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Lady of the Month July 2016: Sara Nicholson Disc Golf Promoter Extraordinaire, Nature, Music and Animal Lover!

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Ladies First

Did you learn to play disc golf in a National Park? Tell us more…

I played my very first round of disc golf with my brother in Easley, South Carolina. He bought me

my first discs, an Innova Aviar, and JK Valkyrie. I honestly don’t remember enjoying that first

round I played with my brother and his friends. They were throwing further and better than me

and being the competitive person that I am it was incredibly frustrating. I am, however, forever

grateful to my brother for those first discs that changed my life. I use that first frustrating

experience now to encourage new players to stick with it, letting them know that we’ve all been

there.

After that first round in South Carolina, it wasn’t until I started working in Yellowstone National

Park and playing with the other employees on the Mammoth, Canyon, and Old Faithful courses

that I got hooked on the game. At first, it started just as a way to get away from the guests in the

evenings, have a couple of beers, and relax. Then it became a healthy obsession, playing disc

golf is all I wanted to do. I joined the PDGA from Yellowstone National Park in August of 2007

and still remember the excitement of receiving my first disc golf magazine and membership

package. I traded my member disc for a water pump, but such is life living in a national park.

You are a co-founder of Throw Pink, can you give us the basics of the Throw Pink

program? Who can run one, how and why should everyone run a Throw Pink event?

I founded Throw Pink in 2013 after running my 3rd Magnolia Open event in Appling, GA. At The

Magnolia Open each year we pick a charity and raise money for it during the event. This

tradition started with Karolyn O’Cull and Addie Strozier, who started The Magnolia Open in

2009. I took it over in 2011 and ran it for five years before moving to Washington.

Photo credit: Kimberly Pruden

My first tournament running experience was with the Columbia Disc Golf Club in South Carolina. I

helped create and run Throwing for Tomorrow, a charity event that helped the Dickerson

Children’s Advocacy Center. I went to the University of South Carolina and majored in

Psychology with the dream and hope to make a difference in this world. When I got out of

school, I worked at a battered women’s shelter before joining Americorps. Throw Pink is a way

for me to combine my passion for giving back and making a difference with my love of disc golf.

Throw Pink is a non-profit with the mission of encouraging women and girls to get out and be

more physically active through the game of disc golf. The program was established to make a

difference to women’s health related charities by raising money through fun disc golf initiatives.

Anyone can run a Throw Pink event. It is fun, easy, and your community will thank you for it. If

anyone would like more information, please email me at [email protected].

Imagine this: You are playing a 3 round tournament, you can have a song played on

your first hole of each round, what 3 songs would you choose?

These music questions are the hardest ones in this interview. Picking a song is like picking my

favorite cat, impossible. In the interest of not prolonging my answers any longer, I’m going to

sidestep this question entirely without picking three. I will say that during the 2012 USWDGC,

the year I won Advanced Women’s, the Brandi Carlile album, Bear Creek, had just been

released, and I listened to it throughout the competition. I don’t listen to music anymore when I

play, but now that I’m thinking about it, I haven’t won anything since I stopped listening to music.

I just discovered something about my game here. Thank you, Ladies First Disc Golf!

Fill in the blank with one word– disc golf is _______ ?

Disc Golf is Life

What is your favorite Grateful Dead song?

I love the Grateful Dead. I always have thought I was born in the wrong generation. I’ve been

listening to The Beatles, Dead, Joplin, Hendrix, Dylan, etc…since my early teens. I can’t pick a

favorite. I just can’t do it. I will say these days I’m more into the ballads, Stella Blue, Must Have

Been the Roses, Ship of Fools, He’s Gone, Attics of my life…

I honestly love every Grateful Dead song, so it’s impossible to pick.

Franklin’s Tower, Sugaree, Mama Tried, Dire Wolf, Monkey and the Engineer, and China Cat Sunflower are in my top 10 for sure

In my early 20s I would have listed the Dark Star > Drums> Not Fade Away > Going down the Road >Drums blah, blah, blah…

but I just can’t take a 45-minute jam session these days, I’m over it. Maybe it is music A.D.D. either

way, finish the song already. I’m sure I’ll get a lot of snubbed noses from Deadheads for that last

statement, but I don’t care. I bet I have more books, live show cassette tapes (yeah I just dated

myself), and CD’s than a lot of those people who are snubbing their noses at me:)

Your career has provided opportunities to travel to many of the states for events. What

states will you be traveling to in 2016 for disc golf?

I will not be traveling as much this year as I have in the past, but I will be playing my favorite

event, USWDGC in Maine and The Chick Flick in North Plains, OR. The Chick Flick has been

on my disc golf bucket list since it started and this year will be my first year I can make it. The

USWDGC will always hold a special place in my heart. It was my first big event in 2008 that

helped start my love for competitions.

