Disc Golf, Whats Discs Should I be Using?

[Groove Holmes]

Ok, I had to start my own official Disc Golf Thread so as not to post off topic any longer.

So as I was saying in the other thread, I play rather frequently in Central Maine, probably 2 or 3 times a week. I've been playing for a couple years, and I'm the best within a small group of friends that I play with. I never enter tourney's or anything, mainly because I'm a bit embarrassed to enter playing with only one disc. Its a 175g distance driver, and I probably have ruined its ability to Glide by banging the hell out of it in the baskets.

So I definitely want to grab a putter, I looked into both the Rhyno and the Aviar online, but I'll definitely check em out cause there is a licensed Innova dealer at the closest course to me.

But what else should I be throwing? I don't want to start carrying 18 discs, but I wouldn't mind having 3 or 4, and see how much I can improve my game.
I know a good putter will already do that. Let me just briefly describe my game for you, and maybe you pro's can give me some suggestions?

First, I have pretty good distance on my Drives. Probably my strongest suit, I throw the way you would traditionally throw a frisbee I guess, and my short game is decent. I usually lay up at the baskets though, anything over 15 feet or so, cause with my driver, I know it could go for a roll so I set myself up for an easy par. Usually, my birdies occur when I have a stellar drive. My usual score is somewhere between 2-5 under, with my best being -14 last summer. Of course this doesn't say much considering you guys haven't seen the Maine courses...but just a rough sketch. Also lately, I've been having a hell of a time with my drives going to the right. I can over-correct, but I don't think thats really solving the problem.

So I think I'd like tips for a good long distance driver that will stay extremely straight, maybe a medium range disc, putter, and whatever else you think I might need.

Is Innova the best way to go, or are there alternatives? My game is so basic at this point, and I have decent results, at least for the group I play with...so I figure with a little tweaking, it can only get better.

I'm also Right Handed, if that makes any difference in the world.

OK, I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you...Transform my game from the crude ball of clay that it is currently...Sculpt me into a Disc God in your own Image!

Greg

[frizgolf]

18 discs. That's what I carry. If I had the room in the bag (and the back to support the weight) I'd carry more. I like to have copies of my favorites.
Sounds like you're addressing the right part of the game, the putt. You need to work on that putting range. If you can afford it, get at least one more copy of the putter you settle on (I have eight). Take one hour, and keep putting over and over from a couple or three spots (I go 20', 30' & 40'). Yeah, repetetive, but you'll be amazed next time you play when the regular putt feels just like the one in practice, and it goes in. I'm of the opinion you should be able to make a '62 Falcon hubcap go in from inside 20 feet.
Sounds like your right turn problem on the drive is a bashed up disc. When they get smacked into trees so often, they'll "turn over." See the Innova guy for a Valkyrie or Beast. They come in all weights, and three types of plastic: C/E, DX, & Pro Line. C/E plastic is more expensive, but very durable. If you can afford to replace 'em every two months or so, settle for DX or Pro Line plastic. The C/E plastic will fade left more than the DX or Pro Line plastic, as well. A Valkyrie will fly quite straight, with a little fade at the end. A Beast will hold a tight left curve. With practice, you can push it a little right from the tee, and the "s" curve will fade left at the end. This "s" curve is where distance throwers excel. It takes a little practice.
You say you have good distance. Over 300'? 400'? If you're between 300'-400', try a Beast. Around 250'-300'? Try the Valkyrie. Millenium makes a driver, the JLS, which is very straight, durable, and good in the wind. Don't know if the Innova guy will have it.
If you go with the Aviar for a putter, it makes a good approach disc, too. Finally, get a mid-range Roc (Innova) or MRV (Discraft) for those 150'-250' approach shots. Very good in the wind.
Sorry, kind of a long post. You need to get about three or four, get into a baseball field or something, and get used to how they fly before trying to aim between trees. :D
It's a relatively cheap hobby, and it sounds like you want to improve. Try this (http://www.pdga.com/msgboard/ubbthreads.php) site for deep, detailed advice.
I may add some more tomorrow.

[RedRigmaJacket]

i carry 5 discs, all innova except for my Discraft Flick driver - which i only throw overhand. i throw overhand about 75% of my drives...goes about 300 feet.

but if i were you, i would get a driver something in the 165 g range and then one between 172-180 for wind and if you can really have some power behind your throws.

and you have get a putter just for those reasons you stated about laying it up. the putter allows you to be risky.

***and you must start playing every hole as a par 3. it sounds intimidating, but you gots to. if you think about it, if you are a decent player by any means, then you should be able to get to the basket in three throws. that even means the 614 ft par 5 you may have. you won't be able to boast about a -14 ever again, but then again you shouldnt be able to. sounds absurd, really.

i average about par or -1...

[Groove Holmes]

Oh yeah totally...I love 4's and 5's cause it plays into my game. I can usually get to the hole in 2-3 throws, and thats where I get my bird's and eagles.

It's all the long threes around here that kill me. They are easily par-able, but almost impossible to bird, when they have extreme dog legs toward the end of the hole. If I could consistantly hit 40' puts, I'd be all set. I think its more the 40' variety that I'm laying up on anyway, 15' may have been an exaggeration.

Anyway, thanks for the info...can't wait to try out a putter next week, and I was looking on the Innova site, and thought the Valkyrie looked like the disc for me, although I wanted to check out the Pro Tee Bird-L too.

Also, I think the key for me might be a lighter driver. I've always used discs over 170g...thinking heavier is better...but I don't get that much glide. I always blamed my banged up disc...

Ok, thanks for the info, gatta run for now, but maybe later we can discuss my gf's game....eep!

Greg

[RedRigmaJacket]

i think a girl who plays frisbee golf is tre' sexy, and if i were to catch that same girl drinking coffee and reading the newspaper (the front page section) at some local coffee shop, then i may have to propose right there.

[frizgolf]

i think a girl who plays frisbee golf is tre' sexy, and if i were to catch that same girl drinking coffee and reading the newspaper (the front page section) at some local coffee shop, then i may have to propose right there.
The only women I ever met who play are either taken, or live on the other side of the country.
If you can think of a way to get more women to play, the PDGA is all ears.

[RedRigmaJacket]

i see dozens (of good looking, alt girls) playing up here all the time...they even have their own division in the league.

[frizgolf]

The reason we play par three for every hole is that in the beginnings of disc golf, tee signs were rare, and courses were shorter. Keeping par differently doesn't change the score. If the par is marked on every hole, the course is, say, par 72, and you shot -14, you shot a 58. Keeping par three for every hole makes it +4. Same score, 58. It sounds better to say "under par" opposed to "over", when, really you threw the same number each way.
I've never gotten into the habit of reading tee sign par. I couldn't tell you course par for any of my favorite courses. I've been playing since about 1978. Courses were few and far between, and tee signs didn't come along for a few years. The ones that did show up were always vandalized. So we kept par 3 for every course.
Idlewild is a different animal. That course was designed so no one could shoot in the 50s (but someone did this spring, a 58). It was set up to play like ball golf, where you have to place your tee shot for a good look at an approach. My best score there has been a 73, which would be +1 for par 4s each hole. That course is well marked and maintained, but I still don't know what course par is. :o

[the happy prole]

One thing you have to be careful of is those Innova charts. You know, the ones where they have a real detailed flight path of the disc.

I used to think that was how the disc would fly. But really that's how the disc is DESIGNED to fly if you throw it right. Some of those big drivers you have to be able to throw them pretty hard with a lot of spin. Like when my friend throws his Beast, it goes fairly straight and follows the correct path. When I throw his Beast, it curves way left on me. I have the same problem with the Valkyrie.

For Innova discs, I used a Teebird-L and a Pro Starfire, which are the two straight fliers (they don't fly as far as other Innova discs in the same class). But someone like frizgolf would probably turn those over. Also, I play in the woods so I need an absolute straight path from start to finish most of the time. I can't even throw an S or a curve that starts off left or right and ends up straight.

I like the plastic and shape of discraft discs more. They just feel more "right" in my hand, but that's personal preference. I think you need one do-all disk like an Innova Roc or Discraft Hawk that you throw on every hole. Then just add the drivers and putters that feel right.

