Disc Golf Pro Spotlights Archives

PDGA Worlds Week – What to Look For

August 30, 2022 Alan Leave a comment

This is arguably the biggest week of the year for the disc golf world. It is THE week when a World Champion will be crowned.

Now, the reality is that the PDGA Disc Golf World Championship is basically just another disc golf tournament. It’s a little bit longer than most pro events, but the only thing that matters is how an individual player plays this week. It doesn’t matter how well they’ve played the rest of the season, what matters is how they perform right now. The different between Worlds and any other tournament is the history of the event and the Title associated with the winning it.

If you don’t think there is anything different between this and other tournaments, ask Paul McBeth or Paige Pierce what they think. Even better, watch the documentaries on the Disc Golf Network.

To help you prepare for the drama of Worlds, Jace (used to be our main blog writer, now the editor at Disc Golf Reviewer) has broken down the narratives of who and what to watch among the MPO field.

MPO Players and Narratives to Watch For

Today the 2022 PDGA Disc Golf World Championship kicks off in Emporia, Kansas. Worlds is the biggest event in our sport, and after last year’s “Holy Shot” and phenomenal playoff finish, there is a tangible buzz in the air leading up to this year’s MPO event. The drama of last year’s
event and the pandemic have drawn a lot of new eyes to professional disc golf. So whether you are new to Worlds or you’ve been following since the Ken Climo days, here are some names and narratives to follow as you take in all 5 rounds of the high disc flying action this week.

Ricky Wysocki

Ricky Wysocki enters Worlds as one of if not the presumptive favorite to win the event and make himself a 3x World Champion. He has had an excellent 2022 season on tour with wins at Texas States, Ledgestone, and DDO, the latter was of course played on the same courses he will be navigating this week in Emporia.

There are lots of narratives to keep tabs on when watching Ricky this year. Emporia, Kansas hosted Worlds just six years ago in 2016, which is the year Ricky broke through the glass ceiling to finally win his first World Championship after finishing as runner-up in 3 of the previous 4 years. And let’s not forget whose plastic he was throwing and will be throwing now—For the 2016 season, Ricky left his long time sponsor Prodigy Disc to join Team Latitude 64 and switch his bag over to Trilogy (Latitude 64, Westside Discs, and Dynamic Discs). Dynamic Discs is headquartered in Emporia, Kansas.

After winning another World Championship with Latitude 64 in 2017, in 2019 Ricky Wysocki switched disc sponsors again and joined Team Innova, only to switch sponsors again at the beginning of this 2022 season. What team does Ricky represent now?

Dynamic Discs, meaning Ricky is back to throwing the same plastic he was throwing when he won his two previous Worlds. Oh, and perhaps you’ve heard of his rival…

Paul McBeth

You can’t spell Disc Golf World Championship without Paul McBeth. While McBeth hasn’t
been as dominant in recent years (BTW, I’d take 2015 McBeth over peak Jordan or Woods any
day of the week, but especially on Sundays), he is still the biggest name in the sport, and it would
be a tragic mistake to overlook him. In every Worlds since 2012, Paul has finished as either the champion or the runner-up. He is a 5x World Champion for a reason, and I guarantee McBeast is one of if not the biggest concern for anyone who has hopes for taking home the crown this week.

Some folks might try to make a big deal about Paul’s poor performance in Emporia earlier this year at DDO where he missed the cut for the first time ever in his career, but this feels negligible to me for a player of Paul’s caliber. He also finished runner-up at Worlds in Emporia just six years ago.

Rather, the biggest narrative I’m following this week with Paul is the revenge narrative. He knows as well as the rest of the world that he was one miraculous “Holy Shot” away from taking home his sixth world title last year. The James Conrad throw in has overall been framed as a positive for the world of disc golf—it brought eyes and attention to disc golf and has been a resource to “grow the sport” as we say. But all of this growth and positivity has been at Paul’s expense, and not a day goes by that he isn’t reminded of it.

The comment he made off the cuff about losing worlds to an only backhand player when he was asked at the European Open about Eagle McMahon only throwing backhand shots due to injury shows me just how present last year’s Worlds are in McBeth’s psyche.

