In this episode we give some advice on designing your first course, our routine when you step up to the tee pad, some of the new PDGA rules, and much much more.
Dynamic Discs is giving away 9 Patriot basket. Find out more here.
New PDGA Rules
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Grow Disc Golf Day is a big deal around here at Dynamic Discs, because we want to do everything we can to promote the sport that we love so much. Whether it’s bringing a portable basket to your workplace for a little lunchtime putting or taking some friends out for a round, we encourage all kinds of creativity when it helps to #growthesport.
The DD team got the chance to make a huge impact during Grow Disc Golf Day, as we were invited to put on a disc golf demonstration during halftime at one of the Emporia State University football games.
Watch the full video here!
We selected two ESU students to compete against our very own Eric McCabe and Paige Bjerkaas, but with a few changes to make things fairer. A DD basket was set up at the end of the field, and we had both students throw two discs each from the 50-yard line to see who could get closest.
Then we had Eric and Paige throw from the other end of the field - and the ESU students took home the win with a drive that was closer than anyone else! To give one of the goal posts a little love, Eric and Paige dropped some bombs on the field and tried to make some field goals, yet came up just a little bit short.
While most of you won’t get the chance to show off at a halftime event like we did, anything you can do for Grow Disc Golf Day is impactful to our sport. Remember, your efforts don’t have to be limited to this week alone - share disc golf with your friends, family, and co-workers all year long!
The DD team got the chance to make a huge impact during Grow Disc Golf Day, as we were invited to put on a disc golf demonstration during halftime at one of the Emporia State University football games.
Watch the full video here!
We selected two ESU students to compete against our very own Eric McCabe and Paige Bjerkaas, but with a few changes to make things fairer. A DD basket was set up at the end of the field, and we had both students throw two discs each from the 50-yard line to see who could get closest.
Then we had Eric and Paige throw from the other end of the field - and the ESU students took home the win with a drive that was closer than anyone else! To give one of the goal posts a little love, Eric and Paige dropped some bombs on the field and tried to make some field goals, yet came up just a little bit short.
While most of you won’t get the chance to show off at a halftime event like we did, anything you can do for Grow Disc Golf Day is impactful to our sport. Remember, your efforts don’t have to be limited to this week alone - share disc golf with your friends, family, and co-workers all year long!
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Anyone who has run a disc golf tournament knows that sponsorships are crucial to making the event successful, and when it comes to an event as large as the Glass Blown Open, it takes a lot of funding to make it as awesome as it’s been in years past. Plans are already in place for 2018’s GBO, and a huge sponsorship has just come our way!
OGIO has pledged a total of $25,000 toward our event, and it will make an incredible difference in every aspect of the tournament.
Dynamic Discs And OGIO
The relationship between DD and OGIO isn’t new, as bonds were forged with the well-known bag company way back when Dynamic Discs was in its infancy. DD Product Manager Kris Edson explains: “After deciding to launch its own line of disc golf discs in 2013, Dynamic Discs decided the next big step was figuring out a way to get involved in the disc golf bag market. Not having the tenure of other big players in the market, Dynamic Discs knew it would need some help getting its start.”Shortly after making the connection with OGIO, our CEO Jeremy Rusco flew out to Utah to meet with executives and solidify a deal. Since then, we’ve partnered with OGIO to create top quality disc golf bags that meet the needs of all players ranging from beginners to touring professionals.
Where The Money Goes
$25,000 is a huge chunk of change, and it makes a significant impact in all aspects of the GBO. Pro payouts, amateur players packs, and more will all benefit from this donation, as it’s one of the largest to date. DD Events Coordinator Doug Bjerkaas notes how crucial this kind of support is for the continuation of top-tier events in our sport: “The GBO could not be what it is today without the fantastic support from Dynamic Discs, Latitude64, Westside, and OGIO. The City of Emporia also continues to be one of the key supporters of the event as well.”OGIO’s Impact On Disc Golf
The great part about this sponsorship is that it doesn’t just infuse additional support into the GBO for 2018, but it extends so much farther than this one-time event. OGIO is synonymous with quality, and the partnership with Dynamic Discs allows us to create bags that have the reputation of lasting a long time while being comfortable and looking good.“Dynamic Discs has certainly made a large splash in the disc golf bag and apparel market over the last several years. We would not have the quality products and the diversity of products in our lines today if it were not for the continued collaboration that takes part between OGIO and DD,” says Bjerkaas.
