Tristan Tannar - On The Call

In this episode of On The Call Robert McCall talks with Tristan Tannar after his incredibly hot 4th place finish at the 2020 Las Vegas Challenge where he averaged 58.25 points above his rating!

New Disc Golf Audio Episode

The Recreational Division Should Be Allowed 5 Mulligans Per Round - Disc Golf Hot Take

As a way to increase signups & payouts for tournaments, Bobby claims that the PDGA should allow players in the Recreational division up to 5 mulligans per round.

New Disc Golf Audio Episode

USAMPC, Mental Game, SkipAce picks, and more on Disc Golf Answer Man Ep 304!

Can we play in both Singles and Doubles for Match Play? When will Doubles/Women’s Doubles registration open?

Hey Guys! Robert, you ask a question to every player you interview that I am interested in hearing your answer (and Bobby and Eric and whoever else maybe visiting). When it comes to your mental game what do you do well?

HEY DGAM FAM, when you say a disc is "beat In" does that mean it begins to fly the opposite of how it flies out of the box or do all discs break in the same direction of stability? meaning does an under-stable disc ( like a maverick) beat in to be more stable/ over-stable and over-stable discs (like a bard) beat in to be more stable/under-stable? if that is the case how do stable discs (like a convict) beat in? finally to wrap it up when people say "this disc is becoming very flippy" can you explain exactly what that means?

In a doubles format, your teammate has already played from where the disc landed without placing a mini. Can you then place a mini on the lie and pick up the disc for your shot?

Thanks for answering my previous question about disc limits and pay to play. I have a different question today about putting grip. I have always used a fan grip for putting, but have noticed that further from the basket, near circles edge, I tend to loose grip and the disc moves in my hand. Looking at Roberts putting tips on physics of flight, I started to modify my grip by gripping with the pinky and ring finger and fanning the rest. It feels really nice and comfy, and the disc doesn’t slip. But I’ve noticed that the disc wobbles pretty badly out of my hand. Do you think that the wobbles will decrease as it gets more familiar and my release improves? Or should I go back to the fan? Thanks for your help!!

I've played a few tournaments where my division has less people in it than the rec division. However, the rec player got more in disc golf money compared to the winner of intermediate or advanced because they had less players in their divisions. Do you think this is a good policy? To me it would seem more advantageous to have the winner of advanced get more than rec because it would promote moving up as you progress.

I was curious about what DD does in order to decide what the flight numbers are on a new mold, or plastic/mold combo.

Also, in an earlier episode of DGAM you talked about how golf clubs are fitted to an individual in order to maximize performance for that individual. Do you think disc golf will be able to do the same with flight number, or even possibly a new system designed for maximum performance for an individual?

1st off, I love the show and love what you guys are doing for our sport! So, I registered for the GBO spectator package this morning and have been so excited to FINALLY make the drive out there from Nashville but then I read this: "Unlike in years past, Spectator Badge holders will not receive priority registration for the next GBO. This practice is now in violation of PDGA tournament registration guidelines." WOAH W.T.F (fudge) (keeping it PG) I still plan on coming but dang man. I'd be lying if I said that priority registration next year wasn't a HUGE motivating factor for us. What's that all about? Again, love the show and thank you so much for all you do! I love being a part of TT and representing our brand!

When playing in a tourney, I have seen some people make their putt and then start walking to the next tee pad before the rest of the card has finished putting. I've even seen some hurry up and tap in before others are ready to make their longer putts and then start walking to the next tee. This has never sat well with me.

Is it: 1. No big deal 2. Just common etiquette foul 3. A courtesy violation since you are not watching your playing partners shots.

Hey DGAM crew, I was watching the 2020 LVC and saw that bunkers were OB. What caught my eye though is when a player's disc landed in the sand they played from that lie which was OB. Doesn't this go against rule 802.07.A.3 or is there an exception rule somewhere?

To try and beat Anthony's fantasy picks, join our Fantasy Disc Golf League on SkipAce.com!

