|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
NAME: |
Greg Schwartz |
| HOMETOWN: |
Minneapolis, MN |
| PDGA #: |
28464 |
| 2011 PDGA RATING: |
977 |
| BORN: |
1984 |
| STARTED IN DISC GOLF: |
2001 |
| day gig: |
Architectural Designer |
| disc cred: |
2007 Am World Champion |
| MEMORABLE DISC GOLF MOMENT: |
|
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.
How To Throw A Roller
There are two ways to throw rollers and they involve two different types of discs, very understable (Avenger SS) and stable (Tracker or Surge) drivers. The key to throwing a successful roller is mastering the angle at which the disc hits the ground. When using an understable driver, throw the disc hard and flat about 20' off the ground and it will turn over from left to right and hit the ground at approximately a 45 degree angle somewhere between 50' and 100' from you. As the disc rolls down the fairway, it will begin to stand up until it is vertical and then it will curl over to the right. If it doesn't stand up, either try a more understable driver or make the disc hit the ground at an angle greater than 45 degrees (more vertical). The other type of roller, involving a more stable disc, requires you to release the disc at the angle that you want it to hit the ground. To throw this shot, lean back and throw the disc down into the ground 20' in front of you at about a 75 degree angle (just shy of vertical). This shot requires a lot of power but is very useful when there is a low ceiling or a short distance before the disc needs to be rolling. Go to a mowed field and give both types of rollers a try. At first, they will seem hard to control but if you put in the effort to learn them, they will definitely benefit your game in the long run.
|
COURSES YOU SHOULD PLAY: |
| Course |
Comments |
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. |
Kensington Toboggan
Milford, MI |
The massive elevation change and shot placement at this course will teach you a few things about your game. Knowing your own limits will keep you grounded while playing this monster. |
Brown Deer Park
Milwaukee, WI |
Tight and wooded, Brown Deer will make you hit your lines. The holes are beautifully designed and maintained and frequent changes in the baskets' placements give you a different experience every time you play it. |
Blue Ribbon Pines DGC
East Bethel, MN |
Beautifully designed and maintained, this course is something everyone should play. Watch out for signature hole #4, a 440' straight shot down an alley of closely spaced pines. |
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. |
| In The Disc Golf Bag: Drivers |
| Disc |
Comments |
Z Force
(171 - 174) |
The Z Force is my go-to driver for most distance shots, both on calm and windy days. I carry 4 Forces of different stabilities so that I can be ready for nearly any shot. I have 1 brand new for windy days or long distance hyzers, 1 slightly beat for shots between 350-400' that finish left, 1 beat for straight shots or slight turnovers, and 1 very beat for hyzer flip shots or tailwind drives. |
Z NUKE
(171 - 174) |
I carry a Z Nuke for those maximum distance shots that I can't reach with my Forces. The Nuke is extremely fast and flies farther than any other disc I have ever thrown. Get a Nuke today and out drive all your buddies on the course! |
ESP Avenger SS
(173 - 174) |
I use the Avenger SS for rollers, left to right shots, and trick shots. It is also my 'get-out-of-trouble' disc when I don't have the room to generate a lot of power. It is great for beginners or for more advanced players who have the finesse to control it.
|
Z Predator
(169 - 174) |
The predator is a must for windy days and for shots between 300-375 feet. I carry 3 Z Predators of different stabilities, 1 brand new for windy days, medium distance hyzers, and skip shots, 1 beat for straight shots that finish left, and 1 very beat for hyzer flips or shots that finish right. Between the Forces and Predators in my bag, I can throw almost any shot 300' and farther. |
Z XL
(173 - 174) |
I throw the Z XL for shots that my Buzzz cannot reach or for low ceiling shots where I need more speed than a midrange. I carry 2 XL's: 1 for straight to overstable shots and 1 for hyzer flips and turnover shots. |
|
| In The Disc Golf Bag: Midrange |
| Disc |
Comments |
Z Buzzz
(177+ gm) |
The Buzzz is the best midrange on the market. I throw both the standard Z Buzzz and the First Run Buzzz. I carry 2 in my bag: 1 new and overstable and 1 slightly beat for straight or slight turnover shots. Put a Buzzz in your bag and you'll never go back to that other midrange disc. |
ESP Meteor
(175 - 176) |
The Meteor has the feel and accuracy of a midrange with the speed of a fairway driver. It is understable right out of the box and it comes in really handy when you need to throw a mid-length (200-300 feet) left to right shot without much effort. |
|
| 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 identical stock Pro D Challengers for putting and one very beat Challenger for upshots up to 100 feet and for putting in tailwinds. Grab a Challenger! |
ESP Zone
(173 -174) |
Everyone should have a Zone in their bag! I recently started carrying it for windy days and short right to left shots. This is a putt/approach disc you can rely on.! |
|
|
|