How does OGIO feel about working within the sport of disc golf, something they previously knew nothing about until Rusco reached out to them? Nick, one of our key partners at OGIO, expressed: “It is on behalf of myself and OGIO that I'm proud to yet again announce our involvement in what we feel is the greatest disc golf event in the world, the Glass Blown Open. For 2018, OGIO has proudly pledged a sponsorship of $25,000 to the event. It's with great privilege that we continue to support such an organization and community that goes above and beyond to ensure a great experience for visitors from all over the globe."
Working with OGIO has been a dream come true for us at Dynamic Discs, and we are so excited for next year’s Glass Blown Open. To grab one of our latest OGIO bags, check out our full line-up today!
So you’ve been bitten by the disc golf bug and can’t get the game out of your mind. After fitting in rounds during every spare moment of your day, you finally muster up the courage to sign up for your first tournament.
But wait a minute - how do you know what division to play in? It might be tempting to register in Advanced with all of your friends, but you’re not sure if you can keep up with them. How are you supposed to know what to do? We break down some of the considerations to think about when signing up for your first tournament and how you can pace yourself for success.
Before You Register
As you look through the registration page for your local event, you might notice an additional fee if you’re not a member of the PDGA. What’s that about?! More often than not, players choose to become a member of the Professional Disc Golf Association for a number of reasons.Not only does it avoid you having to pay this $10 fee for every tournament you play in, but it also gives you a specific PDGA number and you are able to track the ratings of each of your rounds. This is a great way to see your progress over time and can also help when signing up for larger events that split up registration times and dates based on ratings.
Your First Event And Beyond
Unless you can throw a mile and consistently shoot far better than everyone else you play with during a casual round, it’s recommended that you sign up for Recreational or Intermediate for your first event. This allows you to get a handle on how to conduct yourself during tournament play and get a feel for what it’s like to play with a little skin in the game after having paid an entry fee.If you completely crush it during every tournament you play, it’s probably smart to move up to Advanced in an effort to improve your skills. Many times this initial jump can be difficult, as a player might consistently place in the top 5 in Intermediate but soon find themselves toward the middle or bottom of the pack in Advanced.
Rather than going down a division, use this as an opportunity to better yourself and your game, as you’re now playing with higher caliber players.
Don’t Be A Sandbagger
Dating back to the 1970’s poker scene, the term sandbagger isn’t exactly something you should strive for. Essentially, as people move up in division and find themselves challenged more and more, some individuals have a tendency to go backward and drop down to the division they were once previously dominating.This is bad for a number of reasons that relate to your game and to your reputation. Those who play in lower divisions than they should find that they aren’t as challenged during tournament play because they know they’ll take the win by a handful or more of strokes. There’s something about having added mental pressure to perform that makes disc golf both difficult and enjoyable.
Perhaps one of the larger reasons to avoid being a sandbagger comes from the reputation you’ll earn from your local disc golf community. Sandbaggers rob others from hard-earned wins, and they are seen in a pretty negative light. Locals might talk about how certain sandbaggers need to “move up,” referencing that they should compete in a higher division than they are currently in. It’s simple - don’t be a sandbagger.
The Challenge Of Playing Pro
Let’s say you’ve made your way through the ranks and you’re performing exceptionally well in the Advanced division. Now comes the time to make one of the biggest, and sometimes scariest jumps of all - moving up to play pro.Playing in the Open division is another animal in itself, as you are now playing for cash instead of merchandise. The competition can be extreme, as you’re surrounding yourself with the upper echelon of disc golfers in the game. Not letting the pressure get to you is half of the challenge, let alone making sure you execute your shots perfectly.
There is one catch when playing in Open, however, and that has to do with what you do with your prize. The PDGA does stipulate that if an Open player chooses not to accept their cash prize, they could theoretically play in other lower divisions in the future. Once you take the money though, you’re stuck in Open whether you like it or not.