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New Disc Golf Audio Episode

Team Series Discs: A Deeper Look - Lucid-X Warden, Lucid-X Verdict, VIP-X Fortress

Team Series discs have become huge over the last few years for two main reasons: they support your favorite players, and they're usually highly sought after discs. Our 2020 Team Series discs bring some new molds to the land of Lucid-X, and they're already creating some hype from those that have heard about them. If you don't know, you're about to know!

 A.J. Risley has been singing the Warden's praises since joining Team Dynamic Discs, and it's easy to see why he chose the Hybrid Warden as his Team Series disc for the last couple of years. Risley's smooth release and excellent spin highlight the easy, straight flights you can achieve with the Warden. The 2018 and 2019 Hybrid Wardens had a little bit taller shoulder for a deeper, almost domey feel, but the 2020 Lucid-X Wardens are reminiscent of early Lucid Warden runs. They are flat-topped and slightly more shallow than the Hybrid Wardens, and they feel almost too good in your hand. The Lucid-X Wardens have the same glide you've come to love, and they now sport a little bit of extra stability. Anyone looking for a stable, reliable throwing putter will find exactly what they're looking for in these Wardens!

Chris Clemons made an impressive rise up the ranks on tour last year, and some solid late-season finishes have fans excited to see what he can do in 2020! Chris has selected the Lucid-X Verdict for his Team Series disc, and it's a perfect fit for his playstyle. Possessing both a powerful forehand and backhand, Chris leans on the Lucid-X Verdict when he needs that reliable, straight flight and

consistent fade on approaches to the basket. Fans of the Verdict can look forward to beautiful, translucent colors, added stability, and a firm feel with the Lucid-X Verdict. If you've been thinking about trying out the Verdict or are looking for a new, overstable midrange, the Lucid-X Verdict might just be the disc for you. And you'll also be helping Chris get to and compete at events this year!

Last but not least, Nikko Locastro has made waves in the top echelon of disc golf for over a decade. His distinct style and impressive shot-making ability have made him a fan favorite, so we wanted his Team Series disc to fit his playstyle and personality. Enter the VIP-X Fortress. The Fortress fits between distance drivers and fairway drivers in terms of speed, and it has a great combination of glide and overstability. The VIP-X Fortress has a Nikko-inspired stamp, clean colors, and a firm feel. The added stability that

comes from the VIP-X plastic is just what Nikko likes when he forces over anhyzers with overstable discs to achieve picturesque S-shaped flights. Don't sleep on the Fortress - it can fill a gap in your bag that you never knew you had!

The Risley Lucid-X Warden, Clemons Lucid-X Verdict, and Nikko VIP-X Fortress are available to wholesale customers RIGHT NOW and to retail customers on 2/27. Don't miss your opportunity to support these players and pick up some sweet plastic at the same time!

Disc Golf Answerman Ep 303 Knockout putting game, Player Rating Changes Before Tournament, and more!

It's Disc Golf Answer Man Episode 303, if you'd like to watch the episode you can do so on YouTube here.

Questions we answered in this episode:

Hey guys! I throw my Warden about 300 feet consistently but sometimes have trouble with it turning over too much when I am on the course looking for the distance. What disc would you recommend that will be a little more stable when I put power behind it?

Hey DGAM! Have you ever played disc golf Knockout (like the basketball game)? If so, what is a good distance to start at, and how could you keep the basket still open for the next person to throw when the first person has to run up to make a second putt? In basketball the rim is high, so it not blocked when a person runs forward to rebound their ball.

When you are throwing, especially when you are trying to get a lot of distance or going for a really high shot are you always throwing nose down? I feel like I see pro's crush shots that just get up high in the sky and I have no clue how they are throwing so high and keeping the nose down. I am trying to work on my form, and when I get the nose down properly I feel like I am losing a lot of air time. So how do you throw a disc high, and nose down if you can? If that isn't a thing what am I confused about?

Hello dgam fam, it's Sam (again) with another question about putting. This weekend I ran into a couple of scenarios where I had an obstacle to my right and the best putting option was an anhyzer putt. I adjusted my disc angle for an anhyzer release but it came out flat. What do you think could help remedy this problem? It's not a shot shape I find myself using very often, but would still like to have it for when I need it.