I get the heaviest approach discs and putters I can find. They're easier to throw accurately and you don't risk blowing by the hole as much. I like my drivers on the heavy side even though I'm a weak thrower-- I can toss lighter drivers farther but the extra glide tends to cause them to carry left and on my course losing 15-20 feet on a drive is worth it if it's straight as opposed to going 5 feet to the left and ending up in the trees.

[frizgolf]

There's one big difference between casual players and tournament winners. Practice methods.
I'm just now realizing this. You really can't improve a particularly troublesome shot unless you repeat it as much as possible. Have I mentioned putting? Repetition. I've spent over an hour at each of three spots, throwing the same putt again and again and again. Putting is the only thing that keeps me halfway competetive. But I never practiced any other shots except during play.
In the last 2 or 3 years, I have taken to an open field somewhere one or more nights each week, just to work on tee shots. I have many drivers, and sometimes I'll throw a stack of 12, chase 'em, come back, throw 'em again, repeat, for an hour or until my arm gets tired.
Just playing a round every time out doesn't address any problem you might be having. You could play 18 holes, and never face a situation that gives you problems. Every round, there's that one shot you want back. You know you could have done better. That's the allure of golf. There's always a better day ahead. I know dudes who win by 5 strokes, and still complain they could have done better. That's not arrogance, that's self discipline.
In your case, since you own a limited number of discs, concentrate on putting. You don't have to chase 'em as far, either. Sooner or later, you'll get tired of bending over to pick 'em up, and start canning them. :D
When you start stockpiling plastic, find an open field and tinker.

[fasteddie]

thoughts on a few different subjects -

WOMEN - YES! we love them. it would definitely be cool to see more girls out on the course, especially ones that could outdistance you on the launch. hell yeah! i tried to get my girl and her friends out but they just didnt get the vibe of the game, became bored, etc.

MY GAME - im basically a one trick pony. my second shots are pretty solid and make up for weak launches. doesnt really matter what im throwing, it usually goes dead straight ahead. which is cool on alot of courses, but i want to be able to go big when i need to. most of my launchs die about the 250-275 mark with my best launch ever hitting the chains on hole 11 at banklick(not sure of the number of the hole but its the one right before the 'hill hole' going down into the woods). i'm hit and miss on putting. somedays im deadly, somedays im dead in the water.

COURSES - ill say it again, nky\cincy golfers are truly spoiled when it comes to good courses. and idlewild is a BEAST. after playing Idlewild you'll look at the 700' hole at mt airy as a 'walk in the park'. idlewild will just screw with yr head in a major way. the majority of the shots are deep in the woods, with specific paths that you're going to have to take. AND the lengths are longer than any ive played, so you're trying to go big and keep it straight as an arrow at the same time. THEN you get a break from the woods, and all of a sudden you're looking at 1000'+ holes. the mental part of your game will get taxed by this course. and you'll hate it and love it at the same time. its great. i heard a rumor that banklick was adding\has added more holes. anyone know if that true?

frisbee love to all the disc playas of the world! keep smokin' that plastic, and burnin them chains!

[RedRigmaJacket]

frisbee love to all the disc playas of the world! keep smokin' that plastic, and burnin them chains!

we're smoking something out there. :D

[frizgolf]

i carry 5 discs, all innova except for my Discraft Flick driver - which i only throw overhand. i throw overhand about 75% of my drives...goes about 300 feet.

I used to throw 300' drives overhand, and my shoulder started hurting. It was my longest throw at the time, and I decided to concentrate on my backhand. I finally got consistently around 300' a couple years ago with the backhand, but with a few new techniques I've been approaching 400'.
Save your shoulder, learn a backhand or sidearm. I can throw a sidearm 400' once in a while, but it's real inconsistent. Gotta learn it, though, the backhand's messing up my right knee when I pivot. :(

[frizgolf]

thoughts on a few different subjects -

WOMEN - YES! we love them. it would definitely be cool to see more girls out on the course, especially ones that could outdistance you on the launch. hell yeah! i tried to get my girl and her friends out but they just didnt get the vibe of the game, became bored, etc.

MY GAME - im basically a one trick pony. my second shots are pretty solid and make up for weak launches. doesnt really matter what im throwing, it usually goes dead straight ahead. which is cool on alot of courses, but i want to be able to go big when i need to. most of my launchs die about the 250-275 mark with my best launch ever hitting the chains on hole 11 at banklick(not sure of the number of the hole but its the one right before the 'hill hole' going down into the woods). i'm hit and miss on putting. somedays im deadly, somedays im dead in the water.

COURSES - ill say it again, nky\cincy golfers are truly spoiled when it comes to good courses. and idlewild is a BEAST. after playing Idlewild you'll look at the 700' hole at mt airy as a 'walk in the park'. idlewild will just screw with yr head in a major way. the majority of the shots are deep in the woods, with specific paths that you're going to have to take. AND the lengths are longer than any ive played, so you're trying to go big and keep it straight as an arrow at the same time. THEN you get a break from the woods, and all of a sudden you're looking at 1000'+ holes. the mental part of your game will get taxed by this course. and you'll hate it and love it at the same time. its great. i heard a rumor that banklick was adding\has added more holes. anyone know if that true?

frisbee love to all the disc playas of the world! keep smokin' that plastic, and burnin them chains!
I've met women who outdrive me. Rather than be intimidated, I'll ask for tips. They dig that.
Speaking of women, here (http://www.innovadiscs.com/juliana/Grips/backhandpage.htm) is a site showing Juliana Korver's power grip. Try this in an open field. When you first try it, it could go anywhere until you get used to it. I've seen some folks take one or two fingers (pinky or pinky and ring) and press them against the palm for more control. (I've been trying out the two finger against the palm trick. Works well so far, I've just started using it since last Thursday. I'm throwing farther than ever.)
Banklick does have 24 permanent holes now. Tee pads and baskets are in.

[frizgolf]

Well, Groove, I said I'd have more to add today, and I'm feelin' gabby!
Did I mention putting? Can't emphasize it enough.
I guess you know it by now, but the putt is a bit different than the regular "frisbee" toss. It's more of a "push" than a throw.
I'll cut and paste some advice (http://www.pdga.com/msgboard/showflat.php?Board=Throwing%20Techniques&Number=226615&Searchpage=0&Main=225954&Search=true&#Post226615) I passed on to a fellow poster, screen name Nebben, at PDGA.com's message board.

Don't know if I can help much, but here goes anyways....
Nebben, I copied a stance from Dave Greenwell many years ago (he putts differently, now, but I think it's because of an injury) and I still use it today. He's a righty, and he would putt off his right foot, with his left foot behind him, directly in line with the basket. (The basket & two feet in line.) He would use his left foot as a counterbalance when he pushed his putt toward the basket. I have used this stance with much success, and I have been complimented on my consistency. When I began practicing this stance, I imagined a weight balancing on my head when I putt, much like the old book-balancing trick they teach you as a kid to improve posture. I would wait until the "weight" was balanced (no motion at all), concentrate on a chain link, then push the putt straight at the link, away from my body. Keep both feet steady until you putt, then let that left foot go where it wants to as you release. This "push" putt is an entirely different motion than a normal approach shot. I use it from about 40 feet in. Balance is essential.
What you need to do is purchase a putter that feels good in your hand. It's a lot like a musical instrument. You won't play well with it unless it feels good the first time you pick it up. Try to get a couple more copies of this putter, and go out once or twice a week to practice only putting. This is the most important part of the game, but so few really spend extra time practicing it. Putt about 150-300 times (depending on how much time you spend chasing stray putters). This practice can be monotonous, and it's not as fun as playing a round. But when you've practiced putting one night, then you play a round the next night and start canning them, it's all worth it. When you play a round, you only get to practice the putt a minimum of 18 times. If you've practiced putting a dozen dozen times, it's amazing how quickly that repetition comes back in the next round. When playing, and you're ready to putt, imagine four or five putts from your putting practice going in first, then release the real one. They will start going in.
Sorry to be so long winded, but I'm adding this for some of the other people who have posted here as well. I don't know how serious you are about your game, but golf is an intensely mental game. You can practice mental techniques as well. Many links and publications exist on this (http://www.pdga.com/index.php) website for help with the mental (and physical) game. Books, columns, discussion threads, and videos exist out there for help with mental training. A personal favorite is a book called Mental Toughness Training For Sports by Dr. James Loehr. Good stuff.
I really want you to get better. Progress comes in spurts, and some of the long lulls can be frustrating. Stick with it. I, personally, welcome any and all new competition, as it will only make my game better to play against an improved player.
Hope to see you out there somewhere, someday.

