ADG invite you to join us for the inaugural ADG Women’s Workshop to be held via zoom on Thursday 24th March at 8:30pm AEDT.
The workshop will build on the momentum of the last few years to grow women’s participation in disc golf here in Australia. We have four great speakers lined up covering topics from running events to getting more from your game. There will also be time for questions and sharing ideas.
Everyone wanting to support women’s disc golf is welcome to attend.
Q: How long have you been playing and how did you get introduced to the sport?
A: I’m ADG member #39 – I started playing in Sydney in 2006 back when Albert Munoz, Sally Hill, Luke Williams and Kurt Karlsson were setting up a temporary course on campus grounds at Macquarie Uni. It had some fun shots, including a throw through the fountain.
Q: What are your strengths as a player?
A: I’m consistent and accurate, hit most fairways and approach well. I have less distance off the tee than most pro players.
Q: What is your best or favourite competition result to date?
A: Winning the first Jesmond Jam in a playoff against Martin Ryland-Adair in the pouring rain was a highlight, also it was so exciting representing Australia at the previous World Teams event in Estonia and competing against the big European teams with my friends and team mates.
Q: What are your disc golfing ambitions and plans for the next two or three years?
A: I’m excited to keep growing disc golf in the Newcastle and Central Coast areas, we put in a new (short) course at East Maitland in January which has been really popular and I’d like to keep that momentum going.Q: Can you share a practice tip or something you learned that substantially helped you improve your play. A: To echo Dave Bandy, “I just like watching it fly’.
Q: What is your favourite disc in your bag right now and what do you use it for?
A: Pro Cobra is my favourite for straight approach shots with glide, I have 2 very well used copies and will be sad when they break as I think they’re out of production in Pro plastic now.
Thanks JJ, fantastic to have you representing Australia for a second time.
How long have you been playing and how did you get introduced to the sport?
5 years in Australia. But I actually got my start back in Canada where I grew up. Used to work as a lifeguard near a course, and once found a disc on the roof of the pool guardhouse. Went and gave a few throws a try, and was instantly interested. We used to play with one disc only, until we lost it, and had to buy a new one from the local video store! Always fun rounds, never kept score officially. Pretty soon after I started playing a lot with my brother and buddies.
What are your strengths as a player?
A reasonable amount of power and spin, allows me to throw slower discs on holes that others might require a higher speed disc. Being lefty can also be a blessing (or a curse) depending on the course we are playing. I see holes and lines that are often different than my right-handed compatriots.
What is your best or favourite competition result to date?
Back in my days of amateur play, winning back-to-back MA1 Aussie champs was pretty special. As an MPO player, I would have to say getting my first win in an Aussie A-Tier (2021 Two Heads Open) was up there too.
What are your disc golfing ambitions and plans for the next two or three years?
Consistency is always where I’m trying to improve. Keeping the mental fortitude throughout all tournament or comp rounds. I hope to help with being the driving force behind getting more courses installed in and around Melbourne, and developing programs aimed at youngsters who are trying the game for the first time.
Can you share a practice tip or something you learned that substantially helped you improve your play?
Work on angles, no matter what sort of power you have. Get used to being able to shape shots with different discs. The more options you have, the less you’ll be frightened by the conditions or difficulty of the course!
What top pro player do you look up to and why?
Nate Sexton. He plays the game with so much thought and is able to be pinpoint accurate to overcome perhaps some shortfalls in power by thinking through his rounds so well.
What is your favourite disc in your bag right now and what do you use it for?
I am loving my strata RPM Kotuku at moment. Such a great workable midrange. Hard to look past an RPM Tui though, everyone needs one of those in their bag!
Thanks Darren, can’t wait to see you tear it up in Croatia!
The Covid landscape has changed since the last ADG guidelines implemented in May 2020. These updated guidelines outline what is required to participate in and run disc golf events in Australia. The scope of the Covid Guidance includes local leagues, small events, and tournaments making up the ADG tour. These guidelines have been put together considering that disc golf is a non-contact sport played outdoors in small groups.
