North Cove: Why Bradley Williams' lay-up was the right call

If you could pick one man to find chains with a backhand approach from just inside 150 feet, that man would be Bradley Williams. Well, on second thought, it would probably be Gregg Barsby.

After all, Barsby’s already been anointed “King of Throw-Ins” by YouTube, but Williams sits comfortably in second position. Clearly, he has some of the best throwing form and touch in the game, as displayed at the Preserve last year. I mean, you didn’t already forget about this, right?

Allow me to refresh your memory …

But I digress …

Let’s set the scene: At this past weekend’s Blue Ridge Championship in Marion, North Carolina, during the final round, Williams – one of the best approach-throwers in all of disc golf – had a chance on the 18th hole to force a playoff with Gannon Buhr: All he needed was a throw-in.

Remind you of anything?

Disc golf’s most-viewed moment, of course. Yes, a throw-in at a Silver Event is far from the equivalent of besting Paul McBeth at the 2021 World Championships, but it’d still be sweet.

THESE are the shots disc golf fans want to see made. Heck, on the call for the Disc Golf Network, even Brian Earhart was practically begging for it. As Williams approached his lie, Earhart channeled his best “Jim Nantz” whisper, firing off the following into his microphone:

“This is the shot that Bradley has been preparing for and visualizing ...”

Then, silence ensued …

Williams stepped up to his disc.
Williams lined up his shot.
Williams laid up.

And WELL short of the peninsula green, I might add.

So short, in fact, he laid up AGAIN after that. Seriously, was it just me, or did anyone else hear the loser’s horn from “The Price is Right” the instant this happened – I can still hear it:

In the aftermath of it all, a bewildered Earhart could only mutter:

“That … was really interesting.”

Indeed.

4 reasons laying up was the right decision

The lay-up did NOT make for good television.

And, as you might imagine, disc golf Twitter and disc golf Reddit didn’t approve of the strategy. Yet, upon reflection — yes, not only does my disc golf nerdery include watching hours of live disc golf, it extends to reflecting upon it — I found myself actually liking the move.

Here’s why:

1. The weather

During that final round, the conditions on the 18th hole were abysmal. Surging winds and swirling rain made the basket hard to see for players, even when only 150 feet from the pin. Rarely does a somewhat blind, wind-altered, rain-soaked shot lead to the desired outcome.

Which leads me to my next point …

2. The chances

Even in perfect conditions, the chances of Williams straight cashing the approach were low. Add the super-sucky elements to the mix, and they were near zero. If being honest with yourself, the WAY more likely result of an aggressive play was his disc floating down the Catawba River.

I attended this event on Friday and witnessed for myself Thomas Gilbert take an 11 (gasp) on the exact same hole. The camera does not do justice to how difficult that green is to hit and stick …

Let alone the chains.

3. The money

There was an $800 difference between the cash the second-place finisher and the fourth-place finisher nabbed at the Blue Ridge Championship. Last year, I remember hearing Williams on “The Nick and Matt Show” talking about how much of a struggle life on tour is …

It’s brutal.

Throughout his lengthy career, Williams has had some success, but he’s not a top-10 golfer. Disc golf is still a sport in which only the most elite of players are making good money. Everyone else is (literally) “living in a van down by the river.” As fans, we can tweet “lame sauce” all we want, but for guys counting pennies to make ends meet, $800 can make all the difference in the world.

* Note: Since the writing of this post, Williams has spoken out on his decision – click here.

4. The challenge

I don’t know Williams’ perspective on golf as a concept, but many disc golfers view the course as the actual competition – not their fellow competitors. Assuming this is the ethos to which Williams subscribes, it makes sense for him to play for his best score – not first place.

I know this will sound insane to some, but it IS possible to be content with a second-place finish. Not everyone subscribes to Ricky Bobby’s “if-you-ain’t-first-you’re-last” view of competition.

Risk vs. Reward

Sometimes, the risk isn’t worth the reward …

As a fan, you always want to see the risk, but remember: You don’t have to live with it – the players do. Would I have liked to have seen Williams run it? Of course. But, I can live with a little letdown without rage-tweeting (Green Splatter) about it. And I hope you can, too.

Perhaps Williams’ lay-up on 18 was his subtle way of shouting, “Are you not entertained?!”

I very much was …

Even a smart lay-up is worth celebrating.

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North Cove: Why Bradley Williams’ lay-up was the right call