You played a large part in making the Women’s Global Event in 2016 a successful

event for women all around the world. 2016 saw it’s participation numbers rise to new levels

with 1400+ ladies competing, what number would you expect to see for the 2018

Women’s Global Event?

I expect to see the Women’s Global Event growing steadily every year in participation numbers.

The WGE is groundbreaking in its approach to increasing women’s involvement in disc golf. I

played in Chuck Kennedy’s event, the first Global ratings event in 2011 before we started the

WGE and what inspired the creation of the WGE. I remember that first feeling of how cool it was

to see my score on a long list of women from other states and countries.

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

Ha! Tough question. I love beer and like trying new beer so I would hate to limit myself to one.

The obvious choice is Bevel Craft Brewing started by two Disc Golf World Champions, and they

have a good IPA!

What state or country would you like to travel to most, that you have not yet visited?

Australia, Ireland, and Scotland have always been at the top of my must visit places, as far as

disc golf courses go, I would love to play:

Järva Disc Golf Park in Stockholm, Sweden

Oak Grove Park in Pasadena, Los Angeles County, California,

Ashe County Park in Jefferson, NC

Blue Ribbon Pines in Minneapolis, MN

Maple Hill in Leicester, MA.

You are a PDGA consultant, member of the PDGA women’s committee and former

PDGA membership manager, therefore you have been highly involved with all things

PDGA for quite sometime. In your opinion why should a person become a PDGA

member or renew their PDGA membership?

Photo credit: Leah Taylor

This one has always been a tough one for me even during my five years as the PDGA

Memberships Manager. I believe in supporting what you love. I joined the PDGA before I even

knew about tournaments, $10 discounts, and player ratings. For me, it was about being part of

an organization that was supporting the growth of the game. I have a JFK “ask not what your

country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” mentality. Those passionate

words paired with good parenting and growing up in the church where giving back was instilled

in me, makes supporting what you love a clear choice. I started freestyling (I’m terrible) a few

years ago and immediately joined the FPA, started playing Ultimate I’m joining USA Ultimate. It

just makes sense to me.

With that said, to break it down for the “what’s in it for me” crowd. The PDGA is the governing

body and as their numbers grow the recognition of disc golf as a legitimate sport will increase.

The PDGA does more than just enforcing rules and sanctioning events. The organization has

been incredibly supportive of the growth of the women’s game through the Women’s Global

Event, PDGA Women’s Committee, Innovation Grant Program, and October’s breast cancer

initiative, to name a few. As Dan “Stork” Roddick PDGA # 3 recently said for an article on the

PDGA website, “All we can do is continue the push to introduce this amazing sport to more and

more people. And we will. We ALWAYS will.” As a member of the organization, you are part of

the driving force behind disc golf growth. I look forward to the day that I meet PDGA number

1,999,999, and I get to think how low my PDGA number is at 33589. If you don’t like the

organization, and you don’t agree with their approach to the game, I say that’s, even more of a

reason to join. If you don’t like it, do something about it. Become a member so you can vote in

elections, run for the Board of Directors and make the change you want to see in the

organization.

Save

Lady of the Month June 2016 Kim McVicar a.k.a. Lady Bug

Posted on June 23, 2016 by Ladies First

When was the first time you heard about disc golf?

The first time I heard about disc golf was from my daughter Gina, her new boyfriend (who is now her husband) played disc golf and she thought it was something I would like.

When did you first start playing disc golf?

I threw my very first disc at Token Creek, in Madison, WI the end of August 2009. I was living and working in Madison, WI at the time. I leased a parking spot and the guy (Jason Humphrey) who worked there started talking about this sport called disc golf. My mind goes “hey Gina mentioned this sport to me”. I fell in love with the sport from my very first not so good throw.

It’s never too late to start playing, right?

That’s right Jenny I was 54 when I threw my first disc.

You are one of the most stylish golfers we know, always looking sharp, and vibrant, what is your favorite gear to play disc golf in?

A smile 🙂

What is your most memorable disc golf vacation?

Hands down the 2011 Disc Golf Cruise, yes friends there was such an event.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to start playing disc golf, or who just started and is new to the game?

Don’t get discouraged and remember to always, always have FUN!

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

DOTS of course!

What are your top 3 favorite courses in Wisconsin?

Token Creek
Rolling Ridge
Sandy point

Kim and Tom at Sandy Point Disc Golf Ranch and Resort.

If you could have a tee off song for the first round of a big event, what song would you choose?

This Girls is on Fire

What is your favorite recipe to make for others?

