What's Your Best Ace Story?

Getting a disc golf ace is as elusive for some as finding Sasquatch in the woods, while for others it seems they rack up the 1’s with ease. Even if you happen to be lucky and get aces more often than most, there’s still something special about them.

We thought we’d have a little fun with this blog post and highlight some of the best, weirdest, or just plain funny aces that our DD team members have executed themselves or seen happen in real life. These are just a few of the many anecdotes that have been shared along the way:

A Ray:

“The team, especially those members around DFW, used to rib me for a long time. I didn't hit my first ace until nearly 9 years of playing disc golf (in 2016). The ironic part is that my now wife, when we were dating back in 2008, hit an ace the second time I took her out to play disc golf -- at my now home course Crowley Bicentennial. So for a while whenever the topic of aces would come up, they'd ask, "A Ray, how many aces do you have...?" "...and how many does your wife have?!!!"

Danny Lindahl:

“I hit an ace when I just got a brand new Moonshine Warden with the team stamp on it. I was so proud of that brand new, beautiful disc I threw it on pretty much every hole. I aced hole 13 and immediately my stomach sank. My friends were hooting and hollering and I was excited but I was dreading what was next. We got to the basket and they were all ready to sign my disc and I quietly asked if they would mind not marking this one. They agreed but on the condition that they deny it ever happened. So did I really ace hole 13 at Beaverfork with a Moonshine Warden? I did, but nobody believes me.”

Christopher Wojciechowski:

“In 2012 I was paired up at our long-running Sunday doubles with another pro's 11-year-old son. During the round I picked up my longest hole in one at 416' (Vienna Park #18 Long), split the ace pool with the other pro who hit the 237' #3, and then beat the other pro when his son parked the second hole of the sudden death playoff for us (that other pro had offered to pay my entry for putting up with an 11-year-old from the long tees before the round). The funny thing about my ace - I got within 50' before I realized it wasn't lying on the ground behind the bucket and figured out I had the hole in one. Some locals had done such an incredible job the day before cleaning up the cramped green that I wasn't even paying attention. It was an amazing eventful day of golf.”

Chris Smith:

“I was playing the Lewisville Open with teammate Bryce Longerbone. We came to hole 2, our second to last hole. I had a nasty spit and Bryce capitalized with a birdie to tie us up. After teeing off on hole 3, an anhyzer over the lake, his disc came to rest 20 feet out. He said ‘now you need a birdie to tie me.’ So I aced it to beat him by one.”

Ace stories are always some of the best around in the sport of disc golf, and we love hearing about these proud and funny moments. Do you have a spectacular ace story that you want to share with the world? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

The DD Women's Series - Part 1: Cynthia Ricciotti And Growing Up With Disc Golf

Many disc golfers in the casual scene, as well as a good handful on the pro circuit, started disc golfing in their adulthood. For some, they were introduced to the sport in college while for others it took well into their 20’s or even 30’s before they fell in love with it. Yet for DD team member Cynthia Ricciotti, disc golf came into her life at a young age.

This DD Women’s Series is a special one, as we highlight one of our exceptional junior players and learn how she balances competing, practice, and school work! Cynthia gave us some insight into how she started playing and what’s it’s been like to have the support of her friends and family along the way.

Encouragement At School

You could say that Cynthia’s love for disc golf started at school, yet you can’t discount the fact that her own father used to live near La Mirada many years ago. His familiarity with the sport helped when Cynthia was given disc golf as an option at her middle school’s intramural sports program.

“I had never heard of disc golf, so I thought ‘let’s try something new.’ I signed up for disc golf, we went out to the local Play It Again Sports, bought discs, and went out throwing to get a head start,” she says. It was either disc golf or kickball, and Ricciotti wanted to expand her horizons. Both she and her dad instantly gravitated toward the sport, yet before school started she got a bit of bad news.

Only three people had signed up for the disc golf class, so it was canceled. Yet in the short time she spent with her dad at their local course, disc golf had already made its mark. “I wanted to be an athlete but I hadn’t found a sport that I could successfully do that. I knew that I had to keep pushing and keep going. I got the bug super quick,” Ricciotti shared.