[RedRigmaJacket]

I used to throw 300' drives overhand, and my shoulder started hurting. It was my longest throw at the time, and I decided to concentrate on my backhand. I finally got consistently around 300' a couple years ago with the backhand, but with a few new techniques I've been approaching 400'.
Save your shoulder, learn a backhand or sidearm. I can throw a sidearm 400' once in a while, but it's real inconsistent. Gotta learn it, though, the backhand's messing up my right knee when I pivot. :(


friz - i'm enjoying all your advice. keep it coming.

and, yeah, i know the overhand will give out eventually, but i always stretch beforehand and lift weights during the week. so hopefully it can handle it for a while longer.

i have been throwing backhand as well and am finally getting it to 300 feet with my 175 g Eagle Driver. it's just not as accurate as the overhand...

and my putting has gotten much better just this summer...the guy i play with regularly is a great player, and he showed me how to flick my wrist a bit with my putts. and i have a lot more confidence in the 15 foot shot now.

[frizgolf]

friz - i'm enjoying all your advice. keep it coming.

Well, those who can do, and those who can't teach.
I figger if I ain't ever gonna win any damn tournaments, I might as well pass on what little knowledge I have... :D

[Groove Holmes]

Man I was so excited to get out there and play, armed with my new tips. I was going to pick up a new putter and distance driver today...but then I wrenched my back in a completely unrelated injury...

I'm worried about my disc golf future, but I'm just gonna take it slow for the next couple days.

Anyone have any advice for what seems to be a pulled muscle in the upper right hand side of my back??

In Pain,
Greg

[jcarwash31]

I'm of the opinion you should be able to make a '62 Falcon hubcap go in from inside 20 feet.

Wow!! That's what I throw. ;)

[frizgolf]

I actually prefer the smoother surface on the '57 Cameo pickup hubcap, but they're getting so hard to find!

[the happy prole]

Hey frizgolf, you gotta tip for how to develop the S shot?

I have a good turn and release and all that. I can grab a straight-flying disc and throw low lasers about 260-270, which is probably close to about as far as the best drivers on my course throw. I mean, they're more accurate than me but I do have the feel for that shot and can rip it pretty well.

If I get in the open, I can take a nice gliding disc like an eagle, throw a bit right and slightly higher, and let the glide give me some extra feet to get to close to 300.

But I can't throw that power S guys use to get to the 350' mark. If I use an overstable disc it kind of weekly flutters off to the right then takes a hard left turn. Is the idea to use the exact same turn and arm motion but move your hand so the disc is released at an angle? Whenever I do that, I can't get wrist snap or else my arm doesn't pull straight (parallel to the ground).

[Artpunchehorse]

I never would have thought this thread would have lasted over 2 posts

[Groove Holmes]

I never would have thought this thread would have lasted over 2 posts

Why's That? We were discussing Disc in another thread, so I started this one, so we could post on topic...

Don't like Disc Golf?

[Artpunchehorse]

Why's That? We were discussing Disc in another thread, so I started this one, so we could post on topic...

Don't like Disc Golf?

Don't know much about it (well, actaully nothing), I just didn't know that it had a following around Ohio

[RedRigmaJacket]

But I can't throw that power S guys use to get to the 350' mark. If I use an overstable disc it kind of weekly flutters off to the right then takes a hard left turn. Is the idea to use the exact same turn and arm motion but move your hand so the disc is released at an angle? Whenever I do that, I can't get wrist snap or else my arm doesn't pull straight (parallel to the ground).

same here. i bought this Flick 175 g and it is also very overstable. throwing it backhand is embarassing - i can't get it more than 70 feet before the thing shoots sharp left with a tilt. how do i throw a disc like this levl?

[Groove Holmes]

Don't know much about it (well, actaully nothing), I just didn't know that it had a following around Ohio

You should run, don't walk, out and play then. It's addictive as hell. I'm going a little nuts with my bad back right now, cause its beautiful here this week, albeit, a little muggy.

At any rate, I'm feeling better...by this weekend I'll be out there.

Greg

[frizgolf]

Hey frizgolf, you gotta tip for how to develop the S shot?

I have a good turn and release and all that. I can grab a straight-flying disc and throw low lasers about 260-270, which is probably close to about as far as the best drivers on my course throw. I mean, they're more accurate than me but I do have the feel for that shot and can rip it pretty well.

If I get in the open, I can take a nice gliding disc like an eagle, throw a bit right and slightly higher, and let the glide give me some extra feet to get to close to 300.

But I can't throw that power S guys use to get to the 350' mark. If I use an overstable disc it kind of weekly flutters off to the right then takes a hard left turn. Is the idea to use the exact same turn and arm motion but move your hand so the disc is released at an angle? Whenever I do that, I can't get wrist snap or else my arm doesn't pull straight (parallel to the ground).
It's a gradual process. What you need to do is generate arm speed to be able to push the disc right. I've been experimenting the last couple years with new grips and tee pad run-ups. The first thing I tried was holding the disc higher (shoulder height) as I wound up. I was holding the disc around waist height. A player in my group pointed this out to me. The arm acts as a lever, and is more effective when level, as opposed to being at a lowered angle.
I haven't had much success changing my run-up. The new methods I've tried work great in a field of grass, but are too long for most concrete tee pads.
So I've concentrated more recently on my grip. I've only been doing the new grip since last week, so the jury's still out. (I think I posted a link to Juliana Korver's site showing her power grip.) But I have noticed that I'm pulling my over stable plastic to the right more often, because I'm generating more speed. The disc spins faster, due to less finger friction on the release. Once I learn to control it, I'm gold. I have had a couple practice shots come off perfect, and they're further than I've ever thrown. I'm pumped. I can't wait to get out and try it again.
Another throwing method I want to try is pulling the disc straighter across my body. Imagine a lawn mower sitting on a picnic bench directly behing the tee. Now pull the cord to start it. You'd pull it straight towards the front of the tee. I have a more circular motion on my release, and it needs work.
All this learning still, and I've been playing over 25 years. :D

[fasteddie]

All this learning still, and I've been playing over 25 years. :D

hey friz, appreciate all of the info you're laying on us. im about to walk down to the park course (it sucks, but hey i can walk to it) and try out some new grips. hopefully get some new action on the launch. and its nice to know the info is coming from a 25 year vet! im now in my 7th year of this wonderful world o discin.

so, im heading back to Cincy in november and will be trying to hit all of the old faves. really excited about playing the new holes at banklick, seeing which hole is missing in mt airy, humbling myself at idlewild. tell me about a 18 hole 'cant miss' course that i may not know about?

[jcarwash31]

I've often wondered about grips. I have always gripped my backhand like I grip an ultimate disc, which resembles that power grip quite a bit. I have been experimenting with my forehand grip though. I have no idea how other people grip it, but I have been trying two grips.

1. Index and middle fingers underneath the disc with the pads of the fingers up, so the rim is against the side of the middle finger.

2. Only the index finger under the disc with the pad of the finger against the rim. I try to throw this one harder and try to get more distance. It feels a little more natural to me, kind of like slinging a baseball sidearm.

I still don't know which one I prefer. Does anyone else use these grips? How do you guys grip a forehand throw?

[frizgolf]

Don't expect instant success. Success is measured in steps. The first time out you may only feel like you got it right one time out of 20. The next time it'll be 3 of 20, then back to 2 of 20, then 5, 7, etc. It takes patience. Sometimes it's two steps forward, one step back. Keep plugging.
We ain't had one stolen at Mt. Airy in a while (knocks on wood). #6 was set in a larger concrete anchor.
Try Harbin park In Fairfield. It's on the end of Hunter road off Rte 127 north of I-275 just north of the Butler-Hamilton county line. It's the park with the killer sled riding hill by the big blue "coffee can" water tower. It's 18 holes now.