Chili

You turned 60 recently (Happy Birthday) do you have any disc golf goals for your 60th year on this earth?

To win Senior Grandmasters at AM Worlds this year.

Save

Lady of the Month April 2016: Liz Carr-Sypien

Posted on April 19, 2016 by Ladies First

How did you find out about disc golf?

I was working at a pizza place and all the guys went out to play and didn’t invite me so I went out the next day, bought my own discs and practiced my butt off so I would be able to beat those guys!

We did a little PDGA stalking (cause what good disc golf addict doesn’t) and looking back at your ratings history you had a pretty high rating at the beginning of your career. Did you play casually before playing tournaments or is it natural talent and understanding of how disc fly?

I only played casually for a few months before trying my first tournament. I was instantly addicted to the competition (I finished last), the new friendships and the whole inviting atmosphere that I found. I took practice to the extreme and would go out several times a day until I couldn’t throw anymore.

What are your top 3 favorite courses you have played in the United States?

Flip City, Shelby, MI – the course that taught me how to be a golfer and showed me the supportive network that disc golf embodies.

De Laveaga, Santa Cruz, CA – challenging and beautiful with a rich history.

Any Course, Any Town, USA – I find beauty in any course I’m on. I love seeing new shots and I believe that any and every course has the ability to teach a golfer new things.

“They” say little girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice. Is it fairly accurate to say that most disc golf girls are made of beer and cheer and have nothing to fear?

Haha! I can definitely attest to the strong community of disc golf sisters. With all of our combined support and encouragement, we can be a part of fearlessly growing our divisions.

Speaking of beer, if you had to choose an official beer of disc golf what would you choose?

I’d go for one of the huge companies like Budweiser. The bigger endorsements the better for the game! I might not drink much of it though.

If someone were to travel to Michigan for a disc golf road trip, what are your 3 must play courses in the Mitten (Michigan)?

Flip City, Shelby, MI – a true disc golf experience where you can see and feel the love that is disc golf.
Mason County Parks, Beauty, Beast and Goliath, Ludington, MI – all the golf you can take with lots of elevation changes and views of Lake Michigan.
Toboggan, Milford, MI – extreme golf, long, challenging and a workout!

Will the Detroit Lions ever win the Super Bowl?

Probably not in my lifetime. But I don’t want to say never!

If Discraft said you could only play with 3 discs for the rest of your career on their team, which 3 discs would you choose?

Soft APX-a reliable putter

Buzz- the best mid range on the market

Crank- a driver that can handle almost any weather condition.

How is Scratch?

She is a little jealous of her human sister but she is learning that the baby is always a good place to find snacks!

You are a young disc golf mamma:) Any advice for expecting mothers in regard to playing while pregnant? Any additional advice for mom’s who play disc golf?

Playing pregnant was tough. Sometimes just walking was a challenge but I kept reading articles about how important exercise is while pregnant so what better outlet than disc golf? I played until I felt I could no longer (about 9 months) and had an easy delivery that I attribute to the regular exercise. I would never have been able to golf so much during my pregnancy, or even now, without the unending support and encouragement from my husband.

Lady of the Month March 2016: Julie Ferdella

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Ladies First

When did you first become aware of the sport of disc golf? When did you first start playing?

I first became aware of disc golf roughly in 2002. I used to walk around Maple Hill and Pyramids in my hometown of Leicester Massachusetts and watch friends play. I had not, however, seen another female throw so even as a seasoned athlete I was tentative to try. I picked up my first disc nearly 10 years later in November 2011, and it changed the course of my entire life.

As a physical education teacher what are your favorite activities to teach?

Of course I love to teach disc golf, but I also focus a lot on Team Building and Project Adventure activities. I feel this generation is slowly losing the abilities to communicate effectively, respect one another and cope with negative emotions. I try to incorporate lots activities that foster teamwork, cooperation, problem solving and critical thinking.

What are your 3 favorite courses?

Maple Hill, Leicester MA

Holler in the Hills, Brownsville KY

Hunt’s Mean 18, Rindge NH

What food is your guilty pleasure?

Papa Gino’s extra cheese pizza

You are involved in a very active team event that goes all winter in the New England area, can you explain the format and give us a basics of how the New England Team Challenge works?

I will try my best to give you the Cliff’s Notes. 🙂 New England Team Challenge will be finishing its 11th season on April 9. It has grown exponentially in recent years and now the league includes 36 teams though 4 pools (A, B, C, D). Typically teams consist of 18-20 men and 1-3 women. Teams travel throughout New England and New York to compete once per month from October through April. The home team is responsible for providing a lunch & beer spread for the visiting team. Each challenge consists of two rounds; first round is singles match play (a la Player’s Cup) and second round is doubles stroke play. A win in match play is worth one point, and in the event of a push (tie), each team earns .5 point. A win in doubles stroke play is worth two points, and all ties must be played off until there is a winner. Finals takes place every year on the second Saturday of April. Each Pool has a final event that determines which teams will advance to the higher Pool next season (or determine an A Pool Champion), and teams who do not qualify are automatically relegated to the next lowest Pool.

