February 2021 Lady of the Month Samantha Yanssens

When did you first discover and start playing disc golf?

I started casually playing in high school with friends and once I learned how to throw, I was hooked!  Joined the PDGA in 2013, fell in love with playing tournaments, met an amazing group of friends, and here we are almost a decade later!

What are your top 3 courses in Michigan?

Flip City

A beautiful course in Michigan with lots of elevation changes.    I have so many great memories there. I know if I’m going to play there I am going to have a great time.

Stony Creek Metropark

My home course, where I first started playing disc golf.  Long open holes that get rough off the fairway.  Most of the holes require execution of a long drive, upshot, and putt to get your par.

Addison Oaks

I love the technical wooded tunnel shots this course has.  Added with a nice mix of open holes, long and short.  It has a little bit of everything and is very challenging.

Michigan has a strong women’s disc golf scene. What is your favorite Michigan women’s disc golf event to play?

I’d have to say Disc Girls Gone Wild holds a special place in my heart, as it was my first women’s tournament I ever attended.  I met a ton of great ladies there, and always had such a blast!  It was also the first tournament I got to see touring FPO players at, and it was very inspiring as an amatuer player.

Do you throw forehand, backhand, or both?

 I started out forehand, and slowly developed my backhand.  I can comfortably throw both now, but am starting to prefer backhand shots because they feel less strenuous on my body.

If you could only throw hyzers or anyhyzers for the rest of your disc golf career, which would you choose?

I would say hyzers, they are most reliable for me.

What advice would you give to a new disc golfer?

Learn how to throw midranges and understable discs before fast drivers.  And just remember to have fun!

What is your go-to disc for wooded tunnel shots?

I love my Latitude 64 Gobi.  It has a ton of glide to it, and holds whatever line I put it on.

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

I have to go with coffee 🙂 Definitely need a cup to get me going before the round, and it’s great to have on a cold morning to keep you warmed up.

Putting, driving, or approaching which of these three would you say is your strongest disc golf skill?

 I’d say driving has always been one of my stronger skills.

You own and create Mitten Bags! They are mitten-shaped (after your home state of Michigan) and designed to keep your hands dry. Have you always been good at sewing and creating? Do you have any advice for someone who is a creator and wants to start a disc golf-related business?

My Grandma first taught me how to use a sewing machine when I was 4 years old, and I have been sewing ever since then!  I taught myself how to make clothes in high school, and have worked various sewing jobs throughout my life.  It has always been my biggest passion!  I launched Mitten Bags in July of 2017.  It took months of testing prototypes, different shapes, and materials until we found the mitten shape felt most comfortable in your hand.  I am very grateful to have grown to be where we are today. 

My advice to anyone looking to start their own disc golf related business is not to give up on your passion, and follow your dreams.  You can do whatever you put your mind to!