[RedRigmaJacket]

BTW - i'm entering my first tournament this saturday in Grand Forks, ND.

[frizgolf]

I've often wondered about grips. I have always gripped my backhand like I grip an ultimate disc, which resembles that power grip quite a bit. I have been experimenting with my forehand grip though. I have no idea how other people grip it, but I have been trying two grips.

1. Index and middle fingers underneath the disc with the pads of the fingers up, so the rim is against the side of the middle finger.

2. Only the index finger under the disc with the pad of the finger against the rim. I try to throw this one harder and try to get more distance. It feels a little more natural to me, kind of like slinging a baseball sidearm.

I still don't know which one I prefer. Does anyone else use these grips? How do you guys grip a forehand throw?
I use the first version showed on Juliana's website. Middle finger against the lip, index finger toward the middle of the disc, thumb over the top. I stand facing the target, and snap it like cracking a wet towel in the shower. It's much easier on my knees, and I'll prolly be using it if I wanna keep playing as I get older. :D

[fasteddie]

BTW - i'm entering my first tournament this saturday in Grand Forks, ND.

whooooa! very nice. good luck to ya. ive entered a few and got my ass kicked but it was a blast. so get yr smile on and have a goody.

[frizgolf]

BTW - i'm entering my first tournament this saturday in Grand Forks, ND.
The Grand Cities Championships, D tier event. This should be a good experience for your first tournament. Low entry fee, lower tier event (the top players will be in SD, MN, or IL this weekend). You should get a good feel for where your game stands with experience levels pretty much the same as yours. Good luck!

[jcarwash31]

The Grand Cities Championships
I wish they would drop that "Grand Cities" thing (not the tourney but the city). It is stupid and lame. [/mini rant]

[RedRigmaJacket]

thanks guys. i'm as anxious as a twelve year old girl picking out her first bra.

[the happy prole]

I made the switch to the powergrip last year. It takes some getting used to because there's less margin for error. The problem I had was gripping it too tight, and then overcompensating and gripping it too loose.

What I did was just walk around the house one day with a disc in my hand in the proper grip. Once your hand gets used to the feel of it then your mind stops worry about the tightness of the grip or release point. You just relax and throw and it comes out right.

I'm also pretty good about pulling it straight across my body. This is what helped me:

1) Stand up against a wall, or you can do this lying in bed on your back. Pull a disc across your chest, as near to it as possible. Do it slow and relaxed. Don't consciously curl your wrist, it should curl naturally as you pull across. You'll start to feel some tension/coil/spring to it, which is what you want.

2) When your upper arm/elbow hits the wall/bed, start extending your arm. The next thing that hits will be your lower arm/wrist. If your hand hits first, you did it wrong. Your wrist should be cocked pretty close to all the way, if not all the way when you arm is extended. Then tap the wall with a disc.

3) Do this a couple times, then speed it up a little, making sure your disc travels a completely straight line as long as possible (no curving out then in).

4) Now try NOT keeping your disc in close to your chest and touching the wall. You should notice a big difference. You actually have a lot more control and power in your wrist when you do it right and your taps will feel harder, cleaner and just generally sharper.

In reality, you are not going to throw this way in the field so don't think about it when you practice. It's not a "technique" exercise so much as it is a way to get a feel for the motion and concept. I did this about 25 times a day for a week and the results were immediate.

I think my problem is in the run-up and turn, mostly because I have too much tennis ingrained in me. I do NOT feel comfortable turning away from the basket. I also lose a lot of momentum because in tennis you always want to establish a solid, balanced base. I think in disc-golf you want to be balanced, but you want to keep that forward momentum going a bit rather than fighting against it. And I definitely throw too low, partly because I play wooded courses, but also because in tennis they say always bend your knees, stay low, and hit at waste level or lower.

The throw from shoulder height advice was awesome. I'd been thinking about that, but hadn't taken much of a stab at it. I thought the only advantage was the disc would just start higher and I'd gain a few feet of glide. I never thought about the arm being a lever and being more effective at that angle.

[frizgolf]

thanks guys. i'm as anxious as a twelve year old girl picking out her first bra.
In my last tournament, I threw like a 12 year old girl with a bra slipping down my arm. :o
Man, did I really drive 450 miles to play that badly?
Good luck in the "Grand cities."
That does sound rather Madison Avenueish. ;)
One thing to remember in tourney play, although I don't think you'll see it much in a D tier event, to keep over-anxious competitors from calling "falling putts" (following through is not allowed inside 10 meters), remember to bend over and pick up your mini after you let go of the putt and before you walk ahead to get your disc from the basket. This is a good habit to get into when putting.

[frizgolf]

BTW - i'm entering my first tournament this saturday in Grand Forks, ND.
I see your lil' green light lit next to your name, You're in the house. Tell us, how did the first day go?

[RedRigmaJacket]

um yeah - rained out...strong scattered thunderstorms reported all day and when i woke up it was pretty bad. so i decided not to make the drive...bummer.

[the happy prole]

ehh, don't worry about it.

Disc golf tournaments kinda suck. You're golfing with a bunch of people you don't know, and everyone is really serious. And you have to mark your disc and watch your feet and make sure you don't do a "falling put" or foot fault past the tee by even 1 inch, etc. etc.

It winds up taking four hours to finish a round. And no beer. Or other substance.

It's cool if you're really serious about disc golf, but it's not the kind of thing where you'd just want to "casually" enter a tournament now and again. There's nothing casual about it.

[frizgolf]

Wow. tough luck. You sounded like you were chomping at the bit to compete. We need all the fresh blood in this sport we can get. :D
I've done that a bunch of times. Wait 'til the day of the tourney and make the decision. Was the tourney rained out, or did you just decide not to go? Most tournaments will go on rain or shine. They only call it off if there's severe weather. Even storm forecasts don't stop tournaments. They'll wait 'til the day of the tourney, and only delay the start or call players off the course (if it's underway) when there's lightning. Weather's the only downside to disc golf. I cashed in a driving downpour in Somerset, KY one year. Everyone was fumbling with towels and umbrellas. I just played soaking wet and had fun like a kid playing in mud puddles.
I hope you find another tournament to get your feet wet (har!).

[frizgolf]

ehh, don't worry about it.

Disc golf tournaments kinda suck. You're golfing with a bunch of people you don't know, and everyone is really serious. And you have to mark your disc and watch your feet and make sure you don't do a "falling put" or foot fault past the tee by even 1 inch, etc. etc.

It winds up taking four hours to finish a round. And no beer. Or other substance.

It's cool if you're really serious about disc golf, but it's not the kind of thing where you'd just want to "casually" enter a tournament now and again. There's nothing casual about it.
We have a local, non-PDGA sanctioned "course challenge" series here in town about once a month. We play a different course every time, and it's relatively cheap: $5-$15, depending on which division you enter. It's played by the rules, but they're pretty casual compared to some of the pressure cooker PDGA tournaments I've been in. The Grand Cities event was a "D" tier (top tier is Super Tour, second tier "A" tier, etc.), so I'm betting it would have been a relatively casual tournament, with low entry fees. It would've been a good place to see where your game stood.
RRJ, don't give up. You'll find another.

[the happy prole]

Yeah, we have one in Richmond like that. Actually, the local disc golf chapter has a tournament every Wednesday at the same park. It's $5.00 to enter. I've never gone, but I hear it's a lot of fun and very casual and everyone is really helpful about encouraging newer players and giving tips to the less-skilled.

The brutal 4 hour round disc golf tournament I witnessed was Tier C (Battlefield Open). I really want to go out and play The Grange sometime. It's only about 20 minutes away from Richmond and that's where the Virginia Open is played.

btw, I practiced throwing with my arm higher and found that it not only forced me to use more wrist and less arm but I also stopped throwing those stupid high hyzers everytime I tried to throw hard. It fixed a bunch of things wrong with my motion that I never realized. I found that I was stopping and planting a bit, then uncoiling and that was hurting my distance so it helped stopped that too.