Support All Around

With her dad as her coach, Cynthia finds that her love of disc golf has been welcomed by others with open arms. Although her mom doesn’t attend every tournament, you can see Ricciotti and her father traveling to local events as their schedule permits.

“There’s only a few people in my town that are juniors. My best friends don’t play, but they are super supportive and they know how much disc golf means to me,” she shared. With this kind of support, Cynthia has been able to excel at a rapid pace - she’s already collected 10 career wins and will be entering her sophomore year of high school this fall.

So far it seems like it’s been worth it, as she explains, “Getting to the level I’m at took a lot of hard work; especially at my age it included a lot of sacrifice and determination to get where I’m at.” Be sure to stay tuned for Part 2 of Cynthia’s series as we uncover how she balances school and disc golf like a champ!

Inside The Mind Of A Pro - Zach Melton At Idlewild

Even if you’ve never been to this famous course in person, simply watching coverage from the 2018 Idlewild Open gives you a good idea of how challenging it is. Add to that some crazy weather during day one, and this year’s event was certainly one to remember.

We got a chance to chat with DD team member Zach Melton, who shared second place with James Conrad after a fierce battle during Sunday’s play. Melton put up three incredible rounds, each well above his current 1017 rating. Let’s get inside the mind of this pro and learn how he handled competing on such a demanding course.

Practice Pays Off

A five-hour drive from his home in Tennessee, the Idlewild course is a place that Zach has played more times than he can count. As a touring player who crisscrosses the United States each year, he finds time to stop in Burlington to get in a round or two before heading to his next destination.

“I’ve had a few more rounds on this course than most others on tour. I’ve stopped through on my way to other places and played with my fellow teammate and local Zach Arlinghaus. I felt comfortable with the course and confident in the shots I wanted to throw,” Melton said.

This comfort level certainly paid off, as he was prepared on each and every hole and knew how to best apply his skill set to find success.

Is Idlewild For Lefties?

Many times it’s speculated as to whether a course tends to favor right or left handed players, and for Zach, he was one of the few left-handed competitors that really seemed to excel. “Being left-handed definitely doesn’t hurt at Idlewild. In my opinion, the course is pretty neutral, so that’s why I think most players feel it’s lefty friendly,” he said with a laugh.

He continues to share that just the hand you throw with doesn’t have as much to do with scoring low as your precision does:

“If you watch the coverage you’ll see I use my sidearm quite a bit. James Conrad is a dominant right hand back hand player, and he plays that course very well. Idlewild demands execution on every shot. You can’t relax or let up. That’s why I really like it and appreciate it. It’s very rewarding to play well there.”

His State Of Mind

The final round at this year’s Idlewild Open was tense, as players tried to catch up to Sunday’s leader Kevin Jones and ultimately ended up fighting for second place after Paul McBeth turned on the gas. With a decent amount of prize money on the line, how did Melton approach his third round?

“I approached the last round the same as the other two - to get off to a good start early, and try and play as clean as possible and pick and choose my spots to attack. I felt like if I executed I would have a shot to win - and I did.”

Zach’s impressive play earned him a nice chunk of change as he narrowly edged out other competitors who were close on his heels. We’ve really enjoyed watching his success during this season and wish him the best as he continues on the rest of his 2018 tour!

DD Team Members Excel At The 2018 Junior Worlds

Playing disc golf at a high enough level to actually have a shot at winning a world title is a dream for many of us, but imagine being able to reach such an accomplishment before even graduating high school?

The 2018 PDGA Junior World Championships took place in our own backyard of Emporia, allowing us to offer players and their families an incredible disc golf experience. We were on the edge of our seats watching as competitors battled across multiple courses to see who would take home a title.

Three of our own Dynamic Discs team juniors had exceptional finishes this year - let’s see what they had to say about this year’s event!

Isaiah Esquivel

A name that we’ve all been hearing about for years, Isaiah took home first place in the MJ15 division. He’s been sponsored by DD for the last three years, and 2018 was his second time attending Junior Worlds.

