3.5.07 - Interview with Brian McRee, Earlewood Classic Winner
Earlewood Park in Columbia, South Carolina
You were the only 1000 rated player this weekend. Does that give you more confidence or create more pressure?
It creates more confidence now. Earlier in my career it caused me to put more pressure on myself.
What was it like playing with Alan Beaver, Hall of Fame member and new member on Team Innova? Has he still got it?
Yes he definitely still has it. Alan had a couple of tough rounds in the middle, but played a great last round carding a 9 down. It was really an honor playing with him. I don’t get to play with Alan very often, I always look forward to it when I get the chance.
Alan is the godfather of all North and South Carolina disc golf along with all the other credentials he brings to the table.
That’s true. Alan is a stellar human. He is extremely polite and always has something positive to say which is why I like being around him.
What was your mindset going into the final round with an 18 stroke lead? Did you do anything different, did you feel bad for the group? What does it feel like to have the tournament locked up with a whole round left?
I was three strokes out of the lead going into the second round. I felt like I played pretty good the first round, the conditions were tough and windy. At this type of course, you want to get a lot of birdies which was my goal from the beginning. I was aggressive, and if I was in position for a birdie I would go for it. Luckily I didn’t have to lay up too much. The 18 stroke lead was definitely unique and comforting. I have had some leads going into the last round, but nothing like that. I had to challenge myself to play just like any other round and in the same mindset. I did not feel bad for the rest of the group. Even though the tournament had been decided, I enjoyed playing my game and watching those guys battle for the second spot.
For those that dream of going on tour, describe what it’s really like on the road. What sacrifices must you make? Any setbacks when you return home?
(Big sigh) Well to get started I thought about going on tour hard for two years. I tried to make myself believe that my game was ready for that. I would not suggest going into it with a mediocre game or a so so feel about your talent, unless you just have lots of money and want to see the country and experience the life. If you are going on tour to survive and eat, week to week, you can expect enormous pressure. I was looking forward to that pressure and tried not to get intimidated by it. I tried not to be too tense or impatient. I have allowed my tournament toughness to come to me. Before I left I tried to get a big nest egg as a cushion, but it was different 5 or 6 years ago due to the gas prices. I think we have fewer players on tour now simply due to those prices. The best thing you can do is prepare yourself mentally. Try and create a financial cushion for the first few months. Definitely make sure you have a backup plan with your current job or profession. If you get injured, or something doesn’t go perfect, you will have something to fall back on.
You come from Raleigh, one of the strongest disc golf areas in the country. What is one of the most competitive places to play outside Raleigh?
Nor Cal. Due to Mike Travers and their local scene. It reminds me of Raleigh and Carlton Howard.
What was your “go to” disc this weekend and why did you choose it?
(smiling) My 8x Roc. I used it because it was an old school course with relatively short holes in a windy condition. The Roc just kept going where I told it to go.