I've definitely added a bunch of extra feet to my drive. Only problem I have now is sometimes I open up to early and shoot it off to the right. Even then it ends up being a really good drive, just way off line. If I make sure to concentrate on taking that last step forward instead of stepping to the side, it fixes that.

Disc feels completely different off my hand (in a good way) so I just have to adjust to that as well, but the extra distance is pretty dramatic. I'm outdriving my friends by 20 or so feet now, and I can generate enough speed to throw my friend's Beast without a horrible fade-- something none of us could do before. A little more oomph and a little more consistency and I think I'll have definitely have stepped up a level on my drives.

[RedRigmaJacket]

ugh...i played terrible today! probably the worst i've played all summer. bleh.

but yesterday i got to play fargo's new 9 holer. it's been under riverwater for over a month and two weeks, and i finally got to give it a try...had to skip 2 holes because of mud, but it was definitely more of a skill course - weird angles, hidden baskets, and fun doglegs.

i never found out what happened at the grand forks tourney.

[Groove Holmes]

I finally got a chance to play again. Although, I haven't picked up any new discs yet. I saw the Champion Valkyrie, and Champion Beast are both only $12 on Amazon, but it doesn't look like you can select and exact weight.

Where is the best place to buy discs online, anyone know? I mean, at the courses here, it's at least $18 for the same discs...although you at least get to see the color and weight you're buying.

So we played a 6 person, 3 on a team, tourney on Saturday, and I finished 8 strokes ahead of the closest player. When we finished, a friend of mine, couldn't believe he was 14 strokes behind me. He just can't seem to grasp how that one stroke a hole difference adds up. I played kind of crappy, and he had a great round for him though. Not that I'm overly competive with my friends, but its frustrating that he thinks he's with me, when he's never cracked 70.

Anyway, Yesterday, I played an all par three course, and the disc was just flying so smooth...I finished 7 under, had 8 birds and an eagle, near miss on two holes for aces...but I blew three other putts, and one came out of the basket on me...otherwise, my best round ever.

I guess I need to hurt my back more often. I wish I could play with you guys though, maybe I could pick up a few things...

[the happy prole]

I use discfly.com, but there's a lot of good places online. Most will let you specify a weight and color range online, but if you call them up they'll tell you exactly what's avaialable.

Be careful with the champion plastics. They do last longer, but most of them are more overstable than the regular plastic and they have a more slippery feel as well. One of the reasons I don't like Innova is that their regular plastic sucks, and they don't tell you that the premium plastic will differ in flight. It makes a big difference.

[Groove Holmes]

Yah...I've never used Innova discs yet...but it seems like they are the standard...

But I agree...I'm skeptical about making a change. The rim on the Champion Orc that I saw today was so thick, and shallow...I didn't like the feel of it at all...I just saw it sitting on a fairway, so I checked it out, I've yet to check out a Valkyrie...I know I want a flimsy rubbery putter with some give to it...

The first day I ever went out, a few years ago, I grabbed a Purple Tie Die Pro Style Maximum Range Driver #2 Hook, thats about 175g. Its still the only disc I've ever played with, with the slight exception of a novelty disc my friend made me, that Has Wimpy on it, dubbed the "Medium Rare Driver".

I really love the feel of my ProStyle...but I know I need a better disc for distance...oh the humanity.

[fasteddie]

hey grooveholmes - good to see your back is letting you get back on the courses...your mention of your first day of golf reminded me of a question that i've never really figured out....

so my first day on the course i bought an orange Cheetah that weighed 166g. now the discs i use are usually 172g. i dont really judge by weight, i go more for the feel. and when im stony i buy the discs that look cool. but anyway, is there a guideline on when a disc is too light? like, will u get a different type of launch with a 166 as compared to a 175?

[frizgolf]

Disc feels completely different off my hand (in a good way) so I just have to adjust to that as well, but the extra distance is pretty dramatic. I'm outdriving my friends by 20 or so feet now, and I can generate enough speed to throw my friend's Beast without a horrible fade-- something none of us could do before. A little more oomph and a little more consistency and I think I'll have definitely have stepped up a level on my drives.
Yep, I picked up about 20 feet instantly last year when I made this adjustment. Now I'm working on the power grip, and I'm pinning holes I never reached before. :cool:

[frizgolf]

Where is the best place to buy discs online, anyone know? I mean, at the courses here, it's at least $18 for the same discs...although you at least get to see the color and weight you're buying.

I guess I need to hurt my back more often. I wish I could play with you guys though, maybe I could pick up a few things...
I'm lucky. I've always been able to see the disc I wanna buy first. I bought my first Midnight Flyers (about 25 years ago) from a dude out of his house. He had a frisbee nailed on the door. Just walk up and knock, and he'd sell ya one. Then Disc World opened up about 2 miles away from me when the new discs started coming out, but they've gotten away from discs sales lately. Dan at Disc'n'Dat http://www.discndatonline.com/ has a helluva selection nowadays. I'm the local club VP, so I get a club discount. :D They should have a good weight and color selection to choose from.

It's kinda funny how you play better after an injury, eh? Maybe you're concentrating more on your form.

[frizgolf]

Yah...I've never used Innova discs yet...but it seems like they are the standard...

I really love the feel of my ProStyle...but I know I need a better disc for distance...oh the humanity.
Try Innova's Pro Line plastic. It's not as good in headwind as Champion plastic, but it's kinda grippy, and flies straighter than the Champion plastic. I suggest a Valkyrie (straight flight, maybe a little turnover) or a Beast (great glide, fades at the end). Or you could try Millenium's JLS (good in the wind, pretty much same characteristics as Innova's Valkyrie.) Millenium plastic feels grippy, as well, but doesn't fly as far as some Innova discs, IMO. The JLS stays in my bag because it's deadly accurate. Great for woods shots.

[wasylycia]

man, i caught this thread waaayyy too late :(

thanks for the shout out friz!
discndatonline.com

and we can pretty much order anything that's not on there too.
cuz we're cool like that.

[Groove Holmes]

I'm curious about how you guys are about playing the spot of where the disc landed. Can you step from where it landed, or put your front foot behind the spot? Can you side step trees, or even take a step as your launching? Do you have to remain stationary?

And putting? Strict? Just curious. I stay honest and play it as it lies...but I notice a lot of players improving their shots.

Just curious since I don't play tourney's. Whats accepted for tourney's and whats acceptable for casual play?

Finally...How about shots that land in trees, or wedged in rocks or trees, etc.

Thanks for any answers

Greg

[frizgolf]

hey grooveholmes - good to see your back is letting you get back on the courses...your mention of your first day of golf reminded me of a question that i've never really figured out....

so my first day on the course i bought an orange Cheetah that weighed 166g. now the discs i use are usually 172g. i dont really judge by weight, i go more for the feel. and when im stony i buy the discs that look cool. but anyway, is there a guideline on when a disc is too light? like, will u get a different type of launch with a 166 as compared to a 175?
Lighter plastic is better for inexperienced players, although a buddy of mine still prefers it. The biggest difference with weight will be in wind. The heavier the plastic, the better it behaves in wind conditions, especially headwind.
I only recently started throwing discs weighing in the 170s, having learned a couple new distance techniques. More spin makes the disc turn over, and heavier plastic combats that. I threw mid 160s for years.
If you're just getting your game ramped up, you may even want to look into the 150 class discs out there. They weigh 150 grams or less. With tailwind or no wind, you'll get a hell of a glide as your game is advancing from the "one disc only" phase. Once you experience different flight characteristics, you can try bumping up the weight a few months from now, or next year. It ain't gonna come all at once, but every once in a while you have a "moment" of discovery. Sometimes it's two steps forward, one step back.

[fasteddie]

I'm curious about how you guys are about playing the spot of where the disc landed. Can you step from where it landed, or put your front foot behind the spot? Can you side step trees, or even take a step as your launching? Do you have to remain stationary?

And putting? Strict? Just curious. I stay honest and play it as it lies...but I notice a lot of players improving their shots.