Will he be able to reign that emotion and energy in and perform when it’s go time? Looking at how Worlds has gone for the past decade, I think the odds are in his favor.

Read full article here.

Live Coverage begins at on the Disc Golf Network at 2:30 PM Central Time. Post production coverage (hopefully next day) will be provided on the YouTube channels of JomezPro, GK Pro, Gatekeeper Media and Ace Run Productions.

Photos courtesy of Disc Golf Pro Tour.

Eric Oakley Joins Team Infinite

November 18, 2021 Alan 2 comments

We are very excited to announce that Infinite Discs is partnering with Eric Oakley!

We are proud to sponsor him as he competes in the upcoming professional touring season, and we’re also excited about all of the ways in which we’ll be able to work together for the growth of the sport.

You can expect a lot of helpful disc and product reviews, some fun signature releases, and tournament events in many parts of the country as Eric tours in 2022. We look forward to a great year with Eric!

Shop All ERIC OAKLEY Stamped Discs Here

Eric’s disc golf career really began when he was living in Utah. The first tournament where he ever cashed was the Infinite Discs Cache Valley Classic, located at the Logan fairgrounds — just blocks away from Infinite Discs headquarters. Eric was a member of the first ever Team Infinite discs for a short time before he signed with Discmania.

Eric will be a valuable asset to Infinite Discs by utilizing his online reach to grow disc golf and share product insight and reviews from dozens of different disc golf brands. Be sure to follow Eric on social media for valuable information and giveaways here:

Team Infinite Player Spotlight: Taylor Aubuchon

June 21, 2021 Morgan Leonard Leave a comment

When I started my journey down the rabbit hole of learning about disc golf and buying discs about 2 years ago, Taylor Aubuchon was the first reviewer I came across. I appreciated Taylor’s succinct reviews that had no extra fluff in them: 60-second reviews, a couple throws from different release angles, flight trackers, and good descriptions of the feel and flight of a specific disc.

The more knowledge I gain, or think I gain, I still find myself looking forward to and immediately clicking on any new videos from Taylor. Taylor can pack just the right amount of information into a short and easily digestible video. Most of Taylor’s videos also end with a discount code to be used at infinitediscs.com.

I reached out for a brief interview to better introduce Taylor to other Infinite followers that may not be aware of his content, social media presence, and mission to grow the game.

What is your disc golf origin story?

In late middle school/early high school (2007/2008), my group of friends and I were introduced to the game through our church’s youth group. I also took my dad and brother out to play and we were all hooked instantly. We were really lucky to have a great course just a few minutes away and started to play relatively seriously early on. Our youth group started a weekly bag tag series, and I even started to run a small doubles charity tournament within that first year.

How long have you been working with Infinite Discs?

Fortunately for me, Infinite started to support me after just my first review video, which was in March 2019. I’ll never be able to thank Dylan enough for believing in the plan I had for a different take on review videos! It’s pretty crazy to see how far I’ve come and how much it’s grown since then.

When did you start posting disc golf videos?

I started posting in March 2019, right when the first run I-Blend Emperors came out. This was a disc I was really excited about and thought it needed some more light shed on it. It was a mediocre video, to say the least, but it got some great feedback and I’ve been trying to improve and refine my style ever since.

How did you develop your signature and succinct review style?

I think as most content creators develop their style it starts out being mostly self-serving. After taking an extended hiatus from the game, my brother introduced me to the Infinite brand. I was hard-pressed to find any reviews or really any content focused on their lineup. Most YouTube reviews I was watching seemed quite long for their purpose, and I couldn’t find any review content on Instagram at the time. I saw an opportunity to create a more concise format that would be able to be pushed to the more underutilized avenues of social media. The original plan was actually to only post them to Instagram. I only created a YouTube channel to be able to share the reviews in Infinite’s comment section.

What disc surprised you the most after reviewing it? (You weren’t expecting to like, flew differently than expected, etc)

Definitely the Aztec. I had never really thrown that kind of straight control driver that still had good distance potential. When the I-Blend test run came out I loved the feel and flight it had, but it beat in just a little too quickly to be super reliable. Thankfully, the color glow run came out shortly after and I’ve had at least two in my bag ever since. The Aztec gives me the control of the Exodus, while not sacrificing much of the extra distance I’d get from bumping up to an Emperor of Pharaoh. If they’re ever looking for a name to put on the color glow Aztec, I know a guy that’d be pretty interested.