All of this fun, winter season New England golf could not be possible without all of the countless volunteer hours by Commissioners, Team Captains and the dedicated disc golfers who play in 3+ feet of snow, freezing cold, wind, and other unimaginably miserable conditions in which we suit up and march into battle with smiles on our faces. It is so special to be part of this and I am forever grateful.

What was your first disc that you fell in love with?

Discraft Buzzz because it was the first disc I could actually throw straight.

If you could have a tee off song for the beginning of each round in a 3 round tournament what would your first round tee off song, second round tee off song, and final 9 tee off song?

1 Incubus – Make Yourself

2 The Used – Box Full Of Sharp Objects

3 Bush – Machinehead

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

Heady Topper by The Alchemist

What disc golf events are you looking forward to the most in 2016?

I am most looking forward to the first New England Women’s Tournament Series in 2016. It is a series of women’s only tournaments throughout New England & New York with an aim to continue growing women’s participation in our area. We hope this may also encourage membership into our local organization, the New England Flying disc Association (NEFA) and the PDGA. The two events in this series I am most excited for are the Women’s Global Event at Maple Hill and the USWDGC in Sabattus ME.

What advice do you have for a female who may know about disc golf but hasn’t got up the nerve to try it out yet?

The number one advice I have is to play with other women. Sure you can play with your boyfriend and his buddies, but that will more likely be discouraging than encouraging. Women are most often unable to replicate what the guys can do on the course. Sure they can help us with parts of our game, but the learning really happens when playing with and watching women.

Don’t know any women who play? Locate a women’s league. Don’t have a women’s league? Start one. Build it and they will come.

Ladies First Lady of the Month February 2016: Rebekah Kersey

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Ladies First

How did you discover disc golf?
When I was first introduced I was still an avid softball player. I went out one summer day with a group of friends that I worked with and I was terrible. Usually I can try almost any sport and be halfway decent so it really drove me nuts that I wasn’t very good. It hooked me though and made me want to get better and in the meantime I fell in love with the game, being outside and one with nature, the social aspect, the competition, and the community.

Backhand, Forehand or Both?
4 years ago… forehand. Now, both, definitely. I like having the option depending on the layout of the hole, the wind, etc.

How many disc golf tournaments did you play in 2015?
17 PDGA, 1 Southern National, and about a dozen local club tournaments.

You are the 2014 Rookie of the Year, was that a goal of yours or something that was coincidental to the number of events you played?
It was never a goal of mine from the get go. Only once I knew I was in contention did I make the push to get the title… which involved a LOT of traveling and tournaments.

Since the Rams are no longer the NFL team for St. Louis, would you consider becoming a Green Bay Packer fan? If not Green Bay, which NFL team will you cheer for?
I have no problem cheering on the PACKERS (Go Pack Go!) especially since my good friend it a HUGE fan however I really have been following the Seattle Seahawks for the last few years since the Rams weren’t that great anyway.

Are there any States or tournaments you haven’t played before that you are considering playing in 2016?
I realllllly want to got to Manitowoc this year for the Silver Cup around my birthday. I have never been that far up north for disc golf.

Photo courtesy of Silver Cup Pro Tour Website http://silvercupdiscgolf.com/

If you could have a spirit animal, which animal would you choose?
So I didn’t really know how to answer without just throwing something out a random for no good reason so I instead when online and found a quiz… ha. Apparently I am a deer. Surprisingly the description was spot on however…

Which are your top 3 favorite courses?
Camden 2 in Iowa, Waterworks in Kansas City, Prides Creek in Indiana

What is your favorite color?
Black followed by teal and purple

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

Hmm well I love IPAs and I love me some Val Doss so I would choose her and Nate’s Understable IPA.

Photo from Bill Wilbur Wallis Facebook Page

How to make friends on the disc golf course

Posted on January 11, 2016 by Ladies First

I don’t know about you, but I have big goals for my disc golf game in 2016.

Increasing my player rating, playing the Wisconsin Disc Golf Tour, competing at Am Worlds, and having lots of fun of course!

Whether you have performance or competitive goals, or you just want to get out to some new courses this year, it’s not going to magically happen on its own.

In my experience I have found that the single biggest predictor of achieving any goal (disc golf-related or not) is the level of accountability and support I have.