Mando rule from PDGA: https://www.pdga.com/faq/rules/qa-man/qa-man-1-my-throw-went-past-mandatory-incorrect-side-then-rolled-back-around-other

I played a tournament this weekend that was postponed due to bad weather on the original date. During that time between dates the guy who won intermediate received a 64 point ratings bump that made him 949 rated (outside of the MA2 requirements). He was not made to move up. The question I have is what are the rules about playing in the correct division if the date of the tournament has been postponed?

As someone who is 5’6” tall, is it possible, assuming all form and technique is done correctly, to get 500’+ distance on max distance drives when the thrower is below average height? I know that most of the pros getting huge distance are on the taller side and I am wondering how much that truly effects distance potential. Currently, my longest throw is somewhere between 380-390 on a downhill throw and 320-350 on flat ground or uphill shots. Thanks for all that you all do, love the show and all of the disc golf video content that you put on YouTube.

I've been playing for about a year, and have increased my distance 75-100 ft over the past year. Max drive currently being 375-420ish with a hyer flip. I notice sometimes I will get flip to flat with an S curve, but most of the time its ending up flat to finish left..RHBH with the exact same disc. My question is what factors do you feel are most important for that S curve. Am I not generating enough arm speed to force it over or should I increase or decrease the angle of hyzer I cant seem to get a constistant result to focus on...or am I just wrong all together and do u need to try a different disc.

On live coverage I often hear "he needs to turn that disc over very late for this shot".
What factors change where the disc will start to turn or fade depending on which? Is this something you can do with technique or is this in disc selection?

So I have been putting with a 1 glide putter for a couple months and find myself hitting the cage a lot of the time. do you guys think changing my putter to maybe a warden or guard will help me hit more chains or should I keep practicing with this specific putter?

Nose Angle, Prototype Discs in Tournaments, and more on Disc Golf Answer Man #302

Questions we answered on this episode:

I've been playing for a little bit under a year and when I first started, I would throw mostly nose up. I worked hard on fixing that and now the majority of the time I throw nose down. My issue now is that I tend to release most of my throws with a low angle of trajectory (closer to the ground vs up to the sky). They tend to not go above 8-10 feet off the ground but when I watch pros they seem to throw really high into the sky and still manage to get really good distance. Would their throws be further if they threw them with a lower trajectory? Or is the slightly raised trajectory needed for further distance? What are the pros and cons for different angles of trajectory?

Been using a prototype putter for a few weeks now. The disc was approved by the PDGA this week. Will I be able to use my prototypes in a sanctioned tournament or do I have to purchase and use the actual named disc once they become available for purchase?

Hi DGAMily FAMily! Recently, my daughter was in a local b tier tourney. Lots of pros showed up and it was a huge event (230+ entries). Issues started to arise from the first email from the TD. Had issues with Caddy books, typos on rules in the book, and even issues with the payouts! My question: does the pdga accept feedback in regards to TDs? Are they certain guidlines a TD is to follow or is it a free for all? The easy answer would be to just keep an eye out for this guys tourneys and not play them. What are your thoughts?

I've been playing disc golf for a little under a year, and my game is progressing nicely (thanks to you guys). One thing I've been having issues with is judging the distance-to-basket, during disc selection. Do any of you use (or recommend) rangefinders during a round, or do most people simply "feel" the distance through experience?

Hey guys, I had a quick question about the lucid x tour series discs. What qualifies a Dynamic Discs team member to be able to have a tour series disc in the lucid x plastic? Does a player have to play really well in tournaments or something like that? One of the main players that made me think this was Chris Clemons. Is there not a specific disc he would want in the lucid x plastic or does he just not have the opportunity right now to have a tour series disc? Just curious because if he had a tour series disc I would buy like 5 of them because he is my favorite player.

I am starting a new job at a higher elevation (4500 ish) area and want to keep playing. I play an occasional tournament at lower elevation (300 ft.). I am still pretty new. Throwing fairway drivers around 300 ft. Should i build a different bag for higher elevation and a separate for lower? How much of a difference will this elevation affect my discs?

