YORKTON - Canadian disc golfer Thomas Gilbert is back at the top of his game with a recent Canadian National Championship win.
Gilbert won the title in 2022, but Casey Hanemayer took the crown in 2023, so Gilbert's recent win was sort of a case of redemption.
“Definitely it was the goal to get back (on top),” Gilbert told Yorkton This Week in a recent interview . . . I definitely felt the pressure to come back.”
Gilbert topped the pro open field at Clearwater, B.C., with a 146, nine strokes better than Hanemayer.
The women’ champion was Canadian Sofia Donnecke, with a 169, one toss better than runners-up Colleen McInnes and Taylor Chocek.
Gilbert said the win was gratifying as his game finally all fell into place for the championship in a season where consistency on the pro tour this season has been elusive.
“I was so happy I brought my best to the event,” he said.
So why the better performance on the biggest Canadian stage?
“It was kind of tricking myself into being confident. I think confidence is a key part of the game,” said Gilbert.
Gilbert said he went in focused on what he wanted to do on the weekend, and was able to stick to it.
“You have to keep a level head,” he said, adding that is of course easier when your game is clicking. “It helps to have a well-rounded game.”
The plan was to stay out of trouble – he shot a bogey free event – and putted well.
“I kind of had to dial in my putting stroke,” he said, adding he spent time honing his release ahead of the event.
“From circle two I was confident I could strike the basket every time.”
Gilbert said he knows want to use the championship win as a foundation to better things ahead.
“I just want to continue to try to improve my game . . . To improve as a player,” he said.
Both Donnecke and Gilbert are scheduled to represent Canada on the world stage at the 2024 WFDF World Team Disc Golf Championship in Perth, Australia this November.
CanDiscGolf announced that the 2025 Canadian National Championships will take place in and around Peterborough, Ont.
