Date of Birth and Where?
08/14/1994 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
How did you get into Disc Golf and when?
I was in a Dick’s back in Wisconsin and bought my first disc, a yellow DX Beast. This was when I was a Junior in high school in 2011. After I got that first disc I spent a good portion of my summers playing our local course Valley View.
Why did you get competitive and when did that trigger?
Me and my pals would go out with one or two discs, no putters, and play an entire round. It wasn’t until I moved out to Washington that I really started understanding all of the intricacies of the game and started approaching it like a competitive sport. What did it for me was the fact that I was consistently getting beat by all the guys I played with. Back in WI, all my friends learned it together and I am a pretty quick learner so it was easy to be the best. That was certainly not the case once I started playing with people who took the game a lot more seriously. This competition is what drove me to try to elevate my game.
Most memorable tournament to date?
My most memorable has to be my first MA1 win. It was at my new home course, NSRA, and I was down by 2 going into the final round. After the third hole of the final round I realized I left my go to driver somewhere on the course and I would have to play the rest of the round without it. I ended up throwing my personal best with no bogeys to win the tournament. That win gave me the confidence to approach every round like I can win.
Most memorable non-tournament round to date?
My three round last year at Milo McIver for the Beaver State Fling. Not only was the course absolutely perfect for disc golf but there was such a variety of different lines and shot that were required that really made me approach the game differently. It was also extremely cool to be able to compare my rounds to the rounds of the best disc golfers in the world.
What part of your game do you feel best about?
Scrambling. I often find myself in less than ideal situations off of the drive but I find that more often than not I am able to come up with an extraordinary shot that will get me out of trouble and save par.
Least favorite part of your game?
Backhand tunnel shots. Something about not being able to size up the gap I need to hit while running up to my shot is so tough for me. I have a hard time trusting my game and committing to the line and I generally miss the tunnel. It helps me practice my scramble game though so I take it in stride.
Dream Sponsor?
It’s hard to compete with Grippt…. but I would say Innova or Discmania.
Okay dream round, who are the other 3 players on your card and what course?
The three guys I would want to play with would have to be Simon, Paul, and Barsby. I think Simon and I would be good friends, Paul is just a freak and I would love to play a round with somebody of that talent level, and Barsby just seems like one of the best dudes you could ever play a round with.
The course I would pick would be where they play the WACO NT event. That course looks like the best combination of wooded and tree shots and I would love the chance to play it with the pros. Otherwise, it would be awesome to see those guys out at my home course, NSRA.
Advice to new players?
Don’t get caught up with all the different molds and plastics of discs. Find a disc that you like throwing and get to know that disc. Also, make sure you aren’t throwing too much disc for your skill level. It’s hard not to want to throw what you see your favorite players throwing but it will be better for your game to play inside your skills. Also, never forget that you play disc golf to have fun. Even when things aren’t going your way, there is nothing else you would want to spend your time doing than throwing discs with your pals and that is what it is all about.
Advice to people better than you?
Stay hungry.
MMM…. ……. How about some Either OR?
You can have a salary of $45K, free travel by train, free stays at Motel 6, paid entry fee to as many tournaments as you want? OR Unlimited cash flow, live in a RV to tour and play disc golf all the time but you can never enter a Tournament?
Option number 2. I don’t need to play to get tournament wins or fame. I play because it is fun and nothing sounds better than traveling the country/world in an RV and playing disc golf nonstop.
Beer and Pizza? OR Whiskey and Steak?
Beer and pizza.
Do you run it or play it safe?
Run it.
Roller? Or Thumber?
Tomahawk. Still working on the roller and thumbers just feel funny.
40oz? OR Boxed Wine?
40!!!