When I first wanted to start playing disc golf regularly a few years ago, I was new in town and didn’t know anybody. I was really self-conscious about going to the course alone. I felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb on the course as I was oftentimes the only woman and a beginner to boot. I didn’t want to hold anyone up or be ‘judged’ by the more experienced players. Consequently my rounds were few and far between.

My playing frequency, skill, experience, and overall enjoyment of the game increased exponentially after I joined the Disc On! Ladies League (DOLLs), started playing tournaments with my new friends from league, and after meeting my boyfriend, traveling around to different courses each weekend with him and his friends.

I have learned so much from playing with other people (most of them better than me): proper throwing form and technique, disc flight paths, how to adjust your strategy based on the weather, selecting the proper disc for the shot, course etiquette and rules, and how to stay in the game mentally when you are having a bad round, just to name a few.

So if you’re looking to up-level your game and want someone to join you out on the course, where can you find them? Making friends can be hard at any age. Here are a few tried and tested sources from my own experience and from some of my fellow disc golfers:

Online. Disc golfers are very active online, from Facebook groups and exchange boards to Instagram accounts and more. A simple search should turn up a lot of options. The PDGA website is also an underutilized gold mine – the member database makes it easy to search for players in your area and local coordinators.

On the course. If you catch up to a group and the offer to let you play through, ask if you can join their group! Single ladies, the odds are especially in your favor 🙂 Helping someone search for a lost disc is also an easy icebreaker.

Local shop owners. If you’re fortunate to have a disc golf shop near you, the owners/employees are a great resource. They will know all about local leagues, tournaments, and course regulars to whom they’d be happy to introduce you. Plus you can strike up a conversation with the other shop customers.

Leagues. Many courses host weekly league play and are a great way to meet a lot of people in an organized setting. There are a range of options, from non-competitive women’s leagues like DOLLs, all the way up to PDGA sanctioned leagues that count toward your player rating.

Tournaments. When I was new to the sport, the idea of playing in a tournament sounded very intimidating. Luckily I was encouraged/lovingly peer-pressured into signing up for a tournament by other DOLLs members and found out that I loved it! There are multiple divisions to choose from so you are competing against players of your same gender and skill level, and you can meet people from all over the state. I’ve had the most fun at all-women tournaments like the Women’s Global Event and the Wisco Disco.

Does the idea of striking up a conversation with a stranger make you cringe? Me too, most of the time. But if there’s one thing that I’ve learned over the past couple years, it’s that disc golfers are some of the friendliest and most generous people around. Even though it’s an individual sport, there is so much camaraderie. The great thing about disc golf is that you can play with people of all skill levels and still have a good time. You’re in good company.

And finally, once you’ve found your new disc golf friends, don’t forget to pay it forward! If you come across a solo player on the course, invite them to join you. Talk to someone you haven’t met before at a tournament or the new guy or gal at league. Put up a post in your local Facebook group inviting anyone to join you for your next round. And grow the sport by inviting your non-disc golfing friends too!

What are your 2016 disc golf goals, and who is going to help you reach them?

About the author:

Casey Pennington, PDGA #74708 started playing “frisbee” golf over ten years ago when she began organizing tournaments on a homemade course at her annual family reunion. (She has since graduated to real discs and metal baskets.)

Most days you can find her taking a break from her consulting business (www.caseypennington.com) at one of the courses in Sheboygan. On weekends she loves to travel around Wisconsin for tournaments and casual rounds with friends, rain or shine or snow!

Lady of the Month December: Barrett White Wizard of the Woods…

Posted on December 22, 2015 by Ladies First

1.) Your fixation with Frisbees started not with disc golf but with ultimate Frisbee. In what year did you start playing Ultimate Frisbee? What year did you start playing disc golf?

Fall of 1986 for ultimate & late 1999 for disc golf. Technically, my sister and I used to throw a Wham-O Frisbee in our back yard for hours on end when we were pre-junior high.

2.) What are 3 simple things a new player can do on the course to improve their game?

Most of the things I would recommend to a new player to improve their game are off the course activities: play catch; throw all your discs in a big open field with different angles so you know what they do naturally, before you try to steer them; and on the course, relax & give yourself a break. We are playing disc golf, usually in lovely places, so relaxing and enjoying the round usually leads to more fun than putting pressure on oneself.

3.) Who is your favorite movie star from the 1980’s?

So many. I loved the Brat Pack – Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Charlie Sheen…

and Matthew Broderick as Ferris Bueller was the smart aleck’s smart aleck.

4.) You have found yourself in a few “final 9” rounds that determine the winner of a multi-round tournament, these rounds often have a gallery and a little added pressure. What do you like to do before the start of those rounds to relax and take your mind off of those 9 holes?