Where Do You Fall?
Let us know in the comments below what your experience has been when selecting the division you started in, and how moving up or down has affected your game!
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Hey guys, I'm Robert McCall, and I'm the Dynamic Discs Team Manager. Each week, I like to share a quick tip I've learned over the years.
If you took a poll of most competitive disc golfers today, I think their path to playing in tournaments likely looks like mine did:
When I was in college, a friend invited me out to play disc golf. I had played once in high school and wasn’t bad at tossing an Ultimate frisbee around, so I accepted and told him I was going to crush him at disc golf. I almost crushed him the first time we played, but instead, I lost by 20 or so. I’m a competitive person by nature, so I wanted to play again immediately. I kept playing and kept losing until things started to click. Once they did, I would only lose by two throws, then one, then I’d win occasionally, then I’d win most of the time. I loved competing and wanted to take that competition to the next level. I heard about a mini (league) that ran every Saturday, so I went out to play and expected to win, because I was beating my friend at disc golf pretty consistently, so I was the best, right? That’s a negative, Ghost Rider. I lost by a hefty margin, but I loved seeing what scores were possible and playing a round with people with whom I’d never played. Through those new connections, I learned of actual tournaments, attended my first one in 2010, and the rest is history.
Leagues and/or minis serve several important purposes for experienced and new players alike:
If you’re reading through this and thinking, “That would be nice, but I don’t have any leagues in my area”, I have good news for you: leagues are easy to run, and they’re a great way to contribute to your local disc golf scene. Running a league or mini that gains traction and is well-attended can work wonders for unifying local disc golfers and creating a welcoming environment for growth.
For first time league or mini tournament directors, here are a couple of suggestions that should help you when starting out:
A little organization on the front end goes a long way. Having a scorepoint board or easy method of entering and tracking scores makes the end of the round really easy to manage. Ensure that you know which holes are the best starting holes for your course (hint: they’re not always holes 1-6). Have plenty of scorecards and pencils on hand. Don’t let people choose their own cards as everyone will play with the people with whom they typically play.
Singles typically works best if you offer at least two divisions. Local disc golfers should be able to help you determine which players should be in each division. In general, lower divisions should be paid out in discs as to discourage better players from playing down to win cash. I’m sure some will argue with this point, but this structure has been my favorite to date. I am not opposed, however, to mixing players from different divisions on different cards at leagues, because people will have an opportunity to play with better players or newer players depending on their situation.
I don’t love handicap leagues personally, but the way I’ve seen them done best is occasionally mixed in with singles and doubles instead of every week. Your league may be different and could encourage more people to attend with handicap leagues, so do what works best for your situation.
If you play doubles, either random draw doubles or splitting players into an “A” and “B” pool helps to make the teams slightly more fair. With random draw, you run the risk of having one or two stacked teams, but it’s pure chance. With “A” and “B” pools drawing at different times, you can basically guarantee that newer or less skilled players will be paired with better players which will allow them to learn from the better player and ask questions throughout the round.
I would encourage players of all skill levels to attend leagues, even if you don’t feel ready to compete. Even if you’ve been playing for less than a year, you can learn from playing with better players and competing against others around your skill level. Leagues are a great primer for becoming accustomed to competitive play!
What’s your favorite format for league? Have you attended or run a successful league? If so, let us know in the comments below. See you next week!
When I was in college, a friend invited me out to play disc golf. I had played once in high school and wasn’t bad at tossing an Ultimate frisbee around, so I accepted and told him I was going to crush him at disc golf. I almost crushed him the first time we played, but instead, I lost by 20 or so. I’m a competitive person by nature, so I wanted to play again immediately. I kept playing and kept losing until things started to click. Once they did, I would only lose by two throws, then one, then I’d win occasionally, then I’d win most of the time. I loved competing and wanted to take that competition to the next level. I heard about a mini (league) that ran every Saturday, so I went out to play and expected to win, because I was beating my friend at disc golf pretty consistently, so I was the best, right? That’s a negative, Ghost Rider. I lost by a hefty margin, but I loved seeing what scores were possible and playing a round with people with whom I’d never played. Through those new connections, I learned of actual tournaments, attended my first one in 2010, and the rest is history.
