Who is Philo Brathwaite?

 

Philo Brathwaite stands out in the disc golf community not only for his remarkable skills and persona but also for his memorable moments on the course. One such moment that has etched Brathwaite into disc golf history is his incredible albatross at the Beaver State Fling. 

 

On a challenging Par 5, Brathwaite executed a mind-blowing second shot that traveled 850 feet to achieve a double eagle. This feat was not just a stroke of luck but a testament to his precision and power, capturing the attention of disc golf enthusiasts and the general public alike. The "Philo Albatross" has since become a viral sensation.

 

He is sponsored by Innova Champion Discs.

 

Philos Inspirational Journey and Advocacy

 

Beyond his disc golf titles, Brathwaite's story is one of inspiration and cultural significance. As one of the few professional black athletes in disc golf, Philo has navigated his career with grace and optimism. 

 

He started playing the sport in the early 2000s at Oak Grove, which actually is the world's first disc golf course ever. Philo started competing a few years later in 2004 but his most important win came in the summer of 2023. He won the PDGA Tim Selinske US Masters Disc Golf Championships after a sudden-death playoff against Cale Leiviska. Even though Mr. Brathwaite has numerous event wins, it is his one and only Major win.

 

Philo Brathwaite's disc golf journey is marked by constant improvement and a deep love for the game. Even though Philo does not have the most wins under his belt, his commitment to the sport is unwavering, as he continues to inspire upcoming players and promote disc golf as a positive, life-enriching activity.

 

Brathwaite emphasizes the importance of introducing sports like disc golf to a broader, more diverse audience, particularly to younger generations, to break down stereotypes and encourage inclusivity. His approachable demeanor and dedication to the sport make him a role model, showing that disc golf is indeed for everyone.

 

The constant positive energy he has towards the game has molded him to be a key influence of disc golf as a whole.

 

In recent years Philo has been transitioning away from being a touring professional and towards doing live commentary for Disc Golf Network. If he ain’t doing the commentary, he is teaching disc golf somewhere around the world.

 

Philo Brathwaite's PDGA number is #26416