I love to play a good game of catch – where I can run around a bit. I also like to hang a bit with friends I might not have seen as much during actual tournament play. I find listening to music helps, and will usually throw on some Bad Religion, Green Day, Rise Against, etc. If there is a ton of time, I try and see some of the other women’s divisions if they are still playing; there are a lot of terrific women out there on the course these days 🙂

5.) Are you a wizard? We understand if you can’t reveal this information. However based on some of the lines your throw and putts you make, we can see that you are magical.

If I am, I have yet to find my magical superpower (not for lack of trying). Though (to dork out for a second), I tend to be more of a ranger than a magic user in RPG adventures.
Sorry to disappoint, but spending 20 years throwing to a moving target through moving defenders (and being obsessive about ultimate), as well as 50-50-50 warm up drills is more to credit for that than any wizardry. (50-50-50 was where we partnered up and had to complete 50 consecutive throws of forehand, backhand and overhead. A drop or mis-throw reset the count to zero.)

6.) Whether you are a wizard or not, who is your favorite wizard?

Gandalf

7.) If Discraft said you could only play with 3 discs, which 3 discs would you choose?

Z 150 Flick,Glo Buzz, 150 ESP Avenger (though I would add my Crank as disc 4).

8.) If you could have an official beer of disc golf, what beer would that be?

Piece Brewery Dark & Curvy Dunkelweiss piece

9.) If you could choose any fictional character as your doubles partner, who would you choose?

It is a close race between Ender Wiggin and Aragorn, son of Arathorn.

10.) We (Ladies First Disc Golf) are grateful for you, and your kind soul. Who in disc golf are you thankful for?

So many people, from whom I have learned so much. Amy Dubrioullet-Cooper, for starting me on this crazy adventure in disc golf; Nancy and Mike Glass for their constant support and encouragement, as well as all of my teammates on the many teams I played on; Elliot Fu and Jordan Halpern for always being willing to throw with me;

Lisa Warner for befriending me when I was a new golfer; Des Reading, Juliana Korver, and Elaine King for being so amazing / inspirational / encouraging when I first started, and for blazing the trail for all of us following in their footsteps; Erin Oakley, Val Jenkins, and Jenny San Filippo, and so many other women who are constantly bringing more women into the game and doing all they can to encourage the growth of the women’s game; and finally, all the women with whom it has been my privilege to throw plastic.

Also, Discraft has been an amazing sponsor for me since 2003 – their plastic has been so consistent for me that it has allowed me to constantly improve my game. Pandamonium has been keeping me looking sharp since 2014.

Lady of the Month November: Val Doss World Champion Disc Golfer and Super Human

Posted on November 12, 2015 by Ladies First

Your parents introduced you to disc golf, at what age did you begin playing? How many total years have you played competitively?

My parents started playing in the mid-80s, and so I grew up in the sport. My parents loved the sport and loved traveling to play. My brother Avery was about 8 when they started playing, so he got into it right away. My parents also got really involved with our local course and eventually became the local caretakers, so this meant I also spent a lot of time at the course as a kid. I played a little when I was young but I wasn’t hooked on it. I always said, that it was something my parents did, so I didn’t think it was cool at the time.

I started playing tournaments when I was 15 and won my first event I played in. I made it to my first Am Worlds in Nashville that same year. I played Juniors 15 and under, and won. From that year on I’ve been playing competitively

You are a member of the Innova Women’s team. If Innova said that you could only play with 3 discs from now until eternity, which 3 would you choose?

A Teebird, an Aviar, and a Pulsar- that’s their ultimate disc… that would be sad if I couldn’t ever throw a Frisbee again

Often players get nervous before a tournament starts, and sometime it holds them back from playing. Do you get nervous before an event starts? Any tips on shaking the nerves?

I don’t get nervous anymore, but I definitely still get anxious right before my first tee shot of an important round. They’re two different things right? I think it’s good to have the butterflies because that means you’re doing something worth it. The best thing to do to cope is focus on your routine and go through the motions that you practiced to get to that point. Usually after that first throw, or that first hole, I feel like I’m on track and calm down a bit

Lots of disc golf ladies (and guys) look up to you, as you are a kind, friendly and a very talented disc golfer, who do you look up to?

Awww, Thanks 🙂 My mom has been my biggest female role model.

I can’t hide how much I am like her in so many ways; She’s passionate, compassionate, creative, stubborn, and full of life.

Her and my dad have been so supportive of me no matter what path I’ve chosen in life. They’re amazing people, if I do say so myself.

If you could have a tee off song, for your first hole of a tournament what song would you choose?