Leagues and/or minis serve several important purposes for experienced and new players alike:
- New players can play with more established disc golfers if they’re paired on the same card. This allows them to learn from the experienced players and see new shots or lines that they might not have considered.
- New players can meet more disc golfers in their community and feel connected more quickly. Most people enjoy having some disc golf friends to play rounds with occasionally.
- Experienced players can use leagues as a pressure simulator for competitive tournament rounds. Everyone understands the importance of muscle memory in the physical portions of disc golf, but practicing in pressure-filled situations is imperative to handling them well in the future.
If you’re reading through this and thinking, “That would be nice, but I don’t have any leagues in my area”, I have good news for you: leagues are easy to run, and they’re a great way to contribute to your local disc golf scene. Running a league or mini that gains traction and is well-attended can work wonders for unifying local disc golfers and creating a welcoming environment for growth.
For first time league or mini tournament directors, here are a couple of suggestions that should help you when starting out:
A little organization on the front end goes a long way. Having a scorepoint board or easy method of entering and tracking scores makes the end of the round really easy to manage. Ensure that you know which holes are the best starting holes for your course (hint: they’re not always holes 1-6). Have plenty of scorecards and pencils on hand. Don’t let people choose their own cards as everyone will play with the people with whom they typically play.
Singles typically works best if you offer at least two divisions. Local disc golfers should be able to help you determine which players should be in each division. In general, lower divisions should be paid out in discs as to discourage better players from playing down to win cash. I’m sure some will argue with this point, but this structure has been my favorite to date. I am not opposed, however, to mixing players from different divisions on different cards at leagues, because people will have an opportunity to play with better players or newer players depending on their situation.
I don’t love handicap leagues personally, but the way I’ve seen them done best is occasionally mixed in with singles and doubles instead of every week. Your league may be different and could encourage more people to attend with handicap leagues, so do what works best for your situation.
If you play doubles, either random draw doubles or splitting players into an “A” and “B” pool helps to make the teams slightly more fair. With random draw, you run the risk of having one or two stacked teams, but it’s pure chance. With “A” and “B” pools drawing at different times, you can basically guarantee that newer or less skilled players will be paired with better players which will allow them to learn from the better player and ask questions throughout the round.
I would encourage players of all skill levels to attend leagues, even if you don’t feel ready to compete. Even if you’ve been playing for less than a year, you can learn from playing with better players and competing against others around your skill level. Leagues are a great primer for becoming accustomed to competitive play!
What’s your favorite format for league? Have you attended or run a successful league? If so, let us know in the comments below. See you next week!
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
There’s a new gem in the town of El Dorado, as Kansas city officials recently approved and installed an 18 hole course at Legion Park. Utilizing land that was formerly a ball golf course, Eric McCabe and the DD team had a blast designing a course that would be fair yet challenging.
We got a little more information from Kevin Wishart, El Dorado’s Parks and Recreation Director, to learn more about the process of installing the course and how he thinks it will affect this small town of about 13,000.
Dynamic Discs Was A Natural Fit
Given that El Dorado sits about 60 miles from Emporia, it was an obvious choice to work with DD when Wishart’s department started discussing the option of opening a course. The city formed a specific Disc Golf Committee, and after some research, they decided to schedule a meeting with Eric to find out all about Dynamic Course Design.Kevin and his team are pretty new to the sport of disc golf, stating: “We understood that disc golf continued to grow; we had a space that needed a new use, and we had several citizens express interest in a local course. Otherwise, our background was limited.” After a meeting between Eric, Kevin, and the town’s DG Committee, the decision was clear. “Once the committee made a recommendation, we got out of the way and let Eric do his thing,” Wishart said.
