The 2022 Preserve: Bradley Williams’ win was improbable

Every week, while writing, I listen to Foundation Disc Golf’s four podcasts: Grip Locked, Debate Night, Bogey Bro’s Banter and The Trevor Staub Show. If you hate those dudes, fine. I love their stuff. Regardless, last week, before the start of the 2022 Preserve Championship, I tuned in to hear Hunter Thomas, Trevor Staub and Konner Kennedy give their picks …

I don’t remember the specifics of who chose what, but I do know Hunter chose Anthony Barela to take down the thing – I praised him for it, in fact. Finally, one of the guys chose an “outsider” to win a Pro Tour event. The only problem with the prediction, though? Barela sat this one out.

That was (kind of) unknown at the time, though …

As such, Trevor and Konner put Hunter on “blast mode” for the prophecy.

Yes, Barela winning would’ve been a surprise, but imagine the shock on their faces if he’d come out of the gates with Bradley Williams’ name on the tip of his tongue – WAY out of left field.

Spoiler Alert: That’s EXACTLY what happened – Bradley Williams won. To be honest, “improbable” doesn’t even do Brad’s accomplishment justice – this was a major upset.

The last time Williams won a National Tour-caliber event was back in June of 2016. To put that six-year stretch in perspective, at the time, Disney’s “The BFG” had just hit theaters and Desiigner’s “Panda” sat atop Billboard Magazine’s list of the most-streamed songs.

Incredibly, that’s not even the craziest part …

Back then, Vibram was still making discs, as evidenced by the event he won: The Vibram Open. If that sounds at all familiar, it’s because it’s now known as “The MVP Open at Maple Hill.” Williams beat Michael Johansen in a one-hole playoff – M.J. had a thicker head of hair, too.

Here’s the wildest detail of all, though: Not only was Williams’ Vibram Open victory the Disc Golf Pro Tour’s inaugural event, he won it on June 26, 2016. That’s right: Yesterday marked the six-year anniversary of Williams’ last “big-time” win – he celebrated with yet another title.

With the takedown, Williams is now one of only 11 disc golfers to have ever won at least two DGPT events – 18.26 strokes (wowsers) gained from tee to green will do that to a guy’s rep.

My BIGGEST takeaway from Brad’s unforeseen success in Clearwater?

Professional disc golf is as fun to follow as it’s ever been.

For the longest time, based out of Austin, Texas, Williams was labeled a “woods golfer.” Coming in at just over two miles (10,896 feet) in length, the Airborn Disc Golf Preserve was surely to be owned by a “bomber” type: Paul McBeth, Simon Lizotte, Ricky Wysocki, Calvin Heimburg, etc.

Nope.

Such is the current state of the MPO field: Sorry, Paul – ANYBODY can win.

Bradley Williams’ Tour Series Pro Color Glow Pig is about to see a sizable boost in sales …

He deserves it.

Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

Editor’s Suggestions:

• Newbies: 5 tips for dissecting a disc golf hole
• ​​4 reasons Paul McBeth is disc golf’s premier villain
• Opinion: Less Disc Golf Valley, more actual disc golf

Real quick, if you happen to buy something through a link in this article, there’s a chance we’ll get a small share of the sale. It’s how we keep the lights on. To learn more, click here.