A Glimpse Into the 2024 Season

The 2024 season has been paradoxical in many ways, offering moments of intense euphoria while also surfacing deep challenges. At times, my calendar was meticulously packed, yet I also had many moments for peaceful introspection. I experienced both comfort in familiar situations and discomfort in uncharted territory. Whether I loved or hated these moments, one thing is certain—they all left a profound impact on me.

When I first picked up a couple of rented (yes, it is true, I rented them) discs about 10 years ago in the suburbs of Estonia, I had no idea that one day I’d complete one of the most successful seasons in disc golf history. Now, I have reached the absolute top of the sport, with many sports enthusiasts watching and wondering, “What’s next?”. It’s a question I’ve often asked myself while marveling at how I got here. I can't say exactly how it happened, but I've advanced step by step with no grand plan. Perhaps letting go of the need to understand and control everything fully has been the secret to my success. This quiet confidence that I could find my way forward accompanied me at the start of this season.

One of the first significant leaps happened before the season began when I reconnected with Matthias, who became my manager and has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly. Together, we partnered with Neway, a renowned design agency, which helped bring my brand to life and created a comprehensive website showcasing my career. We also shattered barriers in disc golf sponsorships, securing contracts with companies like Porsche. Other vital supporters — Ecosh, PAF, Hedon Hotel & Spa, Air Baltic, 24/7 Fitness, Rask, and Voog — each played a part in helping me. Some sponsors have supported me before this season, like Team Estonia, Nike/Sportland, and my hometown, Pärnu, all of whom helped propel my disc golf career. Above all, I am especially grateful to Latitude 64, my long-term sponsor for the past eight seasons. Their unwavering support has allowed me to travel the world and pursue my dream job. Thanks to them, I’ve been able to compete at the highest level of the sport, and I couldn’t have achieved these milestones without their backing.

Krõõt Tarkmeel / Anne&Stiil

Despite the excitement, the lead-up to the season wasn’t without difficulties. I faced several illnesses during this busy time, which left me physically and emotionally drained, raising doubts about whether I was ready for the demands of the tour. The issues with securing my US athlete visa added to the uncertainty. A week before the trip to Waco, technical problems made getting the visa on time seem nearly impossible. Miraculously, it all worked out, and my concerns about missing the start of the season were unfounded. By the end of that first week on tour, I lifted the trophy in Waco. Could there have been a better start?

My first trip to the US was a success overall. Besides Waco, I earned two more Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) wins, one A-tier win, and two second-place finishes. However, my results in major tournaments were less stellar, finishing fifth and sixth. While I could have been content with the competition results, the emotional and mental strain overshadowed the early season.

Waco Annual Charity Open, Disc Golf Pro Tour

The attention my recent successes brought initially had a positive effect, but eventually, it became overwhelming. Criticism of my circle 2 putts from a certain group of people left me shaken. Even though I knew it wasn’t the solution, I often cried on the way back from my rounds because I just didn't know how to deal with it all. The sport I had dedicated my heart to felt like something I no longer wanted to pursue. My thoughts, once focused on maximizing performance, became bogged down in technical nuances and the pressure of scrutiny. Changing my technique mid-season only worsened my performance and confidence, but I kept my eyes on the long-term goal, trusting that things would improve. Deep down, I knew that all of this had come to me with a reason, and this was just something to work through and learn from; it was just difficult at that moment. I looked forward to returning home, hoping to regain my balance and refocus on what truly mattered.

Returning to Estonia was a breath of fresh air.  couldn't entirely step away from disc golf because I received the incredible news that I had become the first female player to break the 1000-rating barrier — a thrilling milestone that still gives me chills today. However, taking a break from the tour allowed me to reflect on the confusion I felt during the competitions and helped prepare for my return to the US. Sadly, life had other plans. I suffered an unfortunate fall at home, breaking a rib — my first broken bone ever! This injury forced me to cancel my travel plans and brought a longer period of introspection, offering a chance to look inward and learn from the experience.

Eva Lepik & me, Supreme Empires

During this time, I found peace in small escapes, like alone time at Wuudstay, an isolated forest cabin on a small Estonian island. I also officially began working with Eva Lepik from Supreme Empires, whose mentoring had fascinated me for a long time. Her guidance continues to help me gain insights that improve my performance on the course and in everyday life.

When I returned on tour, it felt like starting the season anew. After a rainy final round, my return was marked by a win in Krokhol, Norway, followed by a historic comeback victory to defend my European Open title. Although my third-round performance had left me feeling I’d squandered my chances, it seems miracles are possible if you make room for them in your mind. Although this brief European stint ended with my worst DGPT result — an eighth-place finish at the European Disc Golf Festival in Tallinn — it didn’t deter me.

Returning to the US in late August, my form wasn’t as sharp as it had been at my peak. At the World Championships, CCR Open, and DGLO, my performance wasn’t flawless, and Disc Golf Network even highlighted some of my missed shots during coverage, as I've heard. Despite this, I still finished those tournaments in third, second, and third place.

My most recent efforts at the GMC, MVP Open, Throw Pink, and DGPT Championship culminated in two wins and two second-place finishes, both times reaching the final match for first place. In such fierce competition as the DGPT offers, I feel proud of these results and the experiences gained. Playing the last four tournaments with an average rating above 1000 and crossing the $100,000 mark in prize money for the third season in a row — despite playing only 17 tournaments — brings me immense joy. Even more profound for me is that during that last stretch, I finally sensed a shift that allowed me to attack the courses with the same confidence I felt during my most successful seasons.

Silver & me, Disc Golf Pro Tour

In summary, despite the internal contradictions and ups and downs, I put together a highly successful season that I can reflect on with pride. I learned that welcoming discomfort and not being afraid can become your new and fascinating comfort zone. I also noticed that the more open I remain, the more I leave room for little miracles. As soon as I get fixed on something, I set boundaries, but nothing is fixed as long as you don't believe it. By the end of the season, I regained my inner confidence and approached each round with renewed passion for the sport. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my husband, family, and friends, who stand by me whether I’m doing well or facing struggles. Their belief in me lifts me up in ways I can’t fully express. Now, it’s time for some well-deserved rest before I begin planning for the next chapter.