Players, officials and spectators (participants) must not attend an event if they:
have a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19
have any COVID like symptoms
are required to self-isolate in accordance with current local government policy
Participants must:
Be an ADG member with up to date contact details recorded if they are either a player or official.
Check event communications to keep up to date on how the event will run and under what conditions
Understand that some events will implement measures above local requirements, such as the need to be vaccinated, use QR codes to check in or wear a face mask to participate.
Follow all event requirements
For events with a vaccination mandate, proof of vaccination status must be provided to the TD on request. Participants who are not vaccinated or choose not to share their vaccination status won’t be able to compete.
For other events, you are encouraged to share your vaccination status if asked by the Tournament Director (TD), however you may also choose not to share that information.
Contact event organisers and relevant health authorities if diagnosed with COVID-19 in the week following the event.
Cease play and alert event organisers if feeling unwell or experiencing any of the known Covid symptoms during the event.
Assess their own risk considering their age, medical conditions, situation and contacts.
Incorporate COVID safe practices into play
Practice social distancing of 1.5 m.
Ensure tee box is clear before entering.
Avoid touching other participants’ person -no handshakes, high 5s, hugs etc.
Avoid touching other participants’ discs, equipment and belongings.
Wash hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
Event Requirements
Events must be run per local public health orders in place on the day of the event. It is essential to be prepared to respond to changes in your area. TDs and clubs running events may implement measures above their local requirements, such as the need to be meet a defined minimum level of vaccination, use QR codes to check-in or wear a mask to participate. Such requirements should be clearly stipulated in event information provided prior and at time of registration. Those wishing to implement such measures for event staff or players have the support of ADG.
Event Organisers must
Be aware of local public health orders and restrictions and abide by them.
Communicate with players about how the event will run using the event website, facebook page or mailing lists – where practical in advance of registration.
Retain an attendance record of all participants names and contact details, including player groupings
Have hand sanitizer available for participants to use when they arrive and prior to leaving.
Remind participants to socially distance, and of their other obligations as detailed above.
Event considerations:
Avoid gatherings of participants as much as practical, for example hold players meetings and award ceremonies online, post groups and scores online.
For larger groups use Tee-times, flex start or ‘go straight to your hole’ shotgun starts to avoid entrants gathering.
Use electronic scoring systems
Collect payment and registrations online.
In the event of a COVID case at an event
Participants must
Inform event organisers if they are feeling unwell during the event or if they are diagnosed with COVID-19 in the week following the event.
Event Organisers must
Respect the individual’s privacy and not name the individual in any future correspondence to the playing group.
Alert other participants that they were possibly exposed at the event and to monitor for symptoms.
Seek advice from relevant health authorities if there are any high-risk concerns (eg high-risk population, significant time spent indoors etc.
Failure to comply
Anyone not complying with these guidelines or abusing TDs, officials or other players will have their ADG membership, and therefore the ability to play disc golf events in Australia, reviewed.
The eleven-strong team representing Australia at the WFDF 2022 World Team Disc Golf Championships has been selected and announced. Between now and the big event in August, we will get to know a little more about each of the players in a series of ‘Meet the Team’ Player Profiles.
Image – Kingsley Flett
WA’s Chris Finn has competed at the highest level of Australian disc golf for over two decades. He has won four ADGC titles, an ADG tour title, has taken many career wins and is Australia’s career earnings leader from pro play. Chris is a prominent figure in disc golf in Australia and worldwide, he runs multiple businesses including The Flying Disc Store, course designer/installer RAD Creations and disc golf clothing brand Dude Clothing. Let’s hear from Chris, there’s a lot we can learn.
Playing Division: MPO Current Rating: 984 Sponsors: Dude, RAD, FDS, RPM Predominant throw: RHBH
Q: What are your strengths as a player? A: Time in the game, I’ve played disc sports and disc golf since 1987 as an 11 year old. This means nothing unless you’ve put time in to learn. I have treated the game the same as a martial art, always working on different aspects of the game to get them better. I am very strategic on the course and also analyze the course I’m playing. At the end of the day, it’s only you versus the course, playing one hole one shot at a time.
