Connor O'Reilly is a PDGA National Tour Champion, five years after picking up a disc for the first time. Photo: Kevin Huver / PDGA

Five years ago, a loss to his brother his first time out on the course gave Connor O’Reilly another competitive outlet.

An athlete and fierce competitor by nature, O’Reilly jumped in headfirst to the sport and learned the game. Nate Perkins was an early influence in Austin, Texas, where the two share a hometown. Ricky Wysocki was another one.

Austin, Texas' Connor O'Reilly cashes a putt on 18 at Iron Hill. Photo: Kevin Huver / PDGA

Connor O’Reilly had one of those moments.

Leading the chase card on moving day, O’Reilly got off to a decent start on Saturday at the PDGA National Tour – Delaware Disc Golf Challenge

Then he took off, sparked by an 83-foot throw-in for birdie, one of 10 in an 11-hole stretch, and didn't look back.