He attributes his success this year to a variety of things, but mentions that the support of his family has been instrumental: “[I found success through] my dad caddying for me throughout the week to help me minimize my errors, using the right disc at the right time, playing smart, and being able to practice the courses a lot.”

When you have someone right there beside you cheering you on and helping you to stay focused, you often end up winning just as Isaiah did.

Zach Arlinghaus

Despite competing in the MJ15 division this year, Zach found this to be his fourth time at Junior Worlds! He’s been a part of the Dynamic Discs family for the last two years and took home third place in his division.

What did he love about this year’s event? “My most memorable moments were just the time I got to spend around my older DD teammates,” he said. We were so grateful to have a ton of DD players in attendance this year, helping out and giving tips to those who were on the course. It looks like Zach was really inspired by their presence, as he performed exceptionally well across six rounds and the finals.

Cynthia Ricciotti

A powerhouse of a player, Cynthia noted that 2018 marked her third year of attending Junior Worlds, yet it was her first time competing as a part of the Dynamic Discs team. Known for her maturity that’s apparent both on and off the course, she took down the first place position in FJ18.

What was her key to success? “Everything coming together cohesively. From beginning to end my mental game was strong, as well as the physical aspects of the game. This allowed me to put great rounds up all week.” Her rounds were more than just great, as some of her ratings during the event are the highest she’s shot this season.

The 2018 PDGA Junior World Championships were a whirlwind of excitement and we are so proud of all of the juniors who came out to play. Once again, congratulations to Isaiah, Zach, and Cynthia for an outstanding job!

How To Run A Bag Tag Event In Your Area

If you follow DD on social media you might see that we host weekly bag tag challenges here in Emporia. For some seasoned players, it’s an idea that has been implemented at some point during their disc golf career, yet for others, it’s a newer concept that isn’t totally clear.

In an effort to encourage everyone to explore the benefits of a bag tag event in your hometown, we’ve put together a quick “how to” that outlines the purpose and logistics of these leagues. As always, you can put your own spin on things as you see fit.

The Basics

Bag tag events are great ways to bring together your local disc golf community in a fun and potentially competitive atmosphere. Whoever is organizing the event will need to purchase bag tags (more on that later) and is typically responsible for promotion on social media. In order for your bag tag challenges to be successful, you’ll need a reasonably good turnout, so be sure to hit up Facebook and use word of mouth liberally.

Each participating player will pay a set amount to receive their tag, and depending on how prestigious the league is, could range anywhere from $5 to over $100. Your tag will have a number on it and they are distributed sequentially on a first come first serve basis.

The specific logistics of a bag tag event can vary, but typically the organizer will set a recurring event at the same course each time. Anyone who wants to can show up and plays their round to the best of their ability. Once everyone is done, tags will be reissued based upon your performance so you may end up leaving with a higher or lower tag number than you started with.

Where The Money Goes

People always want to know where their money goes, and rightfully so. Again, these details will be different at leagues throughout the country, but most groups tend to stick to a handful of funding scenarios.

You may find that some of the money you pay for your tag goes toward a big trophy for the winner at an end of year competition or there may be a huge ace pot available for anyone to hit. Some groups might focus on putting the cash back into the course because as we all know, upgrading 18 disc golf baskets can cost a pretty penny.

Getting Tags Made

Perhaps the one remaining question comes down to this: where do you actually buy bag tags for your league? We’re glad you asked because the set of custom services here at DD has everything you need to get started. From bag tags with your league’s logo to custom DyeMax discs that can be used as trophies, the options are endless.

The next time you find yourself wishing that you had the opportunity to play more disc golf, consider starting your own bag tag league with some friends. Who knows, maybe your event will be so popular that the number 1 tag becomes more precious than gold.

Meet The 2018 PDGA Junior World Champions!

Whether you’re on the competitive side of a tournament or you’re the one behind the scenes running the show, event time is exciting and can be a little bit stressful. This year, the PDGA World Championships were held right here in Emporia, and it took all hands on deck for us to pull off an incredible event that spanned over a handful of local courses and hosted almost 200 juniors!

It’s always awesome to have a slew of disc golfers come to Emporia, but when it’s the top junior talent and their families here, it’s even more fun. Getting to see our next generation of disc golfers and witness just how talented they are brings a whole new level of inspiration and gives us so much hope for the future of the sport.