My question is in regards to putting stance. In preparation to make the jump to advanced this next season, I have spent the off-season really trying to get consistent 35-50ft putts. In doing so, I realized that I really like the way step putting feels. Obviously, I can't step putt in the circle but I wanted to try and recreate that as best as I could for my C1 putting. This caused me to look at a staggered stance with my left foot forward rather than the traditional right foot forward. I have been putting with it for a month-ish now and l love it, hitting around 90% of my c1 putts in casual rounds! Is there a reason why most right-handed players go right foot forward? I know comfort is the first answer that comes to mind but is that the only reason?

I was just watching USDGC Final Round first hole on Jomez and Nate Sexton has a putt from OB. In the commentary he says he wishes he could have taken a knee to make the putt but there was thorns on the ground. Could he have put a towel or a pad on the ground to alleviate the thorns or is this against the rules?

Hey DGAM crew! Love the podcast and am learning lots from listening to older episodes. I am a fairly new player (started in October) and am having trouble with tunnel holes.

I was wondering what you aim for on these type of holes. Do you focus on the basket or at the initial gap. With the Snowy weather here is Nova Scotia I haven't had a chance to go practice but was wondering what you guys think I should work on.

GROW THE SPORT - Tag Matches

By: Doug Bjerkaas

I learned how to play disc golf in Abilene, Texas. I was lucky enough to have been introduced to the sport by some locals who were heavily involved in the local disc golf scene. After three weeks of playing, I came out for my first “mini” event. “Minis” cost $5 to play, and I had my choice between signing up for the amateur pool or a pro pool. The amateur pool played for discs, and the pro pool played for money. I initially spent several months donating $5 each week towards plastic for the other amateurs who were winning. I did finally start to win some plastic, and eventually, I ended up playing for cash with the pros. While this progression was very instrumental in me growing into the disc golfer I am today, it sure had a cost. While I like “pay to play” leagues like the “minis” I played in Abilene, it was in Denver that I discovered “tag matches” and have ever since advocated that they are perfect for growing the sport!

What is a tag match?

Tag matches are simple. Players show up on a given time and day and give their tags to what we called the “tag master” in Denver. Sometimes called “bag tags”, these are made out of leather, metal, wood, or plastic, and are individually numbered from 1 to however many tags are made. The tag master would then randomly shuffle the tags and assign the players starting hole numbers for a shotgun start. At the conclusion of the match, the best score would be given the lowest tag. The next best score gets the next lowest tag, and so on until the worst score gets the highest numbered tag. There was no cost to play in these matches other than the initial expense to purchase the tag. Typically, an optional ace pot was added for those who wanted to throw in a buck or two.

I love this model because there is no financial decision for a player to make as to whether they play or not. They can show up with their tag, throw it into the mix, and experience a competitive round with others. My kids learned so much about disc golf by playing in competitive groups for tags as they grew up in the sport. Some weeks, they would be paired up with a local pro, and other weeks, they played against novice players who were just starting. At the end of the day, though, they could see success or failure depending on what tag they left with. I can remember my kids being ecstatic to get a two-digit tag after a match at Exposition Park in Denver when they initially arrived with a three-digit tag. It was a great way for them to see improvement as they played in a competitive environment. Growing the sport with low cost competitive options is a great way to groom folks who may someday play in competitive, PDGA-sanctioned tournaments!

Tags as a fundraiser

My first recollection of tags goes all the way back to around 2000. A new course was going into South Fort Worth at Z Boaz Park. According to local John Maiuro, Brian Mace brought the idea of tags back from Northwoods, Wisconsin, where he had seen them used as a fundraiser. Players paid a certain fee for the tag, they played for tags when they wanted to compete against each other, and money could be raised for a cause. Maiuro mentioned that when the idea was brought to south Fort Worth, almost 300 tags were sold at $20 each, and people played for them as often as they could. John, who worked for Xerox at the time, was able to make the tags for next to nothing. Close to $5,000.00 was raised to help further develop the course!

History of disc golf bag tags

While my personal recollection of tag play only went back to the Z Boaz tags in Fort Worth, Brian Mace remembers seeing them first in Wisconsin. Mace credits Terry Miller with first turning him onto the idea back when he was touring in Wisconsin. Terry had many fond memories of several Wisconsin events connected to the tags that local disc golfers were playing for in the early 2000s. In fact, the entire state has had year-long tag challenges resulting in state winners each year. As much as he wished he could, Miller could not take credit for the idea.

