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NAME: |
Josh Crowl |
| TEAM: |
Core |
| HOMETOWN: |
Tulsa, OK |
| PDGA #: |
34796 |
| 2009 PDGA RATING: |
982 |
| BORN: |
1984 |
| STARTED IN DISC GOLF: |
2005 |
| day gig: |
Energy Pipeline Controller |
| disc cred: |
7th, Am Worlds 200851st, Pro Worlds 200930th, Memorial 2010 |
| MEMORABLE DISC GOLF MOMENT: |
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My most memorable disc golf moment would have to be '08 Am Worlds. Going into the second round at Timber Ridge, I was on the second card and feeling pretty good about myself. I started off fairly decent, carding a couple of birdies, but was struggling in the middle of my round. I missed a fairly easy birdie opportunity and was very frustrated with myself. I then crushed a huge drive on a very difficult par 3 and sank a huge uphill birdie putt to take the box. We then walked to the next hole to find that there was an ~45 minute wait. When it was our turn to tee, I was a little tight, but not too bad. I decided to try a big boy forehand out over the OB and over the chair lift. I was still feeling good after carding the solid 2 on the last hole. And with ~30 people watching I boomed a forehand out and around the trees, over the chair lift about 450 off the tee, only to come up 2 few short of coming back in to play. I was crushed! I then walked about 150 feet down the hill, in front of all my peers and tried wholeheartedly to throw a shot back in play and not lose too much ground on my card. I threw two more OB shots, one of which caromed of the chair lift wires (which was followed with an 'ahhh' from the crowd above). I finally carded a 9, with 3 penalty strokes and finished the round scoring at 70. The lesson I learned is that the tournament is never over until the last hole is finished. I ended up battling back and taking 7th in the tournament.
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| Josh's Disc Golf Tips |
Disc selection is important. If you are playing with friends who have played for years, you may not want to choose the same disc as they are throwing. To start you may want to have less stable slower discs. Also, you may not want to go out and buy the newest fastest disc on the market. Allow some time to learn what your discs actually do.
Smooth IS far. Watch some of the older players from your area. Most of them are throwing the disc plenty far and their form is very smooth. Mainly because they may break a hip if not, but regardless, it gets the job done. Another thing about older players is that most of them have the ability to throw a deeper rimmed disc very well. I think the ability to throw a putter or a mid-range well, lends itself to being able to throw drivers far. And when you throw a deeper rimmed disc, you are not be able to be herky jerky with your form. You must have a smooth delivery and follow through..
As many others have said, 'Go talk to a pro. Have them look at your form, and then be open to them critiquing it.' But if you don't know any 'Pros' or you are too shy to talk to them, then go out to a field and practice! The only reason I feel confident in throwing a disc on a tight line or with OB surrounding a green is because I've put in the time out in a field and I know what my discs are going to do. Once you are out there in the field practicing, find the disc that you throw the best. Now that you have that disc, ask yourself, "How did I throw this disc?" Okay, now that you are aware of how you throw that disc, try to emulate that same exact form, style, and control with another disc. And then another, and another, etc. Players often try to use a different style of throwing for different discs in their bag. I think that having a basic style is key to a player becoming more consistent with their throws. Many people preach that 'practice makes perfect.' Well, I do not agree. I believe that 'practice makes permanent.' The way that you practice is the way that you will play in a tournament. And this does not mean that the only practice is playing rounds over and over. I have come to find out that some of the most beneficial practice you can have is to go out to a field, alone, and just throw. Repetition builds confidence. Robbie Bratten said that he used to throw until his arm hurt, and look at his throwing ability! My suggestion is to have a mix of different practice routines. I suggest field practice, putting practice, competitive rounds, and just for fun rounds.
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COURSES YOU SHOULD PLAY: |
| Course |
Comments |
Water Works
Kansas City, MO |
Multiple tees and pins. Up, Down, Up, Down... |
Black Hawk
Tulsa, OK |
This is where I refined my game. Many, many cash games have been held here. Premier course in Tulsa! |
Hornets Nest
Charlotte, NC |
One of the most gorgeous courses I've ever seen. Along with being one of the hardest. |
Lindsey Park - Gold Course
Tyler, TX |
She's a baby, but has a lot of potential. This course has many long tunnel shots that penalize errant shots. |
Hunter Park
Tulsa, OK |
I learned the game here. Now it's even better! Most underrated course in Oklahoma. |
| In The Disc Golf Bag: Drivers |
| Disc |
Comments |
Z Predator
(174 gm)
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The Pred has become my go to disc. Long range hyzers from 330-430ft. If I need to throw into a headwind and keep the control, the Predator is what I use. I have a slightly beat Predator that gives a nice 'S' curve when thrown hard and will then finish left. I use a beat-in Predator for forehand shots that need to go fairly straight the entire flight. |
Z Force
(174 gm)
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I use the Force for most of my long drives. Anything that has to go 425ft and further is a job for the Force. I have one extremely stable force for long headwind drives, 1 stable Force for big distance drives, and one flippy Force for big Anhyzer drives or flexing long distances drives. I like to use the Force for my long forehand drives that go 350ft+. |
Z Tracker
(170 - 174)
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Long tunnel shots or drives that cannot be errant. A new stable Tracker is hard to be outdone by any disc. I have a beat Tracker for turnover shots from about 350-400ft. I like to use the Tracker for my mid-distance Scoobies from 250-300ft+. |
ESP NUKE
(174 gm)
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The NUKE has just recently replaced my Surge. I use it for big tail wind drives or long turnover shots. I get very excited when I get to throw this disc. I just really want to see how far this baby will go. And trust me, the NUKE goes! |
ESP Venom
(174 gm)
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I use the Venom to throw finesse forehand drives and upshots from 250-350ft. I've been testing the Venom for my long range Scoobies. |
Z Avenger SS
(174 gm)
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This baby rolls great from throw #1. I like to use it for long range rollers. I also will use it for a long stand still backhands where power is limited. |
Z Stalker
(172-174 gm)
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Straight to turnover shots from 330-400ft. Long straight drives with a tailwind. I have my longest ace with the Stalker, 440ft. |
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| In The Disc Golf Bag: Midrange |
| Disc |
Comments |
Z Buzzz
(172-178 gm) |
If there is an opportunity for the Buzzz to be thrown, I will throw it. All shots from 250-330ft that must be straight. This is a special disc. You need to have at least one of these in the bag. I have 4 right now. I like the Buzzz for slight turnover shots. I like to use the Buzzz for short straight and slight turnover forehand shots. |
Z Wasp
(178 gm) |
I use the Wasp for straight to hyzer shots from 250-350ft. I also like the Wasp for my short hyzer forehand shots. |
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| In The Disc Golf Bag: Putt and Approach |
| Disc |
Comments |
ESP Zone
(170-174 gm) |
I like the Zone for short forehand drives and approach shots. This guy has really become a go-to for that short approach shot. I know what it is going to do regardless of weather conditions. |
D Challenger
(174 gm) |
Just a money putter. I mainly use it for putting, but will occasionally throw it off the tee or from the fairway if I am needing a very straight shot from 100-150 feet. |
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