Q: What is your best or favourite competition result to date? A: Hmm, so many hard to decide, I don’t think one singular stands out for me so top 5 are these, Junior Disc Golf Titles were part of my early love but probably then top 2 in a Major in a Pro Division, United Stated Masters Championships top 20 then 2015 Aussie Champs Title, Last but not least winning Rob Hancock Memorial, every time
Q: What are your disc golfing ambitions and plans for the next two or three years? A: My passion and legacy is to keep developing courses so more people find the game, as this is singularly the most important thing for people to find the game, courses in the ground and my legacy is to ensure I can help people find something like this to help them through life’s ups and downs. Actually putting myself 1st again for playing, and playing my best, no one elses, just to play my best and win or lose doing that is all I want to do knowing I haven’t left any stone unturned, practice, practice, practice. If I’m beaten it’s because someone played better than my best, not because I wasn’t good enough due to not putting in the effort.
Q: Can you share a top form tip or something that substantially helped you improve your play. A: Focus, clearly at the shot you’re about to take. The Wind, the Danger, The memory of a good shot on that hole or a similar shot you’ve played, visualize the shot, practice the shot in your mind and execute it in full, don’t have any doubts in which disc, or shot or line your about to take. When I’ve done this the results have always been 1,000 rated plus rounds.
Q: What top pro player do you look up to and why? A ; Jay Reading, he’s everything a player and person can aim to be. Enjoying the playing, The competition, giving back to the game and community and furnish everyone with your positive presence, Jay has done this since I’ve known him. Honourable mention to Simon Feasey as well for being such an awesome bloke around the world, he’s the reason I keep pushing myself….
Q: What is your favourite disc in your bag right now and what do you use it for? A: Most favorite….So hard, I love my discs, my RPM Piwakawaka, P2 Glow and PD2. Always reliable. Thanks Chris, best of luck for Croatia.
Image by Kingsley FlettImage by Kingsley Flett
By David Kynaston Thanks and credit for images to Kingsley Flett
Congratulations to the players selected to represent Australia at the 2022 WFDF team disc golf championships. We were excited by the number and quality of players expressing an interest to attend the event and thank the members of the selection panel, Cassie Sweetten, Bruce McNaughton and Chris Hill for the expertise and energy that they brought to this role. Follow all the action from the team at www.facebook.com/adgteamaustralia
Rueben Berg is a prominent figure in Australian Ultimate but relatively new to disc golf. Like many who play or have played Ultimate Rueben came to the sport ready armed with a solid throwing foundation. This provided an accelerated learning curve and in his first PDGA sanctioned competition in late 2021 Rueben took the MA40 win, followed shortly after by a 2nd and an enviable rating at 917.
A proud Gunditjmara man, Rueben founded the Indigenous Ultimate Association, the primary aim of which is to encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to play Ultimate. Rueben is a regular public speaker and works through and for several organisations to utilise his expertise and knowledge to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and to raise awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture for non-indigenous Australians.
Let’s hear about Rueben’s early experiences in disc golf.
Playing Division: MA40 Current Rating: 917 Predominant throw: Right Hand Back Hand
Q: What are your strengths as a player?
A: My backhand drives are definitely one of my strengths – it’s always a great feeling to step up to the tee and launch a backhand as hard as you can and watch it sail to just the right spot.
Q: What skills from Ultimate do you employ in disc golf, and have you learned anything new from disc golf that has helped in Ultimate?
A: Understanding the different shapes you can get through the air by throwing a disc has been a useful skill I have bought across from Ultimate – as well as my love of knowing, understanding and implementing the rules properly! A lesson I learned going back to Ultimate after playing disc golf is that it’s much easier to hit a target when the target can move to catch the disc.
Q: What are you plans or ambitions for disc golf in the coming year?
