The time, dedication, and persistence needed to become a top disc golf athlete really takes something, and we’ve seen that DD team member Zoe Andyke checks off all of those boxes and more. From learning about how she’s been involved in teaching women across the nation to understanding how her viewpoints on disc golf and life seamlessly intertwine, she’s an inspiring person to look up to no matter where you’re at in your game.
Zoe is a firm believer in taking good care of your body - in fact, the word “good” permeates her motto: “Look good, feel good, play good, be good.” When it comes to health and nutrition, she has her plan dialed in and has found a way to thrive both on and off tour. Let’s take a look at her guiding principles in this final installment of Zoe’s DD Women’s Series.
You Are What You Eat
You won’t catch Zoe with her hands in the cookie jar all too often, as she takes a bold stance on junk food: “I’m a firm believer that fake sugar and corn starches are ruining people’s lives and bodies. I’m at an absolute zero tolerance for fake sugar. I think that’s important for people who are athletic or not athletically focused, from cancer to general health, sugar shouldn’t be a part of your diet.”When you think about what it takes to play tournaments weekend in and weekend out while competing against the best in the world, there’s really no room for foods that don’t serve your nutritional needs. Alongside her commitment to keeping the bad stuff out, Zoe focuses on filling her plate with dark greens and purples, and integrates fresh items into her salads, smoothies, and meals. Add in at least 70 ounces of water a day and she’s set!
Working It
We previously touched on Zoe’s athletic routine in Part 3 of this series, but it’s worth noting in a little more detail. Despite spending countless hours on the course each week, the disc golf Andyke plays doesn’t really count as exercise for her. “I think a lot of people use disc golf as their main form of basic exercise. I think that’s good and it’s one of the intended uses. At the level I’m playing, my cardio and practice putting/driving have to be separate than my playing on the course.”With a commitment to get in some form of cardio at least 5 days per week, Zoe is able to keep her body in shape and can handle those days when she might have to play 36 holes on a Saturday.
We can’t forget about the human element here either, where one’s spirit also affects performance both on and off the course: “If I was as good at life as I am at golf, I’d be a professional at life. Breaking my golf game down to the absolute basics is the way that I’ve become so adept at some of the most mastered detailed skills.”
No matter what stage in life you’re at - a new disc golfer looking to learn the basics or you’re a touring pro who needs a little encouragement - the things we’ve learned from Zoe Andyke are applicable across the board. Thank you Zoe for being such an incredible ambassador for our sport!
