With success on and off the course, Nate Sexton won’t soon forget 2017 and neither will most of the disc golf world. On the course, his biggest win came recently when he won the United States Disc Golf Championship (USDGC), his first Major win, one that he’s been looking for since turning pro in 2005 (he’s been full time since 2013). Off the course, he may have “walked away with the biggest prize.”

It’s fantastic. It’s hard to believe. Every day it sets in a little bit more

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2017 USDGC Champion, Nate Sexton @frisbeenate 🏆 #innovadiscs #discgolf #usdgc2017

A post shared by Innova Discs (@innovadiscs) on Oct 7, 2017 at 1:57pm PDT

When asked what it felt like to win the USDGC, the often light-hearted Sexton replied: “Man, it’s really a nightmare as you might expect.” Then, getting more serious he continued: “No, it’s fantastic. It’s hard to believe. Every day it sets in a little bit more,” said Sexton, adding that it’s a cool feeling knowing the experience will always stay with him.

Next on the tee: Coraline

👱‍♀️👶👱#family #snugglin

A post shared by Nate Sexton (@frisbeenate) on Jul 7, 2017 at 4:28am PDT

The USDGC wasn’t the only big win for Sexton this year. In June, Nate’s wife Brianna gave birth to Coraline, their first child. Sexton said the addition of Coraline has been amazing. “Watching her grow and learn to do new things has been incredible and my wife and I are so excited to get to be there for her and watch her grow up,” said Sexton.

A few months later, Nate continued the big life moments (though not quite as awe-inspiring as a child) when he bought an RV, calling it the biggest purchase of his life. The RV has been home to the family since the Pittsburgh Flying Disc Open in August. Nate’s wife Brianna has taken a year off of medical school so the family could be together and have a disc golf touring adventure at the same time. After each round of the USDGC, Nate could be seen catching up with Brianna and Coraline.

A knack for commentating

Yeah, those are a thing now… Thanks so much for the awesome surprise and for all your hard work this year @jomezpro and @bigjermdg I love working with you guys! #discgolf

A post shared by Nate Sexton (@frisbeenate) on Oct 23, 2017 at 8:09pm PDT

Also this year, Sexton has become more of a fan favorite for the commentating he does for Jomez Productions post round coverage. While listening to Sexton do his thing, it’s easy to understand why. Not only will he tell you what’s special about the hole and why a shot’s amazing, but he’ll add a healthy dose of humor to the recap as well.

There’s a good example of that when Sexton teamed up with Jeremy Koling for the USDGC’s final round lead card commentary (in which both men appeared on the lead card as well). While recapping Hole 12, Koling explained how he tried to “play catch” with the basket during an approach shot, but he came up much shorter than intended. Sexton then had some fun with Koling’s “play catch” phrase with, “I mean, not a great effort by the basket either. It pretty much just stood exactly where it was,” teased Sexton.

Red hot Firebird

Innova Star Team member @frisbeenate was looking for a reliable Champion Glow Firebird that he could easily find on the course. We were able to produce these multi-colored Glow Tour Series discs to help him perform at his best. A significant portion of each sale will go directly to Nate. These Firebirds have a very minor dome and are softer than your average Champion Glow disc to accommodate Nate's performance needs. Not to be confused with domey or gummy, these discs have just the right amount of give coupled with a comfortable profile. #discgolf #innovatourseries #innovadiscs

A post shared by Innova Discs Factory Store (@innovaproshop) on May 30, 2017 at 4:41pm PDT

Factory Store Commemorative Firebird

USDGC win: a long time coming

Winning a Major like the USDGC was something Sexton had always hoped he would do, but after trying for 12 years he wasn’t so sure if it would happen. At the 2015 USDGC, Sexton came as close as he ever did to winning a Major. He had the lead going into the final round of the USDGC, but stalled out and had to settle for 4th.

I wanted to believe I was capable of winning a tournament like this, and I guess I am.
– Sexton when accepting the USDGC trophy

“I was told I had a pretty mean forehand when I was 1 year old. I think it comes back to my dad. He and I and my brother and stepmom played frisbee together all the time while I was growing up.” @frisbeenate leads #usdgc2017 by three strokes going into today’s final round. It starts with the first throw. For Nate, it began on the sidelines of his parents’ ultimate games. What’s your #loveatfirstflight story? #discgolf #innovadiscs

A post shared by Innova Discs (@innovadiscs) on Oct 7, 2017 at 3:49am PDT

Sexton is looking forward to sharing the experience with his family in Oregon, notably his dad Jay, who caddied for Nate in 2015 and two other USDGC’s, but was unable to make it this time. He said his dad was really excited to hear the news and told Nate that little Coraline must have been his gold luck charm. Nate said he may even loan out the USDGC trophy to his dad for a while.

The summer of Nate!

It’s hard for anyone to look back on their life and single out one year that stood above the rest, but Nate might be able to do that with 2017. At the USDGC podium he summed it up quite well.
“With my beautiful wife and baby daughter here with me, and with the trophy I’m about to go pick up, in this moment, I’ve got everything I’ve ever wanted,” said Sexton.

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