This year the World Championships hosted 11 divisions, and while some groups had to battle it out in a playoff to see who was the winner, others saw their first place champion walk home the win with ease. Without further ado, let’s explore who our winners are in 2018!

Congratulations are in order to:

Junior <18 - Jason Hardin Jr
Junior Girls <18 - Cynthia Ricciotti
Junior <15 - Isaiah Esquivel
Junior Girls <15 - Edie Heard
Junior <12 - Anthony Anselmo
Junior Girls <12 - Lilly Ruthen
Junior <10 - Wyatt Mahoney
Junior Girls <10 - Virginia Polkinghorne
Junior <8 - Landon Brooks
Junior <6 - Elam Rose
Junior Girls <6 - Cadence Kekec

If you’d like to learn more about each of these incredible players, check out our interviews with each one after the tournament.

A look at The Trilogy Challenge

The 2018 Trilogy Challenge is in full swing, as tons of events across the country are being organized to raise funds and provide players with an awesome one-day tournament. If you’re new to the Trilogy Challenge idea, keep reading!

Each year, Dynamic Discs, Westside Discs, and Latitude 64 release a special disc that’s available only at these events. Anyone can run a Trilogy Challenge, and we make the process of registration, organizing players packs, and more super simple.

The format can be anything you want - a flex start, one round, random dubs, whatever you think will offer the best turnout in your area. Funds raised can go toward course improvements, club reserves, bag tags, or anything else that could benefit your local disc golf scene.

In this video, both Danny and Anthony played in a local Trilogy Challenge in Emporia. They got to chat with players to see how they liked this year’s discs, and are proud to report that the TD was able to raise over $500 for new tee pads at the New Life Church course.

Interested in running your own event or want to know when there’s going to be one in your neck of the woods? Visit the Trilogy Challenge website for all the details you need to get started.

Introducing the Patrol - The Midrange For Our 2018 Trilogy Challenge

Once again, it’s Trilogy Challenge time! It seems like just yesterday we were talking about last year’s set of discs, and already the 2018 season is upon us. In this year’s disc line-up, we have the Maiden as our putter, the Musket for your driver, and the Patrol as the midrange.

If you’re not familiar with the Trilogy Challenge, it’s a great way to play in a relaxed disc golf environment and get your hands on these three discs! Running a Trilogy Challenge is easier than you think, and the funds you raise can be used toward helping your local disc golf club, improving a local course, and so much more.

We got a chance to watch Bobby and Robert throw the Patrol and see how it flies for a pro player versus someone who plays more casually. Here’s what you need to know:

• It features a narrow rim that’s great for smaller handed players to grip
• You can expect it to turn a bit as it’s slightly understable
• The Patrol would be a great option for tightly wooded shots and does well when thrown softly and smoothly

Wondering if a Trilogy Challenge is happening in your neck of the woods? Visit the event website to get the lowdown!

Our Guide To Playing Smart In The Summer Heat

Most disc golfers will argue that playing in the sunshine is better than any other weather, but the summer heat tends to bring some downsides along with it. Depending on where you live in the country, you may have to battle with intense humidity or temperatures that frequently top 100 degrees.

How can you cope with summer heat while still enjoying a ton of disc golf? We’ve compiled a quick guide to playing in warmer weather with tips that are straightforward and easy to follow.

Gear Up

A huge part of being able to play comfortably in warm weather is making sure you have the right tools. Naturally, you’ll break a sweat at some point during a round of 18 holes, so it’s important that you wear a short-sleeved shirt and shorts. Most people opt for a dri-fit style shirt that wicks away sweat and moisture and helps to keep you cool. Shorts that are comfortable and move with you are essential.

It’s not just our foreheads or underarms that sweat during a hot round of disc golf as even our palms can suffer from excess moisture. This wetness can seriously impact your ability to grip a disc, so we like to use birdie bags. Our own Sportsacks offer absorbead technology to keep your hands dry no matter what.

Drink Up!

