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NAME: |
Jon Drummond |
| TEAM: |
Elite Z |
| HOMETOWN: |
Bloomington, MN |
| PDGA #: |
7350 |
| 2005 PDGA RATING: |
1009 |
| BORN: |
1974 |
| STARTED IN DISC GOLF: |
1993 |
| day gig: |
Middle School Math Teacher |
| HOT SHOTS: |
Jon won a total of seven different disc golf tournaments in 2005. |
| MEMORABLE DISC GOLF MOMENT: |
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Throwing a 150 gram Cyclone 179 meters (594 feet) at the US Open allarounds in 1996. I thought that it might break the record of 200.01 meters (653 feet) by Stokely when I threw it. Setting the Wisconsin distance record that holds to this day with a Predator at 576 feet with little wind. |
| Jon's Disc Golf Tips |
Too Much Is Too Much:
Don't frustrate yourself by trying to change too much in your game at once. My method for learning a shot is to throw repetitions of the same shot with the same or similar disc. I would suggest narrowing your focus to a few shots that you feel you need the most. For example, the biggest challenges I see in the game are: tunnel shots and low ceiling drives. Therefore, I focus most of my attention on those types of shots. Fundamentally, if you learn to throw putters/midranges/drivers straight, you will stay out of trouble more than a player who uses big sweeping curves to throw the same distance.
Straight Is Great:
When you are beginning, you should generally know how to throw straight. To learn to throw straight, you can use a set of putters, around five to ten (I use Magnets because they fly straight). Find a target, set up 100 feet away. Throw a few sets, then move back, repeat until you are about 200 feet away. If you are having problems, adjust the angle you release your disc at (up and down and / or side to side. This is also my favorite warm up before a tournament because it gradually loosens you up and sets your muscle memory for throwing straight.
Keep It Smooth:
The most common mistake I see newer players making is that they try to throw too hard. Take a deep breath. Remember that your most accurate distance, and generally furthest, comes when you accelerate slowly. To make it more effortless, imagine the start of your throw being like starting a lawn mower (slow) and the finish can be compared to snapping a towel (fast). Remember: if you start too quick, you will not be able to accelerate, just keep the same speed. Slow the beginning of your throw down.
Get More D:
To add distance, watch pro baseball pitchers. Focus on their elbows. The elbow leads the forearm. When you reach back and pull through, keep the disc tight to your body. This will allow you to accelerate faster (like a ballerina-get over it guys). Do not stop your arm after the disc is out of your hand. Keep rotating to ensure that you have followed through.
Develop A Putting Routine:
How do I become a more consistent putter? I think the best thing that any player can do is to develop a routine. It is not so important what your routine is, but that you stick to it every time you putt. I would encourage a short routine. Stay away from the two minute drill you see some disc golfers making. Keep it short. What do you do that brings you into your focus zone? That is your routine. Good Luck!
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COURSES YOU SHOULD PLAY: |
Minnesota's Jon Drummond loves to throw for Big D. In 1996, he took fourth in the world in distance, throwing a 150 gm Cyclone 594 feet. He holds the state distance records in Minnesota and Wisconsin with a 576 foot shot using an X Predator. |
| Course |
Comments |
Hyland Hills
Bloomington, MN |
Sweet course, technical and scenic. Throw every disc you own on the last hole and watch 'em sail! |
Highbridge Gold
Highbridge, WI |
I love the land. Huge tees, close to 10k feet! Tons of golf in 18 holes. |
Vallarta-Ast
(Token Creek)
Madison, WI |
Beautifully maintained, try to find dirt! Forces you to have a complete game. |
Sandy Point Resort
Lac Du Flambeau, WI |
Keeps getting more fun! I feel at home :) |
Water Works
Kansas City, MO |
Up, down, up, down... |
| In The Disc Golf Bag: Drivers |
| Disc |
Comments |
Z Avenger
(max weight) |
The Avenger is money. I know I can count on it to push through its line. I am comfortable throwing this disc anhyzer, hyzer, or straight. It is also good for holding its height on a tunnel shot. |
Z Flick
(170 - max) |
The Flick might be the fastest disc ever made! For long hyzers from 250 - 450 feet. I use the 170 Flick for big D when I want to flatten out a line with a hyzer finish. The Flick punches through headwinds and is ultra dependable. This disc is well suited for forehanders and backhanders who throw with a lot of spin/snap. I have noticed some players are surprised that such an overstable disc can go so far. (Hint: A 150 Flick goes a mile up a steep hill! Why fight gravity?) |
ESP Predator
(max weight) |
This disc completes me. Playing in the wind can be frustrating, but the ESP Pred rips through headwinds without balking. The feel of the ESP plastic is second to none. |
D Crush
(max weight) |
The D-plastic goes... to see it finish you might need binoculars. |
Z Surge
(max weight) |
I got tired of being out thrown by my twin after I got him hooked on the ESP Surge. The Surge extends my range by 30-50 feet with out changing the way I throw. I love the Z Surge for shorter/medium shots through the woods because of how easy you can throw it, giving you more control. |
Z Tracker
(max weight) |
I throw the Tracker just like a Buzzz and it goes 50 - 75 feet further. I never felt like I had to learn the Tracker. It is like a midrange with wings. What more is there to say? |
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| In The Disc Golf Bag: Midrange |
| Disc |
Comments |
Z Buzzz
(max weight) |
This is the straightest midrange I have ever thrown. It has great glide, holds / flexes on an anhyzer, and carries on a hyzer. The Buzzz pops onto a line and holds it. I carry a new one when I want hyzer finishes and a broken in one for straight / fade shots. |
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| In The Disc Golf Bag: Putt and Approach |
| Disc |
Comments |
D Magnet
(max weight) |
I carry three Magnets regardless of the course. I have a new Magnet for driving straight (including long drives if there is height to work with). I carry a beat-in one for forehand upshots and sharp anhyzer turns. Finally, I have my putter. I like to get my putter from my practice set, because they are slightly broken in. I love the way they float straight. Every run of the Magnet is as perfect as the last. If you are a straight putter you probably already putt a Magnet.
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