I got a call last April from Nick. He told me that he wasn't available to play in the upcoming NEFA Team Challenge Finals... he had to work. I said work... you're 17 yrs. old, why are you working? Little did we know that in a few short months, Nick would be staring a NT victory square in the face. The story of how a starry-eyed kid from rural Maine shot the hot 1st round, slept on the lead going into the final round on Sunday, and came within 2 throws of a PDGA National Tour event victory awaits.
Gagne took dead aim at a NT Title on the shores of picturesque Lake Tahoe
10Down Disc Golf: Aiight...I gotta ask right off the bat... What did it feel like shooting the hot 1st rnd and then sleeping on the lead going into the Final rnd?
Nick G.: It was sick shooting hot rnd at Tahoe Vista. I really liked that course, lots of clean lines and birdie opportunities. Didn't miss a putt that rnd, it was a great start to the event and gave me lots of confidence. We played Turtle Rock in the morning on Saturday, which was my 2nd favorite, although it was a bit rough. Zephyr Cove had mad elevation changes on every hole. I threw a lot Wraiths, Beasts, beat Destroyers off the tee and Rocs for placement.
courtesy of PDGA Tour
(left to right) Shasta Criss, Ricky Wysoki, Devan Owens & Nick
Nick G.: I gotta say there is a different level of stress being the leader the whole weekend. Lead card on Sunday was sweet, though. Not just because I didn't shoot well, but Bijou Park my least favorite of the four courses. There was a definite lack of fairways. I got off to a slow final rnd start with the huge crowd watching our every move, but got used to it by the back nine and got back to within a few shots.
Bijou Community Park - Hole 18
10Down Disc Golf: Share with us a highlight from your final rnd.
Nick G.: One of the highlights of the final rnd was here on Hole 18. I carded a 2 while the rest of the card all got 4s. I really wanted the NT title, but it wasn't my time. Hopefully next time.
courtesy of PDGA Tour
Nick holding hardware and a $740 check
10Down Disc Golf: What did you do to celebrate your weekend's efforts?
Nick G.: Hit up all the casinos. Lots of famous people where in town for the American Century Celebrity Golf Championships. Michael Jordan, Ray Allen & Aaron Rodgers and a bunch more, so that was pretty cool.
Hangin at the surf of San Fran
10Down Disc Golf: What are you up to this week?
Nick G.: This week I'm chillin on the beaches in San Francisco. I played a league at the safari course last night. Shot -14 in Random Dubz, took first and split $120. I'm playing San Francisco safari this week, We'll see how that goes...
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