About El Dorado DGC
As with all of McCabe’s course designs, the El Dorado Disc Golf Course utilizes a great layout and allows players to complete the 18 holes in up to four different ways. Veteran baskets were installed along with dual tee pads across the course. Both beginners and more experienced players will appreciate the course’s terrain, and while it’s mostly flat, there are some lightly wooded areas that create a bit of a challenge.El Dorado players can already feel the disc golf buzz growing quickly, as a professionally designed course brings individuals from neighboring communities to come play. Wishart notes that bringing in a Dynamic Discs affiliated course is already helping to bolster El Dorado’s economy too: “We believe that our disc golf playing population will continue to increase and that the quality of the course will bring players to town from the region. It is our hope that they spend a few dollars locally while here.”
How Can Your Town Get A Dynamic Course Design?
Working with Eric and team to get a disc golf course installed in your neck of the woods isn’t difficult. Like the staff in El Dorado, you don’t need a ton of background knowledge about the sport - just a desire from the community and a viable piece of land. Wishart says: “Our process with DD was really very simple.”If you’re interested in working with Dynamic Course Design, or just have questions about the process, contact us today!
Monday, October 16, 2017
Anyone who has a PDGA number receives a compact handbook that outlines the rules and regulations set forth by the PDGA, and while a lot of people read it from cover to cover, does anyone memorize it?
Today we want to put your brain to the test and see if you know the "legal" way to handle certain situations if they come up during tournament play. You can click here for a full list of the PDGA Rules Q & A.
- Could you theoretically kick your disc down the fairway and have each kick count as your throw?
- Am I allowed to use my mini, remove my previously thrown disc, but then change my mind and put it back again?
- What kinds of substances can I use on my hands for a better grip?
- Can I lean on a tree for support while I put or throw if I have an awkward stance?
- Yes, you can! Since shots of all types are allowed, "throwing" with your foot would be seen as acceptable play.
- No way - once a method of marking your lie has been utilized, it cannot be changed.
- Technically you can use anything to increase your grip, as there isn't a rule that prohibits this practice.
- This one might surprise you, as you can hold on to something for support as long as it is in-bounds and part of the course.
Friday, October 13, 2017
The desire to #growthesport is present for most of us all year long, and at Dynamic Discs, we like to take it a step further each October. We've developed Grow Disc Golf Day as a fun way for us to place the emphasis on informing others about our sport even more through clinics, golfing with a friend, or introducing coworkers to disc golf.
We got the low down from DD Events Coordinator Doug Bjerkaas, as he and his wife invited a group of people out during Grow Disc Golf Day. They all met at a 9 hole course and put on a short clinic first so that people felt a little more comfortable and knew what to do.
Their group totaled 12, and 4 of those people are now die-hard disc golfers! Some of them help to maintain courses in the area while others only have time to golf once a month, but the important thing is that his friends have now found a new hobby they enjoy! Doug notes there were six key things that helped to make his efforts successful - learn about them here.
Visit the Grow Disc Golf Day website to share your experience with us!
Thursday, October 12, 2017
By now you've more than likely seen our videos where we take regular items and throw them in a field, asking the all-important question: will it hyzer?
On our most recent expedition, we hit up the Dollar Store to find some fun goodies to test out. Many of our finds were rather disc-shaped, and we had a lot of fun watching stuff crash into the ground. One of our selections was described by Bobby as an "aerial ballet," so you know we had a good time.
Watch the full video here
However, on a more serious note, you might ask yourself why we always test items to see if they will hyzer. Sure it's fun, but it's also a really interesting look into the aerodynamics of household objects and how they compare to the flight of a disc.
Both professional and casual disc golfers alike often draw on the hyzer shot from their bag of tricks, while many new players find that hyzers are frustrating and prohibit the amount of distance they're able to throw.
Maybe the next time you throw a disc on a hyzer line, you'll not only think about our fun antics but also give a little more thought into this flight path and how frequently it shows up in the real world.
On our most recent expedition, we hit up the Dollar Store to find some fun goodies to test out. Many of our finds were rather disc-shaped, and we had a lot of fun watching stuff crash into the ground. One of our selections was described by Bobby as an "aerial ballet," so you know we had a good time.
Watch the full video here
However, on a more serious note, you might ask yourself why we always test items to see if they will hyzer. Sure it's fun, but it's also a really interesting look into the aerodynamics of household objects and how they compare to the flight of a disc.
