|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
NAME: |
Monty Koz |
| TEAM: |
Core |
| HOMETOWN: |
Littleton, CO |
| PDGA #: |
21073 |
| 2008 PDGA RATING: |
997 |
| BORN: |
1971 |
| STARTED IN DISC GOLF: |
2002 |
| day gig: |
High school teacher/coach |
| Disc Cred: |
49th, Pro Worlds7th, Pro Worlds Dubs1st, Beaver Ranch Fall Classic1st, Snow Mountian Challenge1st, Rocky Mountain Championships2nd, McCook Challenge4th, Colorado Open2nd, Colorado States (Doubles)6th, High Plains Challenge4th, Denver Classic2nd, Mile High ClassicPDGA Youth Committee Member |
| Koz's Disc Golf Tips |
When you're getting started, don't expect to throw like the pros right off the bat. The sport of disc golf is harder than it looks. Pros get good by understanding their discs and practicing shot selection over and over. I recommend you spend some time every week practicing out in an open field as well as daily putting practice. I spent about ten hours a week just practicing. Practice makes perfect so just do it.
You'll get better distance by using a disc designed for your power and snap. Too often I see newbie shots hyzer out way too early, and that usually means they're trying to throw pro-calibre discs and losing distance as a result. No reason to throw something with a 2.5 rating when you could easily throw something 1.5 more consistently. The top pros have a huge arms and the kind of snap needed to handle the max drivers. Don't get caught up using too much disc!
Learn the thumber (overhand) shot. It's hugely beneficial, I throw it a lot thanks to my baseball background and due to the lots of weekly practice. This shot can be stressful on your shoulder and elbow, so remember: do a lot of isometrics and keep that shoulder/elbow in shape year round. This shot can be used in many situations from getting up and over trees to huge wrap-arounds to get around those trees to making a dog-leg corning to set you up for a birdie look.
Practice in a field. This is a must to move your game to a higher level. I do this three times a week for an hour no matter what (even in bad weather). Make a game out of it and take it seriously. Have your buddies over and instead of hitting up the course, go to the park and work on control and pin point accuracy. Field time will improve your game in no time!
|
| Pro Clinics Featuring Koz: |
|
COURSES YOU SHOULD PLAY: |
| Course |
Comments |
Diamond X
Billings, MT |
One of the most extreme courses on the planet. Final hole is a 700 foot bomb down a 100 foot rock cliff. Amazing holes throughout the course. |
Deer Mtn.
Golden, CO |
A private course in Golden Gate Canyon that rivals the X. The 800-foot chasm hole is one of the best. Scores can be under par or way over depending the wind. |
Beaver Ranch
Conifer, CO |
Great mountain course that is only 20 minutes away from Red Rocks outside of Denver. 20 hole course that has it all. Discraft had a big part of designing the course. |
La Mirada
La Mirada, CA |
A course with palm trees and green rolling hills. Just a one of a kind park course with even a pro shop. Now that is first class. |
Granite Ridge
Highbridge, WI |
One of the best courses around. No doubt why it was part of the 2007 PDGA World Championships. Course requires pin-point shots and mental abilities. This course will test every aspect of your game. |
| In The Disc Golf Bag: Drivers |
| Disc |
Comments |
Z Flick
(172-174)
|
My long bomb thumber disc for shots 375 feet and above. Very flat disc that zips through the air very fast. When thrown properly it will land and roll another 20 feet. The Z plastic is so durable the disc can last a couple of PDGA seasons. Makes that 400 foot plus thumber shot happen.
|
Z Reaper
(174 gm) |
My go-to thumber disc. This is my bread and butter for shots 375 and in. Great looping finish with little roll. With some practice you can make this disc 'thumb' any shot. This disc consistently finishes exactly where I want it. Many thumber aces have come from it as well as tough birdies. This is the disc to THUMB!!
|
X Avenger
(171-173) |
Great feeling disc in the hand that can handle the snap. This disc will go a mile and it won't turn over. Great disc for that 400 foot hyzer bomb when my thumber is not an option. Don't need to be a top pro to handle this disc correctly.
|
X and Z Tracker
(170-172) |
The most controlled backhand driver in my bag. Can throw this hyzer or anhyzer with little force. Reminds me of the best disc on the planet: BUZZZ... only on 'roids.
|
ESP Flash
(170-172) |
Great long flying backhand disc. Very grippy and can take a snap. The glide alone with this disc will get you an extra 20-40 feet. Has made my backhand legit and go a country mile.
|
ESP Predator
(max wt) |
I use this disc for extreme windy conditions as well as for forehand shots. Great in the wind as it makes you execute shots without wondering if the disc will fly the wrong direction. Can take a snap with the forehand shot and go 300-350 with little effort. If you live where it is windy, get this disc!
|
|
| In The Disc Golf Bag: Midrange |
| Disc |
Comments |
FLX Buzzz
(max wt) |
FLX plastic is the best out there. Very grippy and can take many tree strikes. Easy disc to control with a predictable finish. Great in windy conditions and can be thrown 300 feet on a line. A great overall disc for all levels of players. The BUZZZ is the best disc period. I would use this disc in any one disc challenge.
|
X Buzzz
(176 gm) |
The #1 disc on the planet. A disc that I would use in a one disc only round. I carry three in my bag, all beat in differently. Throw this disc on any line and it will do it... and do it well. If you don't already have a Buzzz in your bag go out and get one. Well maybe two or three...
|
FLX Drone
(174 gm) |
A must-have midrange in windy conditions. This disc will not turnover, even in 40 mph winds. Great hyzer finish towards the intended target.
|
ESP Comet
(174 gm) |
Great overall disc that can be controlled with ease. Shots of 50 feet to 300 feet can be done with this disc. If this disc worked for a previous world champ (R. Russell) it can work for you. Just experiment and find a way!
|
|
| In The Disc Golf Bag: Putt and Approach |
| Disc |
Comments |
D Challenger
(172 - 174) |
The #1 putter on the planet, and a great all around upshot choice too. A must have if you like to jump putt. Will hold a straight line when released. This putter has shaved two strokes of my game in the past couple of years.
|
FLX Challenger
(172-174) |
Great grippy plastic! Makes those 250 foot shots much easier as it is easy to control and release. Really great in windy conditions. Can hit a tree and not even flinch. A must have for colder climates.
|
| Koz's Memorable disc golf moments |
|
2004: Playing in my first PDGA event as an Am and winning (Denver Classic). 2005: Skipping Adv. Ams and winning CDSA Pro Rookie of the Year. 2005: Taking my first real road trip with friends to a PDGA event and placing 4th at Region VII Championships in Wyoming. 2006: Co-TDing and placing 3rd at Region VII Championships at The X in Billings. 2007: Having my best year to date with attending Worlds and cashing both in singles and doubles. Winning 4 events including the Rocky Mountain Disc Golf Championships. Biggest win of my career!! 2008: Taking a road trip to the X and placing 2nd at the Spring Fling. Getting to know and playing regularly with one of the best disc golfers on the planet: Mike Randolph. Just a class guy.
|
|
|
|