What is your favorite Infinite disc?

The Tomb without a doubt. I power grip everything but putts, so the Tomb is a perfect throwing putter for me with its shallow rim. Right now I’m bagging a Splatter S-Blend for overstable, C-Blend for stable, and D-Blend for understable throwing putter slots.

Check out Taylor’s Tomb review here:

Infinite Discs D-Blend Tomb Review

What is your favorite non-infinite disc?

I’ve had a full infinite bag for a bit over a year now, but the hardest disc for me to take out was the Westside Discs Pine. I enjoy a taller, more overstable feeling Midrange that beat into straight fliers. Taking the time to beat a disc into that perfect spot gives you a level of confidence and trust in it that can’t easily be replaced.

Who is your player on tour?

I always look forward to watching Drew Gibson shred out there. Best backhand form on tour!

Do you compete in tournaments? Discuss some local events, results, experiences, etc.

Unfortunately, it’s been a couple of years since I’ve played a local event, but I’m hoping to get back out there soon!

What are some of your disc golf goals?

Since really diving into content creation, most of my goals center around growing my presence to be able to share these awesome discs with as many people as possible! It’d be awesome to hit 1000 YouTube subscribers someday, but I try not to focus too hard on any specific avenue as there are so many outlets to push to. As far as disc golf specific, I’m always tweaking something in my game. Right now the goal is to develop a more consistent forehand, there’s a reason you’ve never seen me throw a forehand in any video…

Check out Taylor’s full video catalog here:

Taylor Aubuchon – YouTube

What are some of your hobbies outside of and other than disc golf?

Before disc golf, my biggest passions were music and video games. I played in local bands throughout high school and dove pretty deep into music production afterward. I’ve also streamed via Twitch off and on since around 2015. Although music has taken a bit of a back seat recently, I still stream regularly at twitch.tv/ursapls and would love to talk disc golf, gaming, or music with anyone that wants to stop by!

Be sure to Subscribe to Taylor’s YouTube channel and Follow him on Instagram(tayloraubuchon)!

We will be continuing this series, spotlighting members of Team Infinite from all 4 levels: Signature, Elite, Ambassador, and Core Teams. Please share this article and comment below which player(s) that you would like to hear from!

Get outside and throw some discs. Have an awesome day!

Morgan Leonard

Molenny Disc Golf

Introducing Allison Haggett of the Signature Team

April 10, 2021 Alex Tews Leave a comment

Welcome Allison Haggett to the Infinite Discs Signature Team! Allison is from Bowdoin, Maine and competes in the FPO division. This is her first year on the Signature Team, and we were fortunate enough to get to learn a bit more about her!

How did you get started in disc golf?

When I met my husband in 2014 he played disc golf almost daily. I didn’t tag along much as I didn’t like playing with men who could outdrive me constantly. I felt like I was a burden. Flash forward to 2016, I went and watched the United States Women’s Disc Golf Championships that was held here in Maine and I was hooked! I jumped in full force in 2017 and started playing and competing in the FA1 division. I have always been a competitive person so having a sport that I could compete in as an adult was fascinating to me. I’ve never looked back!

Is there anyone in particular you look up to or admire in the game?

When I started playing I was star-struck by Paige Pierce and her determination and skills in the sport. I was always watching FPO coverage and trying to learn the ins and outs of the sport. I will always look up to Paige and her domination in this sport, but I also look up to Jessica Weese, Kona Panis and Des Reading for all they do to grow the sport and their amazing talents on the course.

What is your favorite type of shot to throw?

I love throwing a flippy driver through a wooded fairway and watching it carve through the trees. We have a lot of wooded golf here in New England so those shots are a must have in the bag. I also love throwing putters off the tee, I think it’s such a smooth clean shot.

Which of your disc golf achievements are you most proud of?

Having my own signature disc and making the Infinite Signature team! This was a dream of mine when I started out and it’s now a reality! Before this achievement I was proud of my AM world showing. I qualified for AM worlds my first season competing and went down to Charlotte in 2018 to compete in it! I placed 6th behind some pretty big names in the game, which was a huge accomplishment for me. My goal was to place in the top half and I exceeded that along with making some great connections with some amazing ladies.