Both professional and casual disc golfers alike often draw on the hyzer shot from their bag of tricks, while many new players find that hyzers are frustrating and prohibit the amount of distance they're able to throw.
Maybe the next time you throw a disc on a hyzer line, you'll not only think about our fun antics but also give a little more thought into this flight path and how frequently it shows up in the real world.
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Listen
In this episode we discuss stuff that upset us on the course, mechanics for the forehand throw, when a disc is too beat-in and gets taken out of our disc golf bag, and much more.
Watch
Download
Ep 190 Disc Golf Answer ManSubscribe on iTunes
Thursday, October 5, 2017
If you're relatively new to disc golf, it probably seems like the number of discs to choose from is astronomical. From different plastics to various types of discs and stability levels, how is someone supposed to know what works for them without spending a ton of money?
That's precisely why we put this video together, in an effort to help guide newer players and those with lower arm speeds toward discs that will fly well for them. Let's face it - you want to have fun playing disc golf, and part of it is being able to execute the shots you draw up in your mind!
Discs that are designed for more experienced players will have a tendency to fade left pretty early on, and that kind of flight can be discouraging as you're trying to make it to the basket.
When it comes to creating a strong foundation in your disc collection, we recommend three options:
If you need a laugh, Robert has some pretty "crappy" outtakes!
That's precisely why we put this video together, in an effort to help guide newer players and those with lower arm speeds toward discs that will fly well for them. Let's face it - you want to have fun playing disc golf, and part of it is being able to execute the shots you draw up in your mind!
Discs that are designed for more experienced players will have a tendency to fade left pretty early on, and that kind of flight can be discouraging as you're trying to make it to the basket.
When it comes to creating a strong foundation in your disc collection, we recommend three options:
- Dynamic Discs Witness for distance shots, allowing for a straighter line and achieving maximum distance
- Dynamic Discs Truth for approach shots, giving you a straight and controllable disc you can trust
- Dynamic Discs Judge for putting, a great disc that feels nice in the hand
If you need a laugh, Robert has some pretty "crappy" outtakes!
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
If you haven’t been out to New Hampshire in the last few years, you’re missing out on a complete gem of a course in Manchester. Named The Hollows, it’s one of the courses that Dynamic Discs’ very own Eric McCabe designed from start to finish. In an area that once had few disc golfers around, their local club now numbers over 140 members and The Hollows sees between 20,000 and 25,000 rounds played per year.
How did a course that’s only two years old completely revolutionize Manchester disc golf and bring revenue to the community’s restaurants and hotels via tournament play? We spoke with the Director of the Parks and Recreation department in Manchester, Don Pinard, to get an idea of how The Hollows came to be.
It Started With Don’s Vision
“Four years ago, as the newly hired director of Parks and Recreation in Manchester, it was my vision to increase affordable recreation for the citizens of Manchester and the surrounding communities,” explained Pinard. “I received numerous inquiries concerning the possibilities of a disc golf course in the city. I had no exposure to disc golf and knew nothing about the sport.”Don began his research and formed an acquaintance in Bill Bruce, owner of Breakin Chains Disc Golf Supplies. As a first time player, Don traveled to a nearby community to play a round and was instantly hooked. He saw the obvious link between offering free recreation for all and the benefits a course could bring to his local area.
What Was It Like Working With Dynamic Course Design?
Don certainly performed his due diligence when exploring course options, and said that it was clear Eric McCabe was the one to work with: “I was impressed with his professionalism and enthusiasm. He also shared our vision of bringing disc golf to the forefront in Manchester and the area. Through our research of Dynamic Discs, we soon came to realize that DD was the company we wanted to partner with.”
The goal was to create a course that wasn’t just enjoyable on a recreational level, but one that could host top level tournaments. Taking this into consideration, Eric’s design included two pin positions on all but one hole as well as two tee pads on many holes.
After the ground had been flagged, it was up to Don, Bill and wife Norma Bruce, Parks Department employees, and numerous volunteers to bring the course to life. The Hollows was the first course in the US to feature first run Veteran baskets, but these were later swapped out for the newer version.