Having enough water with you to last through an entire round is critical, especially if you’re playing in hot weather in the middle of the day. We don’t often realize it but our bodies can dehydrate incredibly quickly. However, our level of hydration can have an accumulation effect, so rather than simply waiting to drink up while you play, it’s helpful to start drinking more water in the days leading up to a tournament.

Sports drinks are often marketed as the best solution for hydration while you’re active, but ultimately water is your best bet for staying healthy without adding extra junk to your system. Try using an insulated water bottle to keep your water cool all round long.

Extra Advice

If you just have to get a round in but it’s looking like the weather is going to be super hot, try playing earlier in the day before things really heat up. Even if it’s in the 70’s in the early morning hours that’s certainly better than sweating in 100-degree weather. Playing later in the day can also be a smart idea, and often meshes well with people’s work schedules.

Snacks are a must no matter what the weather is like, but during the summer be sure to pack enough food even if you’re only headed to the course for a few hours. Grab your cooler, bring a full lunch to eat in between rounds, and keep yourself nourished so that you can battle the fatigue that the heat naturally brings.

Playing disc golf during the summertime can be amazing or difficult depending on how you prepare for a casual round or tournament play, and everyone will be affected differently by hot weather. What are some of your favorite ways to combat the heat? Let us know below.

Did Someone Say Ace? Now You Can Earn Money Along With Your Hole In One

The elusive disc golf ace - it’s something that all players strive for, and when you hit your first one it feels oh so good. Some people seem to be naturally lucky when it comes to a hole in one and rack up ace after ace like it’s no big deal. Others play multiple rounds per week for years before they ever hit chains on the first try.

While the traditions around hitting an ace vary depending on the part of the country you’re in, we want to discuss some general guidelines and stipulations that come with getting an ace, whether it’s during a casual round or tournament play. Plus, you can even earn money from your ace - keep reading to find out how!

You’ve Hit An Ace - Now What?

That moment of hearing chains when you’re standing on the tee box is nothing short of a miracle, and even if you’ve hit dozens of aces throughout your disc golf career, it’s always a great feeling. Once you’ve retrieved your disc and relished in the glory, what do you do next?

Again, some parts of the nation do different things but what we commonly see is that anyone who witnesses an ace pulls out a Sharpie and signs the ace disc. You can include your PDGA number if you have one or even write a fun little message on it. More often than not, people like to hang their ace discs at home and it’s cool to see one on the wall with a bunch of signatures.

What shouldn’t you do? Out of respect for the course and other players, you should never sign any part of the basket. The same thing goes for the tee sign, a bench, or anything else out there. Keep your penmanship limited to the disc and only the disc.

All About The Money

You can’t hit the proverbial disc golf jackpot without making some cash, right? In most instances, those who witness an ace will pay the player $1 or sometimes even $5. If you’re competing in a tournament or weekly and paid into the ace pot, you could also earn some hefty cash.

Another great way to make some real money with an ace is by playing in an event that’s participating in the $5K/$10K Grow Disc Golf Ace Challenge. In short, tournament directors can choose a specific hole on the course and designate it as the ace hole. They’ll film each shot thrown, and if you hit an ace on that specific hole you can win up to $10,000! For a complete outline of the details, including the benefits of participating and how to set everything up so that the aces count, visit our Grow Disc Golf site.

Hitting an ace is always a day to remember, and sometimes the ways they happen can be a bit unexpected or even pretty funny. Stay tuned for another blog highlighting some of the most memorable aces thrown or seen by members of the DD team.

Beat In Discs - What's The Big Deal?

There’s nothing like the feeling of a brand new disc in your hand. While we may not like to admit it, many of us carry a new piece of plastic around the house with us or hold it in one hand while driving. Somehow holding, and dare we say caressing, a new disc gives us a sense of joy like nothing else.

But as we use these precious discs on the course, they end up getting their fair share of dings, scrapes, and scuffs. Instead of becoming dismayed about tarnishing the perfect look of a new disc, seasoned players are thrilled to be able to “beat in” their discs. What exactly does this mean and why should you get excited about it?

