November 2018

Debbie Scott is a professional disc golfer who lives in Charlotte, NC. Debbie is on the Innova Disc Golf Ambassador team since 2013, a member of the Throw Pink Team, sponsored by Paragon Disc Golf, United Chains Disc Golf team member, sponsored by the Rock at Stonewall and a Ladies First Disc Golf Sparkle Sister. In her hometown of Charlotte, NC Debbie hosts the Charlotte Disc Golf Ladies League. Not only does Debbie play disc golf with the ladies in her area, she also teaches disc golf to children at the Carolina Bible camp, and is a lifeguard at the Charlotte YMCA! Always doing good things for others, Ladies First Disc Golf wanted to recognize Debbie by asking her to be the 2018 November Lady of the Month, read more here:

When and where did you first play disc golf?

I first learned how to play disc golf at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall of 1995.

What are your top 3 courses to play in North Carolina?

Glenburnie Park in New Bern, NC

Glenburnie Park Photo Courtesy DG Course Review

Castle Hayne near Wilmington

Castle Hayne photo courtesy: Disc Golf Course Review

NC & Ashe County Park in West Jefferson, NC

Ashe County Park photo courtesy: Disc Golf Course Review

What is your ideal breakfast the morning of a disc golf tournament?

Protein shake with banana & peanut butter

What event do you look forward to most each year?

Magnolia Open (all Women’s event at the IDGC complex)

Your career has many accolades including some notable moments as an amateur player. During your first year of competing in 2010 you were crowned the Intermediate Women’s Champion at the USWDGC. Also in 2012 you placed 2nd in Advanced Women in the PDGA Amateur World Championships. Being a pro player since 2013 what advice would you give to an amatuer female player who is looking to eventually compete in the professional division?

Move up when you’re ready. Everyone’s tipping point is different. Don’t be pressured to move too soon.

If you could have an official beverage of disc golf, what would it be?

Body Armor

What do you putt with?

DX Colt

Throw Pink DX Colt

Best tip for playing in warm and humid conditions?

Stay in the shade as much as possible, drink plenty of water, slow down

What disc would you most recommend for a new player?

Innova Shark

Your whole family plays disc golf, what a great family activity! How do you keep kids interested in disc golf as they are growing up?

They had to be with us, but I never pushed it on them. Sometimes Christian just played with the rocks and sticks, and that was perfectly fine. They eventually wanted to do what we were doing. Christian was literally side-arming from the jogger stroller before he could walk! Now at 12, he out drives me!!

Erin Oakley is one of the most recognizable forces of the growth of women’s disc golf, she plays disc golf in any weather and loves winter disc golf. She is a member of Team Innova, Luna Disc, Disc 2 Basket and a Ladies First Disc Golf Sparkle Sister. Erin has hosted prominent women’s disc golf tournaments such as Disc Girls Gone Wild and the 2018 United States Women’s Disc Golf Championships. Weather doesn’t stop Erin from enjoying her favorite hobby disc golf. Read Erin’s tips if you are playing disc golf for the first time in snow, cold and winter conditions.

There is No Off Season for Disc Golf

Many disc golfers may refer to the winter months as the “off season”. While I may not be competing much in the winter, I don’t refer to any months as “off season”. I will normally play disc golf in any weather and I especially love winter disc golf golf as it actually helps me tune in my game. Winter disc golf in Michigan is often cold, wet and snowy. These conditions require me to bundle up in extra layers and thick boots which help me remember to slow my movements down and focus on what really counts, the flow and follow through. Using these tools in the winter really helps my game in the nicer weather because I keep the flow simple.

Going into my 19th season of disc golf and also having the maternal instincts, I am always prepared for any weather conditions. Here are some of the things I have learned over the years in being able to enjoy throwing in all kinds of weather.

Clothing

When playing winter disc golf be sure to layer up in loose layers. I usually have one layer close to the skin, such as Nike or Under Armor tights. These tights were made to keep the body heat in. I will then layer up with at least one loose fitting long sleeve shirt and a sweatshirt over that. Keep the loose layers on actually helps keep that body heat in. If it is extreme cold, I will add a thin wind breaker or rain jacket over top which will block the wind from going through the other layers and makes you extra toasty. It is always better to wear more than you think you need so if you do get warm you can take a layer off. It is much harder to add layers later than take one off.

Foot Gear

I have multiple pairs of wool socks and I love them! I wear those with my waterproof socks over top of the wool socks with my waterproof boots. Waterproof foot gear is the best way to go when playing winter disc golf. There is nothing worse than have wet and cold feet. Even if there is no snow or water on the ground, the waterproof socks act like the wind breaker, they help hold the heat in. Avoid standing around on cement as this will make your feet colder when you are waiting to play winter disc golf. As a TD, if I have to run a tournament in cold weather, I will bring a small piece of carpet or rug to stand on in the shelter where tournament central is.

Hands

Mittens, not gloves! I will only use mittens in winter with hand warmers inside. Gloves will always leave my fingers cold, even if I have hand warmers in them. Using mittens will keep all the heat in the same space. They are also easier to put on and take off your throwing hand. And speaking of hand warmers, I read a tip online a couple winters ago on how to keep them going for longer to save on buying so many. When you are done with your round, place your hand warmers in a zip lock baggie and press out all the air so it is airtight. This will make them go dormant. I’ve left mine in the baggie for a week at a time and used them again the following week. They are just as hot as when you put them in there! Amazing!

Towels

Glittery Towels Dry Discs Better

Place your extra towels in a large zip lock baggie. This will keep the extras dry if it is snowing or raining. I only have 1-2 out at a time to make them last as long as possible through the round.

Rain Gear

Rain gear is not only for the rain! As I mentioned above, a rain jacket can help keep the heat in! Rain gear is not as thick as a winter coat or snow pants. I have a rain jacket and pants that I wear in the winter to stay dry from the snow and or rain.

My last tip is to use a canteen/metal style water bottle and put warm water in there. If you have a nice bottle, your drink won’t freeze up on you while you are out in the cold. Stay hydrated in the cold months too as this is just as important as staying hydrated in the summer!

Hope you all enjoy your winter discing!

–Erin Oakley

PDGA #17643

Month: November 2018

November 2018 Lady of the Month: Debbie Scott