Nikki Nash PDGA#77454 is a professional disc golfer residing in Houston, TX she hosts a women’s disc golf league in Texas: Chick’s Chasing Chains. Nikki began playing PDGA tournaments in 2015 competing in the amateur divisions. As of 2019 she has made the leap from amateur to professional to challenge herself and learn more from the best in the game. For making the jump from amateur to pro Nikki says “Taking a chance of moving up to FPO this year. It’s been a rough one, riddled with some injury, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve met, and played with, so many amazing women. I can’t wait to see who I have the pleasure of meeting next!” Texas is known to have a strong disc golf scene, and the state has been a pioneer for women’s disc golf. Nikki hosts the Chick’s Chasing Chains women’s disc golf league in Houston, TX Wednesday’s with varying sessions throughout the year. To find more out about Chick’s Chasing Chains, join their group on Facebook.
How did you learn about disc golf, and when did you start playing?
I learned about disc golf from a friend in 2015. I just walked with our group of friends for a while, but eventually picked up a Boss. Once I finally had a decent throw I was hooked!
Do you throw forehand or backhand?
Backhand. I’m trying to force myself to learn forehand and work it into my game this year. The progress has been…slow.
If you could give a new player starting out 1 tip of advice what would it be?
Learn to throw your mids and putters first. I didn’t learn this and struggle with throwing them off the box.
If you could only play with 3 discs for the rest of your life, what 3 discs would they be?
Millennium Sirius Scorpius, Discraft Titanium Buzzz & Gateway Money Wizard
Everything’s big in Texas…so why is disc golf so big in Texas?
We have so much extra land to be used! That makes it much easier to put in new courses. We’re also very proud and competitive people which helps keep the sport so popular here.
If you could have an official beverage of disc golf what would it be?
Definitely Karbach Crawford Bock (Go Astros!)
Karbach is a supporter of disc golf and they host an annual doubles tournament in Houston too!
Fill in the blank disc golf is ___________.
Life-changing!
If you could have anyone in the whole world as a partner for a doubles round of disc golf who would it be?
That’s such a tough question. I’d have to choose Chef Andrew Zimmern simply because I really enjoy cooking and I would get to meet one of my favorite celebrity chefs.
Andrew Zimmern is a member of the Innova Celebrity team. Photo courtesy Innova Disc Golf
What is your favorite thing about disc golf?
My favorite thing about disc golf has got to be the connections and friendships I’ve made (and will make). It forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and meet people that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I’ve made what I think will be some lifelong friendships and valuable connections.
You host a women’s league in Houston, TX called Chicks Chasing Chains, that is very well attended! What do you think are the most important factors that contribute to your league’s success?
I’ve thought about this before and three very important factors have helped immensely.
1 – The lovely ladies that play in the league. They are all so friendly, welcoming, and outgoing. When you meet them you want to return and get to know each of them better.
2 – Our format. We keep our league low cost and only take your top 3 scores out of 6 weeks. Your entry fee is already taken care of on the first week and it’s easier to return to cancel out any bad rounds.
3 – The Houston Disc Golf Scene. Every single club in the Houston area is very open to and supportive of women’s disc golf. My closet is overflowing with disc and CTP donations for the ladies all the time!