One of the most beautiful clubs in the country became the battleground for the biggest shoot of the year—and I was right in the thick of it.
In this article
When I first visited Providence Hill in Mississippi, I called it a shooter’s paradise. Little did I know I’d be back just months later, standing on the same grounds at the 2025 US Open, shoulder to shoulder with some of the best sporting clay shooters in the world.
Welcome to the 2025 US Open Sporting Clays
Held at a new venue each year, the US Open Sporting Clays Championship is the NSCA’s most prestigious rotating shoot. This year, it was hosted at Providence Hill —a stunning course that lived up to its reputation and then some. The event featured over 420 Promatic traps and multiple courses, including main, prelims, sub-gauge, super sporting, 5-stand, and Make-A-Break.
I arrived early—before the crowds and the chaos—to soak in the view, the layout, and the calm before the competitive storm. And I’ll just say this: it was worth it.
The ProAm: Learning from Legends
One of my favorite moments of the week? The ProAm event.
Shooters were paired with pros, who not only shot first but also coached the amateurs on their approach. It was a rare chance to learn directly from the pros, up close and in real-time. Every pro had a different method, but the common thread was clear: greatness comes from great coaching and consistent practice.
And yes, I got coached too. (More on that later.)
Stories from the Field
This shoot wasn’t just about scores and targets—it was about people. Like Glenn Simmons and his son, Tony, who decided to attend their very first major shoot because of our video on Providence Hill. Tony had only been shooting for four months. Four. That’s the power of this sport—and the community around it.
Then there were pros like Gebben Miles, who showed me his stunning custom-engraved Krieghoff bearing Bible verses that reflected his faith journey.
Whether it was meeting Glenn and Tony and learning about their first major event or connecting with top pros like Gebben, the people made this event one to remember.
Coaching and Clay Crushing
I teamed up with Blaize Whitehead (currently #1 in NSCA points) and Mike Haas, former Team USA gold medalist, to get some insight and do a little shooting myself.
They helped me dial in my hold points, understand transition timing, and stay mentally sharp on the course. If you’re serious about improving, here’s the truth: you need coaching. Every top shooter I met had been coached—and many still are.
Then I flipped the script.
I challenged Blaize and Mike to an exhibition-style trick shot—gun over the head, toss the clay, and break it. Let’s just say Mike surprised us all by hitting it first try… with terrible form.
Make-A-Break Madness
The Make-A-Break event, run by my friend Ed Prechel, is one of the most fun and intense games. What makes Make-A-Break stand out to me is that it involves skill, strategy, and it is fast moving.
Shooters like Brandon Powell put on a show here. If you ever get the chance—shoo Make-A-Break. It’s a blast.
Crowning Champions
The level of competition? Off the charts. A few highlights:
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Todd Hitch crushed the main event with a 198/200
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Gebben Miles won the F.I.T.A.S.C. event with a 96
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Dominic Grossi went 100 straight in the 5-stand
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Madison Sharpe led the ladies main with a 177
And let’s not forget new shooter Tony Simmons, who picked up six punches after just starting last fall. Let that sink in.
Final Thoughts: Should I Compete?
This was my first-ever US Open, and it blew me away. The targets were tough. The talent was deep. The scenery was stunning. But the real standout?
The people.
Shooters, vendors, coaches, families, and friends—all united by a shared love of clay shooting. It left me inspired, asking the question:
Should I compete in a major event next?
If I do, I’ll need a coach. Got suggestions? Leave a comment and let me know who you think should help me prep.
And remember…
Whether targets in the field or targets in life, we will only hit what we’re focused on, so live the #targetfocusedlife
Steve Gould