Greg

well disc golf is always casual rules to me, but i think the accepted casual rules are...u put your front foot behind where yr disc landed. we play it pretty stationary, but if someone has a chance to get crafty and wing himself out of some bad situation we dont mind if he leans and chucks it in one motion. we also give folks the option to lose a stroke and bring it out to the edge of the fairway if theyre in such dense woods thats its going to ruin their entire game. if someone gets wedged in trees or whatevah we just try to get the disc as soon as possible and let em throw without penalty. for the tourney info, i dunno, the only tourneys i played in were laid back affairs.

[frizgolf]

I'm curious about how you guys are about playing the spot of where the disc landed. Can you step from where it landed, or put your front foot behind the spot? Can you side step trees, or even take a step as your launching? Do you have to remain stationary?

And putting? Strict? Just curious. I stay honest and play it as it lies...but I notice a lot of players improving their shots.

Just curious since I don't play tourney's. Whats accepted for tourney's and whats acceptable for casual play?

Finally...How about shots that land in trees, or wedged in rocks or trees, etc.

Thanks for any answers

Greg
You can tell a lot about a person's character by the way he plays golf.
If you know it's wrong, and do it anyway ("I notice a lot of players improving their shots"), you're not improving your game.
In tournament play, we use a mini "marker" disc- about the size of a Big Gulp lid. Put the mini in front of your lie directly in line with the basket. Then you release as your foot steps within the 11" behind the mini. 11" is roughly the diameter of an average golf disc. You can follow through after release anywhere outside 10 meters (about 30 feet) from the basket. If you follow through inside 10 meters in a tournament, you can be called for a "falling putt." When putting, I make it a habit to bend over and grab the mini after release. This habit will help improve balance when putting.
As far as stance, sometimes you need to step out to one side or the other to throw. The rules are clear here: both feet need to be behind an imaginary line perpendicular to the basket. Imagine a line coming from the basket to your mini, and a perpendicular line to that passing through your mini forming a capital "T". You have to stay above the "T" with both feet. One foot (actually, the rule reads "supporting point"- it can become necessary to kneel at times. The knee becomes the supporting point.) must be in the 11" directly behind the mini; the other foot can be anywhere above the "T", except out-of-bounds. Run as far as you want, stand any way you want, as long as one supporting point is in the 11" behind the marker mini as you release. The top of the "T" in this illustration is actually an arc representing a portion of a circle passing through the marker, with the basket at the center of the circle. (This gives you about an inch or so when putting- smaller circle.)
One note: at least in the master division, when we're throwing a wide open fairway approach shot, we're not too concerned about the foot landing directly behind the mini. In a run up on a long approach shot, 9 times out of 10 you're going to step off one side or the other from the mini. Just don't step three feet to the side of it every time. Some pros can be anal, though. The ones who call you on it are playing classic golf mind games on you. Try not to let these types bother you, or thank them for pointing it out, and ask for tips. Their reaction will tell you what kind of player they are. ;) As long as you're not trying to take advantage, you should be fine.
A rule was changed a couple years ago to speed up play in tournaments. You can now choose to throw (or putt) from the 11" area behind the unmoved previous throw (leave the disc where it landed), rather than marking with a mini. This was done to speed up "drop in" putts, where the 11" difference made hardly any change in the putt. (I'm a master- 40+ division. We're notoriously slow. :D ) But this also gives you an option when you're buried deep in a bush, or behind a tree. The extra 11" can give you a better look.
Most casual players don't carry minis yet. I've seen these players "flip" the disc to play the lie. As long as everyone in the group's cool with it, especially in casual play, it's no big deal. Most casual rounds are about the comeraderie anyway, and it plays faster that way.

[frizgolf]

Tree shots: for as long as I can remember, the rule was a one stroke penalty for anything above two meters (about 6'-6"), and you played from directly below the disc. The rule is rumored to be gone next year. You'll still have to play from a spot directly under the disc, but the stroke penalty will be gone. It hasn't been written into the rules yet, but this year tournament directors have been given the option whether or not to use it. The tourneys I've been in this year still used the two meter penalty rule. Below two meters, mark the lie directly below the disc, and play without penalty. If the playing surface directly below the disc is inside the tree or other solid object (wall, outhouse, or something) mark the lie immediately behind the tree or object (as close as you can stand) on a line from the basket through where the disc landed- straight back. This move back doesn't cost you a stroke. You only stroke for two meters above ground.
As for being wedged in rocks, take the best of the two options of either marking the lie, or leaving the previously thrown disc, and read the "T" definition from the previous post. If no stance is possible, you can declare "unsafe lie" and move straight back 5 meters, with a one stroke penalty. If a safe lie is impossible in 5 meters, a two stroke penalty will buy you a lie anywhere in the fairway no closer to the hole than the original unsafe lie.
Whew! I had to whip out the rule book on that one!
Good questions. Keep 'em coming, I need to brush up on the rules. ;)

[frizgolf]

Bumpity bump.

How are those golf games coming along?
I'm playing in a local two day tournament next weekend, and I'm psyched. Played in a weekly thing Tuesday, and won the Am at Mt. Airy. $6 entry, won $20 worth of plastic. I'm playing Am next weekend for the first time. I've been playing pro for years, and getting my ass handed to me. I'm gonna back off and play for plastic.
2005 Flying Pig Open, Mt. Airy and Harbin park. Linky. (http://www.cincinnatidiscgolf.com/)

[indigobunting]

Being an avid disc golfer for a few years now I have enjoyed my fair share of rounds. I mostly play in Oxford. They have a beautiful course there. Also Hueston woods has a six hole course (little known) that's kinda fun. I missed the flying pig last year and was definetly bummed about it. This year my excuse is the price. $63 for male open. That's expensive. I probably won't be there. They had better shirts/logo last year. This one is kinda hokie. Maybe next year. I'm getting better all the time and have played at least weekly. I lost my best disc last week. An innovia "beast". Quite a bit lighter than all my other ones. It flew unbelievable. I could throw it 100yrds. My friend and I practise at a local school football field to gauge our distance. I'll miss that disc. I haven't lost a disc in a long time but this one landed in a big ass thorn/sticker bush patch. I can see it but I'm not going in there.

[frizgolf]

Indigo, you missed a good time. Hope you can make it next year.
I finished first in Am Masters by 8 strokes. I moved down from Pro Masters, where I had been playing for 13 years. (The game's gone a little south lately.) Had I played Pro Master with the same score, I'd have finished 8th, out of the money.
Good times! Despite gloomy forecasts yesterday, not a drop of rain could be found. I'm redder than a damn tomato. :D

[jcarwash31]

BUMP, because it's spring.

I played my first round of the year today. I shot a 30, 3 over, on 9 holes. I missed some putts I should have made, but I made a really nice putt on the 9th hole for birdie to end the round. I got a reaction from the people waiting at the tee box.

For some of you more serious players, here (www.dgscore.com (http://www.dgscore.com)) is a website that you can track your scores with and manage your discs and bags. I'm playing around with it right now.

[grayedMatter]

I played my first round about a week ago at Mt. Airy. What a disgrace! I played so lousy, that I stopped keeping score after hole 5. I figured, "I'm rusty, it's the first play of the season, so no big deal." I started to play much much better on the last four holes (15-18).

All I use is 1 disc, a long range driver (gazelle, I think), and it works for me.

[RedRigmaJacket]

sniff...with all 3 courses in FM under water, i'll have to drive to detroit lakes or fergus falls to play...sniff.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/RedRigmaJacket/100_0305.jpg

[jcarwash31]

sniff...with all 3 courses in FM under water, i'll have to drive to detroit lakes or fergus falls to play...sniff.
That sucks. I've played the DL course a few times. It's 9 holes, no big holes, elevation changes - it goes up and down and around one big hill, a lot of mature trees with some tight fairways. It's more of a finesse course. I would say it's a pretty good course, but if you are going to drive out there you will want to play it at least 2 times.

One time when I was playing there some guy asked me what time it was and then he told me that he had played the course 9 times and he told me when he started. It took him around an hour. He was throwing and then running. I couldn't believe it.

