the disc golf world.

While Tattie’s win may have seemed like a foregone conclusion to some, her day at Stones Throw was nothing short of remarkable. "I had my two best rounds at Stone’s Throw that day," she tells us with an infectious excitement. "My first round was my PB, and then I beat that by four strokes in the second round!"

But success doesn't happen in isolation. Tattie attributes some of her win to the camaraderie and advice she received from fellow players. As she laughs with us, she admits that not all of her success was self-made. The course, after all, is one of her favorites, and she was eager to play alongside other enthusiastic players.

"It was even better to play with other, like-minded ladies," she recalls. "Our conversations are light (usually) and fun (always)." The easy-going atmosphere among her card mates was just what she needed to enjoy the day to its fullest.

As the rounds progressed, Tattie found herself in a unique position—helping her card mates navigate a course that she knows like the back of her hand. "It was great to be out there to help the ladies, as they haven’t played the course as often as I have," she shares. "I was able to offer a little advice on where to throw."

One of the day's most memorable moments came at the 18th hole during the second round. "I had the best drive I have ever had on that hole," Tattie exclaims. "My second shot came so close to going in! I've never come that close to an eagle." Her excitement was palpable, and it's clear why this memory holds a special place in her heart.

With her qualifier secured, Tattie is thrilled to head to OCC this year. She's no stranger to the tournament, having competed last year, but the opportunity to play on such a grand stage is a rare treat. "I played last year, and I loved the experience," she says. "Traveling to play different courses doesn't happen too often for me."

To prepare for the OCC, Tattie has a full schedule of tournaments lined up this summer, along with some dedicated practice sessions. "I need to work on my forehand, so lots of practice rounds using only forehand shots are in order," she explains. Tattie also credits her improved putting skills to the winter putt league held at Fine Balance Brewery, a key component of her training.

When asked about her favorite course, Tattie hesitates before settling on Newcastle, despite her loyalty to local courses. "When I play that course, it makes me feel like I am playing in a magical forest," she says with a smile. "The time and effort that has been put into the course is phenomenal; the boardwalks, bridges, decorations, and artwork all lend to an other-worldly round."

Her favorite disc? The Valkyrie has long been her go-to, but last year, she discovered a new favorite—the Wave. "When I throw it correctly, it seems to go forever!" she says with a laugh.

As Tattie looks ahead to the OCC, she has a message for women interested in disc golf: "Come out and try it!" She emphasizes the welcoming nature of the disc golf community and encourages newcomers to explore the many courses and clubs in the area. "It’s a beautiful walk at all the courses around here, and disc golfers are very welcoming."

From all of us at QDGA, we wish Tattie the best of luck at the OCC and are thrilled to have her representing our club. We know she'll continue to make us proud!