Terry had picked up the idea from the Club Dead Disc Golf Club in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I spoke with Scott Wilson from the Club Dead Disc Golf Club, and he reminisced fondly on the first tags that his club produced. Scott loved that the tags they made were one more “excuse for competition”. However, Wilson also could not claim the idea as his original. His first tag actually came from the Grand Rapids Dogs of Disc club.

Scott referred me to Derek Strang who told me that the early “dog-bone” tags from this old school Michigan disc golf club likely started sometime in the late 1980s or early 1990s! He was not aware of another club inspiring the idea. In a time period when tournaments were few and far between, playing
for tags in Grand Rapids allowed folks “bragging rights for the week”. While my quest for the starting point for disc golf bag tags may not have lead me to the exact starting point for tags, it was interesting to find that Grand Rapids, Michigan could be the starting point. If anyone reading has an early story on disc golf bag tags that predates the dog-bones played for in Grand Rapids, please let me know your story (doug@dynamicdiscs.com).

Grooming future TDs through tags

The Mile High Disc Golf Club in Denver has scheduled and run tag matches throughout the Front Range of Colorado for many years. I personally got my first taste of running events by serving as the tag master for Tuesday night tags at Expo Park for three or four years. This experience of gathering tags, randomly assigning groups, and then distributing tags at the end of the night was a great springboard to eventually helping with sanctioned events, running sanctioned events on my own, and eventually being afforded the opportunity to TD the PDGA World Championships! Disc golf needs to keep growing. Not only does it need to grow in number of players but also in number of qualified folks that can organize and run events. Starting out being a “tag master” might just be the best first step! I know several seasoned TDs in the Colorado disc golf community that also got their start running tag matches.

Building community through tags

One of my favorite benefits to tags is the visible connection it creates between disc golfers in the area or region in which they play. Typically, tags are attached to disc golf bags or carts and can be seen by others on the golf course. Maiuro fondly recalls being able to see the “bumblebee” Z Boaz tags from across the course when someone had one on their bag. These “bumblebees” also indicated that the tag was a low number. The yellow and black tags were the first tags produced for Z Boaz. As the numbers grew, the tag colors changed.

There is certainly a connection that disc golfers make with each other. Having a visual indicator of belonging to a group of disc golfers has a benefit in starting a conversation with someone new on the course. I cannot tell you how many new people I have met in Emporia over the last three years through having an “Emporia Knows Disc Golf” tag.

Bag tags have also allowed me the opportunity to start a conversation about competitive disc golf with a local that does not have a tag. Several folks have asked about tags that are hanging on my cart, and it has given me a perfect opportunity to invite someone to a tag match. These players are often surprised that there something so accessible for new disc golfers to participate in, and it is awesome to be able to briefly explain what it is and invite them to our next match. In Emporia our tags cost $5, which basically covers the cost of the tag. Our goal has not been to raise funds (which is not necessarily a bad thing for all clubs) but to simply create another competitive way to play that is easy for a new player to jump in.

Get a tag and go play!

There are several ways to grow disc golf, and playing or running tags is one of many. I challenge every disc golfer to find some new folks and get them playing. If they get that itch for a more organized and competitive version of our sport, invite them to a tag match! If you are in a community that does not have a regular tag match…get out and start one.

Dynamic Discs Month In Review - January 2020

Dynamic Discs employees and fans are often asked, “Which of your discs are the most popular?” We tend to think that we know the answers, but some of our ideas may or may not be biased depending on our personal favorites. It’s time to put all that speculation to rest with some COLD, HARD FACTS. It’s time for the Dynamic Discs Month In Review.