Defining The Term

In the sport of disc golf, you hear people talk about a “beat in” disc as well as the activity of “beating in” a disc. Shouldn’t our discs be ready to fly straight out of the gate? Why does this extra step have to occur?

It’s not something you have to go out of your way to do unless you really want to, as your disc will naturally get “beat in” as you play. This means that every time your disc hits a tree, the chains, or lands on the ground, it’s getting more and more beat up. This will happen in varying time frames depending on the type of plastic you’re throwing, but with consistent use, nearly all discs will eventually reach this stage.

Why It Matters

As a disc becomes “beat in,” it will actually start to fly differently. While some new players might think this may not be beneficial, as it means you have to adjust your shots with the new flight of the disc, it actually provides a benefit to your game as a whole.

Pro players love their seasoned discs because they’ve learned exactly how it will fly and what lines they need to put them on to get the results they’re looking for. Depending on the type of discs you’re throwing, you may find that its flight pattern tends to be more overstable or understable, and soon enough it becomes a tool that you can rely on time and time again.

Eventually, after years of use, a disc can actually become too “beat in” and therefore doesn’t have the same place in your bag like it used to. These ultra seasoned discs can be used for other types of shots, or you can choose to retire the disc from your lineup. Ultimately that choice is yours, but there’s a good bet that you’ll get in countless rounds before your disc reaches this stage.

Avid disc golfers will often have multiple discs of the same mold in their bags that are at varying levels of wear, so as you move through each disc and progress it down the path of being “beat in,” you’ll always have something that’s not quite as seasoned to turn to. Newer players may get overwhelmed by this process, but once you have it dialed in, you’ll notice that there’s more to your game than just the plastic and mold you throw.

Share with us in the comments below what your process is for “beating in” a disc and how important you think it is to one’s overall game!

Learning From The Pros - Field Work With Eric Oakley

Field work can be an indispensable part of your disc golf game, allowing you to throw shots over and over again until you figure out what feels just right. It’s a great way to learn new discs as well and is generally recommended by most of the top pros out there.

But what exactly does field work look like for a professional disc golfer? We got a sneak peek at some of the things Eric Oakley works on when he has field time available during his busy schedule. Let’s take a look at three specific types of shots:

Hyzer-Flips

Most importantly, Eric notes that we have to trust that we’ve chosen the right kind of disc for this shot. By allowing our disc to be released on a true hyzer line, it gives our disc the chance to pop up and flip, therefore doing what it’s designed to do.

Check out the discs that he recommends for a hyzer-flip!

Skip Shots

An important tool in your game, a skip shot can help you to navigate a tricky situation. A key element in executing a great skip shot is ensuring you put enough spin on your disc, allowing the motion of your disc to work against the ground and create that skip you’re looking for.

Here’s what Eric focuses on when throwing a skip shot!

Anhyzers

Great for shaping shots and using the fairway to your advantage, an anhyzer can be tricky to master at first. Beginners will get more distance when throwing an anhyzer, and experienced players will rely on this type of shot for a variety of situations.

Get the lowdown on how you can best throw an anhyzer!

In The Bag With Chris Clemons

As the highest rated lefty disc golfer in the world, Chris Clemons must be doing something right. New to the DD team in 2018, Chris has naturally gravitated to our lineup of plastic and wanted to share with us what’s in his bag for this season. Let’s take a peek!

Putters And Mids

• Chris’ very first putter order from Dynamic Discs way back when included a Judge, and it’s still the mold he prefers today. He loves how great they feel in his hand and he wouldn’t throw anything else.
• The BT Medium Harp is his go-to midrange disc, offering him a point and shoot option for forehand and backhand shots.

Drivers

• Called his “staple” disc, the Lucid Felon gives Chris the confidence to execute a variety of shots. 
• Clemons’ forehand game is strong with his Latitude 64 Gold Stiletto, holding up in the wind with no problem whatsoever. Looking for huge skips? This disc will be your new favorite.

Miscellaneous Items

• Along with food and his girlfriend’s lip gloss, Chris keeps a DD wristband attached to his bag.

Want to know more about what Chris keeps in his bag? Watch his full video here. If you’re a big fan of his game, you can purchase one of Chris’ tour fundraiser discs here.