If you could play a round with only three discs, which would they be?

That’s easy! I would use a Pharaoh, Inca and a Cohort!

Other than disc golf, what else do you enjoy doing?

I am a big outdoorsy girl, when I am not playing disc golf you can usually find me fishing! I enjoy fishing all year round, bike riding, four wheeling, camping, kayaking, etc.

What tips do you have for newer players or players looking to improve their game?

Don’t be intimidated, we all start somewhere! Ask questions about things you are unsure of, it’s better to ask then to keep wondering. Start with putters to learn control and to work on your form before trying out high speed drivers. Go to leagues and meet new people! You’d be surprised how much you learn at weekly league nights!

If people want to follow along on your journey, where can they best follow you?

My Instagram or Facebook!

Allison’s Signature Splatter S-Blend Pharaoh is now available, so be sure to get on while you can. Welcome to the Signature Team, Allison! Good luck this season!

Disc Golf Pro Spotlights

Get to Know Signature Team Member Chris Becker

April 3, 2021 Alex Tews Leave a comment

Welcome Chris Becker to the Infinite Discs Signature Team. Chris lives in Eugene, Oregon, and is a Collegiate Disc Golf National Champion. Chris has been playing in tournaments since 2010. We’re thankful he was able to chat with us a bit so we could get to know him a bit better!

How did you get started in disc golf?

I started playing disc golf when I was in elementary school. Across the street was a 9 hole course called West Morland in Eugene, Oregon. I played with my friends there often and started to meet some locals.

Is there anyone in particular you look up to or admire in the game?

I look up to Dave Feldberg, being my old coach at the University of Oregon Disc Golf team. He was number 1 in the world at the time and I think that gave us all a boost of competitiveness.

What is your favorite type of shot to throw?

My favorite type of shot to throw is with a flippy putter or mid range. Throw it with some hyzer, let it flip up to flat, and ride straight. Maybe even tail a little right at the end. I like this shot because the discs I use for it are similar to how an Ultimate Frisbee flies.

Which of your disc golf achievements are you most proud of?

I am most proud of winning Collegiate Nationals my freshman year in 2010 at the U of O. That was what catapulted my love to compete at tournaments. Also, having the opportunity to teach disc golf at a University for 5 years thanks to Nate Sexton! These are experiences I will never forget.

If you could play a round with only three discs, which would they be?

I would choose to throw a KC Pro Aviar, S line chariot, and a Star Destroyer

Other than disc golf, what else do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy running, swimming, hiking, music, reading, and hanging with friends.

What tips do you have for newer players or players looking to improve their game?

Start simple. Throw putters first. Once you can control those, move to mid range discs, and then drivers. Accuracy will always trump distance. If you want to play this game for a long time, don’t over do it. Throw smooth and be mindful.

If people want to follow along on your journey, where can they best follow you?

You can follow me on Instagram.

Chris will have a signature disc this year, so be sure to keep your eyes open for that! Also, make sure to follow along on his disc golf journey. If you’re competing in the Pacific Northwest, then there’s a good chance you will see Chris out there. Good luck this season!

Disc Golf Pro Spotlights

Get to Know Signature Team Member Scott Zimmerman

March 20, 2021 Alex Tews Leave a comment

Meet Scott Zimmerman! Scott is a new member to our Signature Team this year. He resides in Fort Worth, Texas. Scott joined the PDGA in 1977 and is PDGA #168! He even has his own book published. Thankfully Scott was able to answer some questions for us to get to know him better!

How did you get started in disc golf?

Several events conspired to get me started in disc golf. At age 14, I randomly saw two professional Frisbee shows and that increased my interest to play after school everyday. When my father saw that, he bought me Stancil Johnson’s classic Frisbee book and I learned about disc golf. So I created a couple of courses around my house and played two rounds everyday after school. When I turned 15, I was lucky to find out about the first Virginia State Championships. I went there and won golf competing against grown men. It hooked me.

Is there anyone in particular you look up to or admire in the game?