A: To play as much as I can at different courses and with different people so I can learn more about this great sport. I would love to be able to perform well within the MA40 division.
Q: What is your favourite disc in your bag right now and what do you use it for?
A: I got given it as a bit of a joke, given my surname, but I do love the Kastaplast Berg. I use it for approach shots and Circle 2 putt attempts that I can make a decent run at, but know that the disc won’t go much past the basket if (when) I miss.
Q: Is there a particular pro player that you admire and why?
A: Philo Braithwaite was one of the first pro players I was drawn to – his albatross at Milo McIver is amazing. Great commentator too. As a Gunditjmara man, it is always powerful being able to see other minority players succeeding.
Q: From your work in building the Indigenous Ultimate Association, can you share some thoughts on how more Indigenous people can be encouraged to participate in disc golf.
A: I think that being able to see diversity of all kinds within the sport is a great thing that helps show this is a welcoming and inclusive sport. So for example I would love to see more female players, and more players from different cultural groups. I also encourage any other Indigenous disc golfers out there to reach out to me to have a chat – it’s always great connecting with others to help us share, learn and support one another.
It’s time for Australian Disc Golf’s night of nights. A glittering, gala occasion where we all swap the disc golf polo for our finest evening wear (from the waist up at least), pop the champagne, get the limo to do a lap around the block, and then strut the red carpet across our lounge rooms to log in here.
Join us this January 20th at 8:30pm (AEDT) as we celebrate our first Australian Disc Golf Tour winners since the last decade and launch the 2022 tour. It’s a chance to honor those that have maintained a consistently high standard all year while dodging covid to travel far and wide to support our game.
Read all about the year that was in disc golf around Australia. The 2021 Annual report Includes annual highlights, board developments and some nice graphs showing our growth over the last 10 years.
Here are all of our winners from the Aussie Disc Golf Day and some of their thoughts.
Picture – Ken Summers
Next year will mark 30 years I have been playing disc golf , and I’m grateful everyday. It’s my sanity pill. I’m also extremely honored to have met the amazing humans I ever met along the way. The Perth disc golf community is like no other: it is filled with some of the kindest souls I have ever met, a mix of the weird and wonderful and a tribe of humans you will never find anywhere else.
Picture – David Hill
Aussie Disc Golf Day this year has been a blast. Throwing some great rounds with a bunch of mates at my local Jesmond course is just my idea of a good time. Covid has certainly been a bummer but Aussie Disc Golf Day is certainly an amazing thing to come from it.’ I also have to give a big thanks to JJ for hosting the Jesmond event and to my family for supporting me on the day and my card mates for the rounds.
Picture – Carol Heath
Aussie Disc Golf Day 2020 was the first tournament I played after getting hooked on disc golf last year, so it’s been great to look back and see my progress over the last year. The tournament layout in Adelaide is a blast to play and only set up a couple of times a year so I was pumped to get out there for this year’s Aussie Disc Golf Day. Thanks go to my card mates who kept spirits high during both rounds and a massive thanks to the SA Disc Golf crew for running such a great event as always.
Picture – Jonathan Jonas
ADGD was great to be a part of. It was the windiest conditions I’ve played in, so I was fortunate to put together a decent round. I’m a few hours from any course so any tournament is a bonus to play in. I would like to thank JJ for putting on a great day, my card mates for the rounds (especially the ones who came up a division) and all the guys & girls there that made the event happen.
Picture – Carol Heath
My family and I found Disc Golf in Philip Island and we fell in love with it. We came back to Melbourne and started playing at Doncaster and continued to borrow discs from the library for years. I introduced the sport to a mate and he bought me some discs and then I started to get really into it, building my game over Covid. I love getting out and hucking some plastic with my mates. Watching a great flight, there’s nothing like it! The Aussie Disc Golf Day was an awesome experience despite some terrible conditions! Love playing the course in tournament conditions!
