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NAME: |
Greg Schwartz |
| TEAM: |
Pro D |
| HOMETOWN: |
Milwaukee, WI |
| PDGA #: |
28464 |
| 2007 PDGA RATING: |
966 |
| BORN: |
1984 |
| STARTED IN DISC GOLF: |
2001 |
| day gig: |
Architectural |
| disc cred: |
2007 Am World Champion |
| MEMORABLE DISC GOLF MOMENT: |
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Winning the 2007 Am Worlds after a 3-way tie at the end of the final 9 and a 3-hole playoff. |
| Greg's Disc Golf Tips |
Reach Back On Drives
The most common mistake I see new players making is also what causes them the most frustration. The reason a lot of new players can't throw very far is that they curl their arm rather than turning their body and reaching back during the throwing motion. While you are in the process of throwing, turn your hips and shoulders and extend your arm straight back at chest height. Then pull through your chest along a straight line (as if you were starting a lawn mower) with a smooth motion. You will be surprised just how much distance and control this can immediately give you.
Leaning Back Will Cost You Distance
When driving, lean forward (over the disc) as you are releasing. This will keep the disc low and it will cut through the air much easier. If you lean back while throwing, the disc will leave your hand nose up and it will lose speed very quickly as it floats up into the air. Practice leaning forward and trying to keep the disc within 25' of the ground throughout its entire flight. Also, keep your throwing motion smooth. This will not only give you more control but it will channel all of your momentum into the disc rather than wasting it through jerky motions.
Confidence Improves Performance
I truly believe that one of the most important factors in how you perform is your level of confidence. Prior to winning Am Worlds, I was not a confident player and it showed in my performance on the course. After the win, I immediately gained confidence and I have much higher expectations as well as the knowledge that I can achieve those expectations. Not exaggerating, I have seen a 40-point (6 stroke) swing in my average round since my confidence boost. Learn your strengths and your weaknesses and don't play outside of those boundaries. Spend your practice rounds working on you weaknesses but stick to what you know during competitive rounds.
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COURSES YOU SHOULD PLAY: |
| Course |
Comments |
Gran Canyon
Brooksville, FL |
Before this course was removed, I had a chance to play it twice… in one day. The most challenging golf I have ever played, both mentally and physically. |
McNaughton Park
Pekin, IL |
This is a well rounded course with a different shot off of almost every tee pad. Just when you think you are finished, you find yourself at the 850' monster #18. Shooting Par at this course is a solid round. |
Winthrop Gold
Rock Hill, SC |
There's a reason the US Championships are held here every year. This course will bring out every shot in your bag so bring your game (and plenty of backup discs). Don't worry, everyone has nightmares about yellow rope after playing this course. |
Kensington Toboggan
Milford, MI |
Similar to the Gran Canyon in terms of elevation change, this course will teach you a few things about your game. Knowing your own limits will keep you grounded while playing this monster. |
Northwoods Park
Morton, IL |
Located in the heart of Illinois, this course has a great mix of tight wooded holes and open holes but also deals with elevation change. Home to my favorite hole, #5 will leave you wishing every hole was this beautiful… and hard. |
| In The Disc Golf Bag: Drivers |
| Disc |
Comments |
ESP Avenger SS
(173 - 174) |
Probably my favorite driver in the bag, the Avenger SS can do almost anything. Give it 50-60% power and a slight hyzer at the release and the disc will fly very straight with a controlled 300' glide. Go to 75% power and the disc will hold any anhyzer (left to right) line you give it. Bump it up to above 80% power and you'll have the most controllable roller on the market.
Don't worry about having to wait months or even years to beat up a disc enough to make it great for rollers. Just pick up one of these guys and you'll be able to throw RIDICULOUS rollers right away. I also use the Avenger SS for getting out of trouble with a "thumber" roller. If you are right handed, hold the disc with the top of the disc facing right and your thumb on the inside of the rim. With the disc vertical, snap your wrist and let go to make the disc roll and it will cut hard to the right. Before I learned this shot, I found myself having to "pitch out" of trouble spots and then attempt those nasty 30-40 footers for par. After mastering it, I have been able to consistently get within a comfortable putting range from trouble spots without much effort. |
ESP Surge
(173 - 174) |
The ESP Surge is a stable bomber! Brand new, the disc flies very straight and then finishes to the left. After getting worn in a little, the Surge will s-curve and you will get ridiculous distance and a consistent flight path. The Surge is great for calm days or downwind shots and the grippy ESP plastic really gives you the grip and control you need to make those accurate 400'+ shots. |
Z Flick
(173 - 174, 150 cl)
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The Flick is the fastest disc on the market!!! When I am presented with those daunting 500'+ holes with little hope of getting in range for a birdie, I bring out the 150 Flick and give it a rip. Throw it with some hyzer and it will flip up flat and then s-curve for miles! The heavier version of the Flick is GREAT for windy days, long hyzers, or for skip-shots. I have never seen another disc skip as far as the Elite Z Flick. I also use the heavier version for thumbers because of the discs stability and speed. |
ESP Predator
(173 - 174) |
This disc is perfect for windy days or for 350' straight shots that finish left at the end. Beat this disc up and it will fly very straight for a long time and then finish slightly left. I also use this disc for slower hyzer (right to left) shots. |
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| In The Disc Golf Bag: Midrange |
| Disc |
Comments |
ESP Meteor
(175 - 176) |
When you need accuracy, bring out the Meteor. Brand new, this disc will fly dead straight and will finish with almost no fade to the left. I look at this disc as a slower version of the FLX Buzzz. Beat the disc up a little or throw it very hard and the disc will turn over to the right and hold that line throughout its entire flight. I use the meteor a lot for upshots on holes where I don't have much room to play with left or right. |
FLX Buzzz
(177+ gm) |
Absolutely, without a doubt, the best disc on the market! Brand new, the FLX Buzzz is slightly overstable. The amazingly grippy FLX plastic gives you a great grip in all conditions. Throw the FLX Buzzz flat at full power and it will glide 350+ feet without any problem. Throw it with 75 percent power and you'll be able to birdie those must-deuce 300 foot tunnel shots that so many courses have. I used to throw putters for upshots between 100-200 feet. A slightly worn-in FLX Buzzz is great for these shots as well because the grip is unmatched and the disc glides so far without much effort. I always prefer throwing with less power if I can and this disc will get you to the basket without having to power a putter there. Don't go another day without an FLX Buzzz in your bag. |
ESP Buzzz
(177+ gm) |
Stable to understable right out of the box, the ESP and Crystal FLX Buzzz's are great for 300 - 350 foot turnover shots. Both plastics are extremely grippy and will give you the control you need to get close to the basket. Since the majority of disc golf holes are not longer than 350 feet, you will be able to use these discs for the majority of shots during an average round. Trust the Buzzz and you'll love the Buzzz. |
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| In The Disc Golf Bag: Putt and Approach |
| Disc |
Comments |
D Challenger
(173 -174) |
This is a putter you can count on when you need to hit that big putt. The grippy D plastic grabs the chains and feels great in your hand. I carry 2 of the same 2007 USADGC Challengers in my bag and I use them interchangeably for upshots up to 100' and for putting. They fly very straight to slightly overstable and beat in very slowly. Grab a Challenger! |
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