Yes, too many to list. I admired Don Wilchek’s thumb roller, Sam Ferrans long arms in distance and extreme putting accuracy, Joe Ursino’s laser sidearms, Crazy John Brooks powerful pivot, and Gregg Hosfeld’s unmatched dedication to the entire sport.

What is your favorite type of shot to throw?

That would be a backhand roller, because sometimes I can land them just right and achieve awe-inspiring distances.

Which of your disc golf achievements are you most proud of?

Though I won the World Frisbee Golf Championship in 1982, my greatest achievement ever was leading the entire field by 7 strokes after the first 18 holes at the St. Louis National Series tournament in 1982. If we had rated rounds then, a margin like that in such a large national tournament would have been rated well over 1100.

If you could play a round with only three discs, which would they be?

Hydrogen by Loft Discs for putting and up shots; Centurion by Infinite Discs for straight fairway drives and backhand rollers; and the Aztec by Infinite Discs for long straight drives. You might notice a pattern there–I love really straight flights.

Other than disc golf, what else do you enjoy doing?

Nature hikes with my dog; and anticipating the day when I’m done rebuilding the master bathroom shower that I already tore apart.

What tips do you have for newer players or players looking to improve their game?

Get in lots and lots of field work because you get more “throws per minute” (TPM) than playing a course. You must have a higher TPM if you want to improve rapidly.

If people want to follow along on your journey, where can they best follow you?

Be sure to follow me on Instgram or on my Youtube channel

Get his book signed book Scott will have a signature disc release with us, so be on the lookout for that! If you want to learn how to become a putting ninja, check out Scott’s Youtube channel. Having the opportunity to chat with Scott was incredible. He has an incredible knowledge of disc sports and their history. Good luck this season!

Disc Golf Pro Spotlights

Get to Know Signature Team Member Joseph Kulp

February 27, 2021 Alex Tews 3 comments

Meet Joseph Kulp! Joseph is a part of the Signature Team this year. He is from Fort Smith, Arkansas and is the man behind Hye8Dye Originals. Joseph is currently 960 rated and is ready to take his skills on the road and compete at a high level. Thankfully, we got to chat with Joseph and get to know a little bit more about him!

How did you get started in disc golf?

A good friend was coming to visit from out of town. I was unable to meet him at our arranged time due to a complication at work keeping me in the office longer than planned. He said “no worries, I’ll just go find a disc golf course”. I had no idea what it was or that it existed, but I went to try it with one of my co-workers the next week and was hooked for life.

Is there anyone in particular you look up to or admire in the game?

Michael Johansen and Nate Sexton have always been my two favorite players. I admire their energy and how they carry themselves. They are carefree and light hearted. They also have a professional balance which is not easy to attain. I feel the game and the world as a whole would be a better place if more people carried themselves in this way.

What is your favorite type of shot to throw?

Anything off the cuff of convention. If I have to choose between a standard hyzer or a forced flex anhyzer or a roller, I’m choosing one of the two latter choices if I can… probably the roller 😉

Which of your disc golf achievements are you most proud of?

Oddly enough, it’s not a competition achievement but an artistic one. The time and passion that I’ve put into creating Hye8Dye Originals has been the most satisfying creative expression experience I’ve had, not just in disc golf but in my life.

If you could play a round with only three discs, which would they be?

The Gateway Diamond Mystic, DD Lucid Justice and Infinite C-Blend Pharoah would be my three. Actually, this is how I play many of my casual rounds!

Other than disc golf, what else do you enjoy doing?

Kayaking, hiking, contemplating the cornucopic mystery of the incarnate experience, and possibly most importantly, I enjoy the peaceful and colorful disruption of convention.

What tips do you have for newer players or players looking to improve their game?

Learn the basics like how to X step, keeping the nose of the disc down, a smooth rhythmic release, and be sure not to lose yourself in the mechanics or the competition. Be yourself. Enjoy yourself. Do what feels right to you, and your disc golf experience will be the best version of what you intend.

If people want to follow along on your journey, where can they best follow you?

On Facebook:

Facebook.com/hye8dye

As part of the Signature Team, Joseph will have a signature disc and will also be releasing an “In The Bag” video. So there’s plenty to look out for. Best of luck this season! Check out this video to see a Hye8Dye Originals in flight!