The Hollows Is Truly Special
Not only is this course a premier destination for New Hampshire residents, but Eric designed it to be especially versatile. Using the various pin placements and tee pads, Don says the course can be played four ways. It utilizes a tight and technical tract of wooded land and even has separate teeing areas specifically for junior and beginning players.Manchester’s beauty of a course is truly family friendly and is in a secluded setting over rolling terrain. The city itself is on the smaller side, just reaching over 110,000 people. The effects of the course in the community are stunning, as Don describes:
The Hollows has been such a success that Don is currently planning the installation of a second course in the area to meet the high demand of Manchester disc golfers.
Designing A Course With EMAC
Could your community benefit from installing a disc golf course? We’d bet it probably can. Contact us at Dynamic Course Design to learn more.
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
2017 has been a pretty good year for Eric Oakley - he’s been touring the nation while competing in top-level events and hosting awesome clinics, his most recent tournaments show an average of 1000+ rated golf, and he just got engaged to the other half of the WhalePants dynamic, Tina Stanaitis.
Known as one of the most charismatic guys in disc golf, we talked with Eric to find out a little more about his mental game, what he’s doing this offseason, and just how much he values being a part of the DD team.
Professional And Fun All In One
Oakley’s success this season can be attributed to many factors, but one that he’s particularly thankful for is the support he’s received while on the road. For him, being a part of the DD team “means that you are a part of a family. The support system from employees and other team members is a big reason I feel like I am continuing to make improvements in my game every single weekend. I truly feel lucky to be a part of the best team in disc golf.”
The confidence Eric feels can be attributed to this support system, but also comes from his own introspection after each large event he plays. As his rating continues to soar, he’s noticed that he’s putting unnecessary pressure on himself to perform. Learning to trust his game has been a big part of what’s shaped his year and what’s contributed to his growth as a player.
From A Hobby To A Career
Eric’s athletic background stems from playing soccer for many years, and during his time as a Semi-Pro player, a teammate of his introduced him to disc golf. Just like we see over and over again, after one round he was hooked and soon had a practice basket and a growing plastic collection.During college, disc golf sat on the backburner as Oakley wanted to hone his coaching and teaching skills. However, true love never dies, and he quickly picked disc golf up again to see what he could do.
During the offseason, he and Tina are planning on settling down somewhere warm and look forward to taking full advantage of their time to ensure 2018 will be even bigger and better than this year. He’s happy to take some much needed time off the road, as he notes that the long drives while actively touring can really wear him down.
As a self-professed “proud nerd,” we’d bet Eric will be indulging in some board games and anime this winter too. Here’s to a strong finish in 2017 and a restful winter - we can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2018!
Monday, October 2, 2017
One of the great things about the sport of disc golf is that it has a pretty low barrier to entry compared to other sports out there. You don't need a uniform or any protective gear, and you barely even need special shoes - regular athletic ones will do the job just fine.
When it comes to our tools, some people might try to tell you that you need a fancy bag that runs hundreds of dollars and to fill it, you'll have to spend a pretty penny on discs too. But if you're brand new to disc golf or are trying to show someone else why you love it so much, you probably don't want to spend that much hard earned cash.
That's where the Prime Starter Set comes in. Offering a putter, midrange, and fairway driver all in Prime plastic, it's DD's way of giving you the tools you need right off the bat. What's more, the set comes with a Cadet bag, so you'll have a place to keep your new discs, keys, and some water while you're out on the course.
Want to learn more about what's in this awesome buy? Anthony fills us in on everything the Starter Set has to offer.
When it comes to our tools, some people might try to tell you that you need a fancy bag that runs hundreds of dollars and to fill it, you'll have to spend a pretty penny on discs too. But if you're brand new to disc golf or are trying to show someone else why you love it so much, you probably don't want to spend that much hard earned cash.
That's where the Prime Starter Set comes in. Offering a putter, midrange, and fairway driver all in Prime plastic, it's DD's way of giving you the tools you need right off the bat. What's more, the set comes with a Cadet bag, so you'll have a place to keep your new discs, keys, and some water while you're out on the course.
Want to learn more about what's in this awesome buy? Anthony fills us in on everything the Starter Set has to offer.
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