Some discs may appear twice or more because of different plastic types. Here are January's top sellers:

1. Opto Glimmer Diamond
2. Lucid Raider
3. Zero Medium Keystone
4. Zero Hard Keystone
5. Lucid EMAC Truth
6. Classic Blend Burst Judge
7. Lucid Maverick
8. Prime Burst EMAC Truth
9. Prime Burst Judge
10. Opto River
11. Prime Judge
12. Lucid Trespass
13. Opto Ballista Pro
14. Opto Explorer
15. Fuzion Raider
16. Opto Diamond 170+g Carat
17. Opto Fuse
18. Opto Diamond
19. VIP Harp
20. Prime Warden

The Diamond has always been one of our best sellers because of its appeal to newer players and players with slower arms, but in January, the Diamond claimed THREE spots in the Top 20! The Glimmer Diamond came out looking fantastic, but we shouldn’t overlook the usefulness of the 170+ version for players beyond the beginner level. After the Diamond claimed the throne, the Raider hung around for the 2nd and 15th spots, making a splash in lots of players’ bags. Putters hold several spots again, as the Keystone, Judge, Harp, and Warden make January’s list. The Explorer makes the list again, and people love it for that dependable, straight flight with a subtle finish. A standout newcomer to the list, the Opto Fuse is an easy-to-control midrange that deserves a shot in your bag! Last but not least - would we even have a Top 20 list without the EMAC Truth?! Doubt it.

Thanks for joining us in looking at a snapshot of our best sellers. Which discs are you surprised to see off the list? Leave a comment below, and let us know why your favorite disc should make February’s Month in Review!

Primary putting style, Dynamic Discs on Twitch, and more disc golf questions on DGAM Ep 301

Questions from this episode:

What is the relationship between distance and how high the disc is thrown, and how does the stability come into play? For the sake of the question let's assume discs are thrown flat or on a hyzerflip.

Hello there DGAM, I'm from the north of Sweden where we have long and dark winters and short but blissful discgolf seasons. I want to know how I could recruit more players to the sport, even though the actual discgolf courses only are pleasant to play at during the "warmer" half of the year. And how can I help maintaining peoples interest during the off-season? 

I’ve been playing disc golf for about 2 years now. I would say my biggest struggle in the game (as many others) is putting. I am a spin putter and some days my putts will be on and there will be times where I just get the yips. I try to slow down and really focus but sometimes the yips for me are inevitable. Anyone have any tips?

I’m looking for a trilogy replacement for the Innova  pig. I have found one Pig, in particular, that is puddle top and I utilize it on just about every hole. All other pigs I’ve come across are domey. So I’m looking for a trilogy mold that is very flat to puddle top, has a similar feel to Innovas R-Pro plastic and I prefer the thumbtack that the pig offers. I like Harps but they don’t seem to be as beefy on the rim as the pig. I also tried the Slammer and it just didn’t have a similar feel

What are some gift ideas if I want to purchase a gift for my husband for Valentines Day, but I feel like he has a lot of disc golf stuff already? Any disc golf accessories that are neat but not necessarily something everyone would have?

Hello Bobby Cool Daddy Slick Breeze, Robert I wear a wig McCall, and Emac, fake course designer who is actually a spy.  All shots at Robert aside, we all like you man, I have a real question today.  I have seen Paul McBeth's gym with baskets and nets, and I was wondering if you guys could recommend a net for throwing discs into.  Second question.  What do the different levels of your teams mean?  Also you guys need to head to Freedom Park in Valdosta, Georgia.  It's a great place to play a round.

I was just watching champs vs Chumps and youtube decided to give me a ball golf commercial where a guy at a golf shop helped guy select the best driver for him using some technology to measuring his swing, angle, speed, etc. He was able to help the guy get a lot of extra distance on his drives. Do you think disc golf shops will ever do this type of thing to help people select the best driver for them? 

I started playing about 8 months ago and am really loving the sport. When I first started playing I would putt almost exclusively with a straddle putt and continued to do so for many months. However, within the last couple months I've started experimenting with different putting styles. I've found the nose up spin putt style, similiar to Simon Lizotte's, to feel more natural. So for the last 2 months I've been working on and putting with that. The question I have for you is that although the spin putt is more comfortable for me I still find that I am more consistent with the straddle putt. Given this information which form should I work on and use as my primary putting style? Should I stick with what is most consistent or should I change to what feels natural?

You can listen to the episode below, or if you'd rather watch the episode you can do so on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/4jCR4kkcwKc