**UPDATE! Here is Joseph’s In The Bag Video!**

Disc Golf Pro Spotlights

Get to Know Signature Team Member Kesler Martin

February 20, 2021 Alex Tews One comment

Welcome Kesler Martin! Not only is Kesler a member of our Signature Team, but he is also a member of Team Innova as part of the Ambassador Team. He is currently 1011 rated, and the second highest rated player in Utah! Kesler works at Infinite Discs full time as the creative director, or as I like to call him, the Stamp Master. Kesler was gracious enough to take some time to answer some questions. Get to know a bit more about Kesler Martin!

How did you get started in disc golf?

When I was about 10 years old, my dad took me out to play a round at our local course. He started playing in the early ‘80s with the classic Wham-O frisbee and let me use it when I first played. I definitely liked the sport, but I was using most of my free time practicing to make my high school golf team (I did eventually). We would play disc golf off and on as I was growing up, but I did not practice with the intent to get better/compete until I was 21 years old. Over the following 5 years, I increased my rating from 948 to 1011. Over the last ~2 years, I have oscillated between being the highest rated in Utah. I have had lots of big local wins along with mediocre results at the few tour events I have played. I finally got my dad to sign up for the PDGA in 2018. He played his first tournament in Logan, Utah where I was the tournament director. Today, he and I complete on a regular basis and often at the same tournaments. Having this relationship with my father has been a huge blessing in my life.

Is there anyone in particular you look up to or admire in the game?

Totally! I admire a few aspects of multiple professionals’ playstyles. Here are a few examples: Any backhand shot from Barry Shultz. Touch shots with the Nova from Paul McBeth. How flipping far Eagle can forehand. Dallin Blanchard’s consistency, Kevin Jones’ athleticism and Philo Brathwaite’s super silky-smooth putt.

What is your favorite type of shot to throw?

Hands down, I thoroughly love throwing perfectly straight shots. I feel like straight shots and turnovers are a lost art. I also love throwing shots that shape to tightly wooded fairways. All these shots give such a rewarding feeling that is very difficult to describe.

Which of your disc golf achievements are you most proud of?

This would probably be my back-to-back B-Tier winning streak in 2018. The first win was up in Idaho at the Southeast Idaho Invitational. I was keeping up with three 1000 rated players and finally pushed ahead during the final round. I was so confident, and it felt like I could not miss a putt. My final round was super-hot and pushed me clear of the tough competition by 5 strokes. The second win was the Creekside Open about three weeks later down in Salt Lake City, Utah. Had I not dropped from Ledgestone, I would not have been able to compete at this one. I was able to clutch a hot second round that gave me a comfortable lead. Both these tournaments netted me +$1000, and more importantly they revealed and gave me confidence that I could win big tournaments.

If you could play a round with only three discs, which would they be? And why?

I would choose the XT Nova, Champion Coyote, and Star Thunderbird. The Nova is my go-to putting putter and shot shaping throwing putter. The Coyote is a workable straight flying mid-range with tons of glide. The Thunderbird is by far my favorite driver. I will gladly exchange the bit of distance lost from choosing other distance drivers for the consistency and control I get from the Thunderbird.

Other than disc golf, what else do you enjoy doing?

I am passionate about music (playing and listening) and graphic design. I adore spending quality time with my wife, family, and friends. I also enjoy both playing a variety of board games and selection of video games such as, Smash Bros Ultimate, Minecraft and many of the Zelda installments. Furthermore, I enjoy other individual sports like golf, pickle ball and ping pong.

What tips do you have for newer players or players looking to improve their game?

Practice your short game! Putting and approach shots are roughly half the strokes you take out on the course. Throwing far is helpful but its not everything. Consistency and control are paramount.

If people want to follow along on your journey, where can they best follow you?

You can friend me on Facebook, and I can be found on Instagram and Twitter at @km4rt_special.

Be on the look out for Kesler this year! The Kesler Martin Signature Metal Flake C-Blend Meme Sphinx goes live on Thursday, February 25th. Be sure to get one fast before they’re gone and help support Kesler’s season. If you are interested in what the second highest rated player in Utah throws, be on the lookout for his in the bag coming soon. Tear it up this season, Kesler!

Disc Golf Pro Spotlights

« 1 2 3 4 »