We actually get to choose our tee-off song during the Glass Blown Open, and it was hilarious hearing everyone’s choices. At first, I had picked a song I liked at the moment I filled out my registration; which was “Shake it off” by Taylor Swift. So, you tee off in less than 30 seconds and so I teed off with her singing “I got nothing in my brain, that’s what people say!” So in the final round, they asked my song and I left it up to them to choose. I stepped up to the tee and they cued up Eye of the Tiger. I had my best round of the tournament after that, such a solid song to keep you going!

If you could have an official beer of disc golf what would you choose?

Any beer brewed by Nate Doss! 🙂 I love IPAs, it’s gotta be hoppy in all aspects, aroma, flavor, and aftertaste. Nate and I are planning to open our own brewery, and of course, it will be disc golf themed. We hope whatever we brew will be the official beer of disc golf and we can give back to the sport that made us who we are.

In early 2015 you did a series on yoga stretches for disc golf, any thoughts on doing a yoga for disc golf video? Do you practice yoga while on the road?

There’s a reason I did it all in pictures, I’m no yoga instructor. I did it because it’s been such a great routine to add to my life and helped all my trouble areas from disc golf; back, hips, shoulders.

I try to keep up with it everyday but I always stretch the mornings of tournament rounds. I carry my older yoga mat with me, and it’s come in so handy! I’m able to pull it out and stretch anywhere not worrying about the itchy grass or dirty cement, I’m laying on.

Sweet or savory? What is your weakness when it comes to treats?

Savory. I love cooking. I love the cooking shows. I love making up recipes. I love eating at awesome restaurants along our travels and I’ll try anything

Difficult weather conditions are part of the game if you had to choose, would you rather play in a rain but somewhat warm conditions, or wind but very cold?

Bring on the rain! I think it was last year that felt cursed because in all large tournaments it rained, and I mean poured! If you play tournaments, I highly recommended investing in a solid rain jacket and pants. It’s an investment that is so worth it when you need it.

We know that milkshakes bring all the boys to the yard, how can disc golf bring all the girls to the park?

Haha! Now I’ve got that song in my head..

While there are still relatively small numbers of women competing, there were a lot less when I started. Its great to see more women out there playing, especially in women’s leagues and women’s tournaments. These women-only disc golf events are the perfect tool to get more ladies playing because they’re run by women who want more ladies to play! Once they new players have fun playing and relationships are made, that’s what keeps them coming back.

I run DiscGolf4Women.com and that was my hope to connect ladies from around the world who find themselves the only ones at the course. We want to be that encouraging place to go to ask questions, voice their concerns, and learn from other ladies in the sport.

I am also the Chair of the PDGA Women’s Committee who are “dedicated to attract encourage and retain female participation in organized disc golf events”. Our biggest accomplishment was spearheaded the women’s disc golf movement by creating the Women’s Global Event in 2012. This is a blanketed tournament consisting of women’s events run around the world on one day. This is a great chance for local areas to run their first women’s event to be a part of something bigger, and a great first tournament for ladies to play in. Keep an eye out for the official date announcement for the 2016 Women’s Global Event on www.pdga.com or on our Facebook Page @PDGAwomen.

Lady of the Month October: Katrina Kozar, disc golfer and MasterChef contestant

Posted on October 19, 2015 by Ladies First

You’ve probably been trying to master cooking longer than disc golf, how long have you been playing disc golf?

My first round in September 1999 at South Park of Wood County parks next to Lake Wazeecha in Wisconsin Rapids. I was a freshman in Stevens Point, WI and met a guy in my songwriting class and he asked me to go with him. It was fun!

Your tournament career has slowed down from your early years in disc golf, but we know there are a few tournaments you play each year. How do you determine which disc golf tournaments you will play each year?

It sure has slowed down. Truthfully, it’s all about the people

It’s not about the game anymore, it’s reconnecting with people from a sport that I made great friendships with.

I try to play Silver Cup (Manitowoc, WI), Prairie Open (Kenosha, WI), and MXG (Milwaukee, WI).

Since being on MasterChef has tested your skills and taught you to perform under pressure, have you been able to translate this to making difficult shots, or risky putts in disc golf tournaments?

The biggest struggle with my game and with cooking under pressure, is my head. When I know I am “on” and not overthinking everything, I perform much better. I have been trying to let things go and not be so hard on myself. I just think that is life too.

What is your favorite tool for the kitchen and what is your favorite tool for the disc golf course?

My favorite tool is a spoon. People forget to taste their food while you are making it. If you following a recipe, taste what you making. There needs to be a balance in your food. It might need more salt, acid, heat, sweetness, spice etc… My favorite disc is a Bright Green Surge Flex ESP, 167 g, with Mickey holding a Mickey on it!