Picture – Kingsley Flett
Thanks to the ADG and the ACT Disc Golf Club for putting on the event. My division feels a bit lonely though. I’d love to see more MPO and MA1 players over 40 come on over.
Picture – Tim Marchbank
It was a little unexpected for both Inverleigh Open and Aussie Disc Golf Day! It’s not often I’m in form of some sort these days but I guess this was one of them. Had great fun too. I’ve spent more than numerous hours clearing acacia and burning it, raking leaves and bark, cutting down fallen limbs and old fallen deadwood at the Inverleigh Disc Golf course. To be able to play it for the first time and come away with a win is a bonus.
Picture – Kingsley Flett
It was great to play the first tournament at the new North Ryde Common Course in Sydney and to have a win was the cherry on top. Thanks to my playing partners in the second round Jeffrey Brunsting, Matt Lamy and Jeff Wall for making it a fun, relaxed round. Congratulations also should go Rhys Wisniewski and Jeff Wall for getting the course in the ground and successfully running their first tournament. Looking forward to seeing as many people as possible at the Armory Ambush on the 4th and 5th of December.”
Picture – Brett Chambers
I started a couple months ago during lockdown when I stumbled on the local course during a run. Just bought a couple discs and started going down and chucking them around after work. Very quickly became a daily thing, where I met some local players and would regularly play the ACT courses with them! Before I know it, I signed up to ADGD and we decided to travel to Molong with a couple friends to compete on a different course! Didn’t expect to do well, let alone win, but Kev and Sharon at Central West Disc Golf put on a cracking day and I had an absolute blast! Even walked away with a rhino (which has been mistaken by some for a dinosaur?) and some friends with people from Molong, Dubbo and the Camden Disc Golf club! Absolutely love playing and the community of Disc Golf is thankfully packed full of people who are willing to help beginners, lend you their equipment, and genuinely just want the game to continue growing! Definitely looking forward to more comps and continue playing!
Picture – Carol Heath
I was very surprised but happy”, he said. “I didn’t expect to win the Yikun Discs Inverleigh Open let alone the whole MA4 division of Australia. I started playing disc golf with my dad down at Barwon Valley when the Covid pandemic hit, my first competition was ADGD 2020 where I won the MJ15 division as I had no competition. I played my first ever league day at Barwon Valley with Patty Robinson which was great, I got to learn a lot of tips and tricks in that round which helped my skills grow. I decided to go into the MA4 division to give me some competition, I got a lot of good placement finishes but no wins. When Patty and Ferg said they were building the new champs course and holding working bees, I tried to go to every single one of them to get the course installed. I’m looking forward to playing the course as much as I can in preparation for nationals next year. It was a very tough course to play for ADGD, but I played it surprisingly well.
Picture – Brett Chambers
Lydia Philpott, is a very busy person. What with school, sport and being a kid, we found her a bit elusive to track down for a quote. Eventually though, our people got through to her people who got through to her Mum, Diana Philpott, who relayed the following message from Lydia. “Lydia said she is very proud of her achievements as it was very tough conditions on the day. She wasn’t expecting it as she knew she would have tough competition. She said she is lucky to be part of the Central West Disc Golf as they encourage her.”
Picture – Tom Rugg
I have been playing disc golf for 10 months in Canberra. Canberra has a great selection of courses for all players out there. I just bought a few discs and started loving the sport. I now am playing almost every day and having a great time. I was waiting for Aussie Disc golf day for over two months. I could not wait to get out of lockdown and play a tournament. ADGD was to be played at two courses in ACT, Weston Park being the hardest. I thought I should challenge myself and took on Weston. Rain was playing tricks with me, and the conditions were very tough on an already difficult course. Little did I know, I shot a 10 over not only to beat my PB but to also shoot a 900 rated first round. I did not expect a win but am proud to see my improvement over the time playing the sport. Next year, I am aiming to play more tournaments and courses across Australia. I want to thank ACT Disc Golf, for running this amazing event and for the support and encouragement they have given to me. I hope to see more juniors taking up this sport in the years to come!