[RedRigmaJacket]

That sucks. I've played the DL course a few times. It's 9 holes, no big holes, elevation changes - it goes up and down and around one big hill, a lot of mature trees with some tight fairways. It's more of a finesse course. I would say it's a pretty good course, but if you are going to drive out there you will want to play it at least 2 times.

One time when I was playing there some guy asked me what time it was and then he told me that he had played the course 9 times and he told me when he started. It took him around an hour. He was throwing and then running. I couldn't believe it.


yeah - i've played this course about 4 times...i'm not that big of a fan. my older brother is coming back up in may, and i was planning on playing a lot with him. it's either that or see a lot of movies... :rolleyes: ...so i think we'll drive to fergus falls, or i'll look up some more in the area east of the red river.

josh, i'm trying to move to minneapolis in the next few months. so be prepared to play if i make it there.

[frizgolf]

Ooooh!
I just gots me some o' that new Star plastic from Innova last night.
It feels like it just wants to jump outta my hand.
Can't wait to throw it tomorrow night!

[jcarwash31]

So I have a gift certificate to use on a new disc, but I don't know what disc I should get. I have 3 drivers; Leopard, Tee-Bird, and Champion Eagle, a mid-range disc, a putter, and a roller disc that I haven't figured out how to utilize yet. I really like my Leopard, I feel like I can put it almost anywhere, but it is a bit beat up. I am thinking of just replacing that one and using the old one in situations involving possible tree contact. Any thoughts? Recommendations?

[grayedMatter]

Is it necessary to have that many different discs? I mean, I've played with people who carry a whole bag full of different range discs and I use just 1, the long range driver, and I can play just as good , if not better. The way I see it , if you adjust your toss on approaching or putting, you're golden. Of course, this means absolutely nothing , if you have no aim or don't know how to control the throw.

If it really is that much better, I may invest in a few more different range discs, but I honestly don't think I need to.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

[RedRigmaJacket]

Is it necessary to have that many different discs? I mean, I've played with people who carry a whole bag full of different range discs and I use just 1, the long range driver, and I can play just as good , if not better. The way I see it , if you adjust your toss on approaching or putting, you're golden. Of course, this means absolutely nothing , if you have no aim or don't know how to control the throw.

If it really is that much better, I may invest in a few more different range discs, but I honestly don't think I need to.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

i once thought like this....i carry five discs, but i highly reccommend carrying a driver and a putter. i think a putter is key.

[jcarwash31]

Is it necessary to have that many different discs? I mean, I've played with people who carry a whole bag full of different range discs and I use just 1, the long range driver, and I can play just as good , if not better. The way I see it , if you adjust your toss on approaching or putting, you're golden. Of course, this means absolutely nothing , if you have no aim or don't know how to control the throw.

If it really is that much better, I may invest in a few more different range discs, but I honestly don't think I need to.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?
I know that with my Leopard vs. my Tee-Bird, I can throw them the same way and my Leopard will stay straighter, so if I need more fade at the end of my throw to get around some obstacles I can throw the Tee-Bird. Simple, I don't have to adjust my throw to get more action and I don't compromise any distance. My mid-range disc I use as an all-purpose disc for short distances and any "creative" shots I need to take, since it behaves more like a traditional disc. The roller disc I bought purely for fun. I still haven't thrown my Eagle enough to know when to use it effectively.

[grayedMatter]

So, by adding a putter to my one weapon arsenal should improve my game?

The differences between the discs and their respective ranges are only shape and weight right? Anyone have any suggestions on what putter to get?

[frizgolf]

If you can find any old stock Discraft APX swirls, stock up on 'em. Damn good putters. I just switched from an old style putter I'd been using for 20 years, and I wonder why I hadn't tried them before.
Most folks use Aviars. Good approach and putt plastic. They stay straight; you don't need that fade when you're putting.

[RascalMJ]

I love my rhino beyond words

[frizgolf]

I love my rhino beyond words
Tried it for putting... too much fade. Damn good approach disc, though.

[RedRigmaJacket]

I love my rhino beyond words

this is what i have.

[RedRigmaJacket]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/RedRigmaJacket/discs.jpg

clockwise from top right:

172 innova rhino - putter
173 discraft flick (i can only throw this overhand) - overstable driver
165 innova eagle - driver
175 innova eagle - driver

i guess i only have 4 discs left from last season...i'm a itchin to play!

[frizgolf]

Dude, you've been playing in some mud!

[jcarwash31]

Does anyone throw any rollers? I've always been intrigued by rollers.

[frizgolf]

Does anyone throw any rollers? I've always been intrigued by rollers.
Can't do a lot 'cuz it's so hilly and wooded on all the courses around here.
They're fun, though. If you crack one right, you'll get more distance than you can imagine. Hit it wrong, though, and it'll get you in trouble. Get out on a soccer field somewhere and try 'em.

[jcarwash31]

Can't do a lot 'cuz it's so hilly and wooded on all the courses around here.
They're fun, though. If you crack one right, you'll get more distance than you can imagine. Hit it wrong, though, and it'll get you in trouble. Get out on a soccer field somewhere and try 'em.
I've given them a try a handful of times, but don't know if I am going about it the right way. What kind of grip do you use and how do you release it?

[the_birds]

Don't forget to score and smoke lots of Hydro beforehand, Hippies

We always considered Frisbee Golf back in the day, but elected to keep doing tricks instead. Gotta love freestyle tricks, what better a sport than you can do well, without ever having to put down your beer or cocktail. Or even making your beer part of the trick. Saying that, I bet I could do rather well at Frisbee Golf without ever putting down my beer.

[frizgolf]

I've given them a try a handful of times, but don't know if I am going about it the right way. What kind of grip do you use and how do you release it?
It's basically the same grip for me, just a different approach on the tee. I come across the tee at an angle and pull it over the top a little. I try to land the disc about 1/3 of the way down the fairway and let the disc land about 60 degrees from the ground. It'll stand up and loop around. My best roller is a Champion Valkyrie, but an Eagle should work pretty well, too. Some guys use older, beat up discs, and fly 'em out about halfway down the fairway. An older disc needs to hit the ground a little closer to 45 degrees. Find a flat field, and play around. This kind of open field practice is every bit as important as playing a round.

[frizgolf]

Don't forget to score and smoke lots of Hydro beforehand, Hippies

We always considered Frisbee Golf back in the day, but elected to keep doing tricks instead. Gotta love freestyle tricks, what better a sport than you can do well, without ever having to put down your beer or cocktail. Or even making your beer part of the trick. Saying that, I bet I could do rather well at Frisbee Golf without ever putting down my beer.
Ah, the old hippie stigma. :D The good players take it rather seriously. ;)

[the happy prole]

This is what I got in my bag right now:

Discraft Avenger-X For hard left turn holes. Also if I'm in an open field and I'm trying (and failing) to get maximum distance.

Discraft Tracker-X as my main driver. Use it on probably 50% of holes

XL-X Pretty much replaced by Tracker but sometimes I just feel all XL

Teebird-L- Also pretty much replaced by Tracker but I'm trying to learn to throw hyzer flips with it (and practicing and beating it up for rollers).

Xpress- Right hand turns (and also practice for hyzer flips and learning rollers)

MRV-X Basic midrange and short driver. Most of the holes on the course I play are around 250 so I use this as a driver most of the time.

Wizard- Putt and approach

So yeah, I got 6 discs and use three for 90% of my shots.

Retired from last season: Classic Roc, Pro Starfire, Aviar.

Last weekend I went out and my friend threw his drive around 300' on this hole, about as far as any of us have ever gone (there's a bit of uphill and a constant draft that takes away a bit of distance). We were all like "Wow, great drive." Then I stepped up and threw a laser 30-40 feet past his disc. I was as shocked as everyone else. I've been working on my drives and have been extending my distance bit by bit but nothing like that. It just came out of nowhere. Parked it 20 feet away from the hole and almost missed birdie I was so mindblown.