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Pictured is a different but also amazing Mickey Disc drawn by Katrina’s friend Barrett White.

What kind of breakfast meal would you prepare for someone on the first day of a large disc golf event, like a Major or National tour?

First I would ask my client. Are you a big breakfast type of person or small? But, for me and if I’d have enough time, (which usually isn’t the case) I would like maple sausage patties with over medium eggs and American fries. But, if I am short on time (which usually is the case) I really just love yogurt, fruit and homemade granola with flax seeds.

What ingredients are needed for a top notch round of disc golf?

Great friends,

good weather,

and a cold beer.

We know you were pretty much occupied with Master Chef when you were in California filming, did you get a chance to play any disc golf?
I wasn’t able to play any disc golf, but I did meet someone who plays and on a regular and has been in the California Disc Golf Scene for a long time!

What advice do you have for a disc golfer that may want to try something new like a tournament or league, but aren’t sure if they can stack up to the competition?
First off, don’t worry about the competition have fun, meet new friends and don’t worry if you are a new at the sport, because there is a lot of support out in the disc golf world.

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

Moon Man No Coast Ale brewed by New Glarus Brewing in New Glarus, WI or Fantasy Factory IPA, Karben 4 in Madison, WI!!

How can we try the delicious food you cook?

Currently, I am offering private dining, cooking and mustard making classes, and you can follow my adventures on my blog. www.katrinakozar.com

I will also be preparing and serving lunch for the Disc On! Ladies League Double 9’r on November 7th, 2015 at Heritage Trails in Slinger, WI. Stop out and visit with me there, or find a partner and sign up.

If your little hearts desire you can keep up with my news and activities on various social media sites:

https://www.facebook.com/KatrinaKozar?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/KatrinaKozar

https://instagram.com/katrinakozar/

First Lady Erin Oakley of Ladies First Disc Golf

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Ladies First

When we started Ladies First Disc Golf we decided that the first lady to place an order through our website would become the First Lady of Ladies First, we didn’t tell anyone of our plans. Well, not only were we lucky but we were also honored that Erin Oakley a great ambassador for women’s disc golf decided to be our first customer. We want to share the good work that many disc golfers do out of there own love for the game and we want to share this with you by interviewing them with 10 various questions. We are going to start with Erin, as she is our First Lady, we will choose a different lady each month of the year, but for now let’s get to know EO!

1.) As First Lady what will your primary objective be in relation to ladies disc golf?

My ultimate goal is really to share my love and passion for the sport with others. I have run a ladies disc golf league (Trip C’s in Lansing, MI) for 10 years now and have met some amazing women because of it. It is not only a round of disc golf, but an out for these women to have a night with other women and play disc golf in a casual or competitive way. Working with the PDGA Women’s Committee for a few years and running my league, has made me grow in a way I could never have imagined as a person and a player. I take huge pride in both.

Being a fantastic event host

2.) How long have you been preparing for this role?

I am just finishing up my 16th season of disc golf, minus about a year and half off after each kid;)

Erin with her daughters

3.) What compelled you to become the First Lady of Ladies First Disc Golf?

haha, I had no idea of the title. I thought I would buy some minis to give out at my women’s league and at the same time, help a friend out because the company idea is so great and supportive of helping the sport grow.

4.) As First Lady do you have any thoughts on getting kids out to the courses?

Because I have 2 of mine, just don’t force it. My almost 12 year old will play women’s league once in a while, but it’s only to get time away from her little sister I am sure:) So I don’t force it on her, maybe some day she’ll like it again. Having their friends tag along helps get them out. Make it fun and non competitive.

Erin helping at a clinic to get more people playing in the parks

5.) Are there any tools you like to use on the course to improve your game? If so, what are they specifically?

I would have to say my favorite all around disc is my Diamond Light. I like taking chances and that is why I love to throw it. It will hold almost any line I want it to if I throw it correctly;)

6.) If you could choose a song to be played when you are teeing off, what song would that be?

Moment of Truth by Survivor

7.) What is a long term dream you have as First Lady?

I fell in love with all aspects of the sport when I started in 2000. My very long term goal is to someday open a Women’s History of Disc Golf museum of some sort. Some day….:)

8.) Many First Ladies are known for their style, as First Lady what is your preferred wardrobe on the course?

I tend to go with what is comfortable, mainly shorts and a dri-fit. But in fall I love pants and long sleeves.

Erin crushing a drive!

9.) If you could make an official animal for disc golf what would it be?

How about that Rainbow, Kitty, Unicorn animal. We can call it a Rakicorn.

10.) Lastly a very important question if you could choose an official beer of disc golf chosen by the First Lady, which would you pick?

Oberon! (what an awesome question;))