So I went out and played the next day, was way too excited and throwing to hard and hit every tree on the course. Lost 8 strokes from the day before :D

[frizgolf]

I am liking Innova's new Star plastic! I got five star discs this week: Valkyrie, Sidewinder, Beast, Wraith and Stingray. Also bought a Discraft Squall, which put a long-absent true right turn disc in my bag.
I've been liking the Pro plastic from Innova, too. The Star is less stable than the Pro. I really like the feel of this Star plastic. Pick it up, and it damn near pulls itself out of your hand.
I'm playing great so far this year. The knee feels fine. Just needed some warm weather.

[the happy prole]

The Star is less stable than the Pro. I really like the feel of this Star plastic.

Really?!? Wow. I hate the Innova Champion plastic, but Pro is pretty decent. I figured the Star would be even more overstable than Champion but it's actually less stable than Pro?

I may have to buy some. Maybe I could actually handle a Wraith.

[frizgolf]

The Star Valkyrie stayed straight, and the Sidewinder turned slightly right. The Beast is still stable, but not as much as the Pro. Same with the Wraith. Wraith will always finish with a fade. You can turn the Star plastic over a little easier. I'ma figger out this distance thing this year.

[jcarwash31]

It's basically the same grip for me, just a different approach on the tee. I come across the tee at an angle and pull it over the top a little. I try to land the disc about 1/3 of the way down the fairway and let the disc land about 60 degrees from the ground. It'll stand up and loop around. My best roller is a Champion Valkyrie, but an Eagle should work pretty well, too. Some guys use older, beat up discs, and fly 'em out about halfway down the fairway. An older disc needs to hit the ground a little closer to 45 degrees. Find a flat field, and play around. This kind of open field practice is every bit as important as playing a round.
Thanks. That's kind of how I pictured it.

[frizgolf]

Thanks. That's kind of how I pictured it.
This guy (http://www.discgolfreview.com/resources/articles/distancesecrets.shtml) has more information than you'll ever have time to read. ;)
You should find videos, pictures, Q&A... anything you need to know about standard throws and "trick" throws alike.
Here (http://www.discgolfreview.com/resources/articles/throwingrollers.shtml) is an article on that site specifically dealing with rollers.

[RedRigmaJacket]

i played in a tournament today... I shot -8, and am currently in like 7th place overall. Not bad for my 2nd time out this season. :)

But, the cool thing is that they did longest drive contests on 2 holes, and I'm currently in 1st on one of them! Only 306 feet, but it's riddled with trees. We'll see if it holds up...there's 2 more hours of tourney time.

[RedRigmaJacket]

Hey - I won that long distance shot! They called me up and handed me an envelope with two gift certificates:

$10 for Buffalo Wild Wings
$25 to Gecko's Grill & Bar

And I ended up coming in 5th overall, they said.


Oh, for fun.[/Fargo accent]

[Lidja]

I've been bugging people to take me to play frisbee golf for a while now...

how does one venture out to disc golf on ones own?

Or.. what should a beginner know?

[frizgolf]

Yow! I won!
Played in the Advanced Master division (12 divisions in the tournament), and won it handily. Next closest was 15 strokes behind me. WooHoo!

Lidja, it's a great little sport to get out and exercise on your own. All you need to know that you throw from behind, and up to, your previous lie. Take a frisbee or golf disc you're comfortable throwing, and when you're standing on the 1st tee, act like your frisbee tossing buddy is standing out in front of you, and toss it there. You then play forward again towards the target, throwing the next time from behind where it landed. The front edge of the disc (where it landed) is like a foul line in the bowling alley. That's the line your foot, on the next throw, shouldn't cross until after you've let go. That's the biggest difference in the bowling analogy. You're allowed to step across this "foul line" after you let go (except when you're within 10 meters of the target- the putting zone. You aren't supposed to follow through when you're close to the target).
Don't be afraid to try it alone. If you see someone with a bag full of golf discs, ask to play along, or ask for some pointers. They love to be helpful to newbies.
It's a game as simple as throwing rocks. You're tossing something towards a target. Follow typical golf etiquette. Don't throw at others (duh), furthest away from the target throws first, and don't make sudden, loud noise around other players.

[Lidja]

Thanks, friz. I hope my lack of coordination doesn't spoil the game so bad :p

[frizgolf]

Thanks, friz. I hope my lack of coordination doesn't spoil the game so bad :p
That's the beauty of it. No one cares what you look like, or how you're throwing. Disc golfers are overjoyed just to see a new player out there trying.

[RedRigmaJacket]

friz - congrats on that win! that's huge!

[jcarwash31]

Congrats, Friz and RRJ!

I made the longest shot I have ever made on friday night. I hit a tree on my drive so I had a long approach shot from about 180'-200'. It was dark out too, so I could barely see the basket. I put my shot up and I knew it was a great shot as I watched the disc disappear in the darkness...then...CHING! I couldn't believe it.

Edit: It was on this hole (http://www.playdg.com/rosland/?h=9). I hit the first tree on the right and the disc went back and to the left.

[frizgolf]

Thanks!
I'm high as a spike hyzer right now.
Just gotta keep it up all year.

[frizgolf]

RRJ, sounds like a good weekend for you, as well.

[RedRigmaJacket]

Congrats, Friz and RRJ!

I made the longest shot I have ever made on friday night. I hit a tree on my drive so I had a long approach shot from about 180'-200'. It was dark out too, so I could barely see the basket. I put my shot up and I knew it was a great shot as I watched the disc disappear in the darkness...then...CHING! I couldn't believe it.

Edit: It was on this hole (http://www.playdg.com/rosland/?h=9). I hit the first tree on the right and the disc went back and to the left.

thanks...and nice shot yourself...that's a sweet website, too.

[frizgolf]

Cool little article (http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060504/LIFE/605040616/1076/Local) in a local community paper. This was shot about a month ago at Boone Woods disc golf course near Burlington, KY. The pic caption is all the way at the bottom of the page.

[RedRigmaJacket]

Cool little article (http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060504/LIFE/605040616/1076/Local) in a local community paper. This was shot about a month ago at Boone Woods disc golf course near Burlington, KY. The pic caption is all the way at the bottom of the page.


that's really cool...but kind of a poorly-written article, don't you think?

[frizgolf]

Yeah, I had a little trouble getting through some fits and starts with the writing, but the terms, discs, courses, and links at the bottom make up for it.
I'm throwing my Pro Beast in that picture. I remember that shot. Had a drive land 20 feet from the pin without a chance at a putt. The pin is well guarded.

[RedRigmaJacket]

I played in Winona, MN, yesterday. Here are some pics...first the map, and then some shots of my friend Mike with the buttes in the background. The last one is an aerial shot of the course down below...This was a beautiful course - new tee markers, new baskets, and an amazing atmosphere to look at:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/RedRigmaJacket/bigwinonamap.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/RedRigmaJacket/littlewinonamap.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/RedRigmaJacket/mike.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/RedRigmaJacket/mike2.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a43/RedRigmaJacket/lake1.jpg

[jcarwash31]

What were you doing in Winona? I've been there a few times for their Halloween ultimate tournament (HalloWinona), but I never played the disc golf course.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/jcarwash31/frisbee/HalloWinona23.jpg

[RedRigmaJacket]

my girlfriend is going to Winona State U next year for her MA, and we went down to find her a place to live. cool place!

[fasteddie]

I'm throwing my Pro Beast in that picture. I remember that shot. Had a drive land 20 feet from the pin without a chance at a putt. The pin is well guarded.

god bless the disc golf!

you guys have got me jonesin to play today.

was that pic taken at boone woods? i figured that course would've been ran over by condo-ists by now. and that article did get one thing right - Idlewild is humbling. at least for me anyway.

[frizgolf]

god bless the disc golf!

you guys have got me jonesin to play today.

was that pic taken at boone woods? i figured that course would've been ran over by condo-ists by now. and that article did get one thing right - Idlewild is humbling. at least for me anyway.
Boone Woods; 10th tee.

[RedRigmaJacket]

I found this game (http://www.kontraband.com/show/show.asp?ID=968&NEXTID=0&PREVID=992&DISPLAYORDER=20031106000008&CAT=games&NSFW=0&page=23&genre=0&rating=nsfw_sfw) last week. I love it!