OK, I know genetics, natural talent, and predisposition can be applied to most sports like football, golf,track basketball etc...

We have all seen it. The guy who has been working his butt off for decades to break 80 on the golf course. And then comes little Jack who becomes a scratch player at age 12 after playing a year or so.

Well, I think nature ability also applies to Disc Golf too. I have been playing Disc Golf for 15 months and have really put in a tremendous amount of work in it. (Avg.about 10 rounds a week).
And I have come to the unenviable conclusion after this 15 months of intense playing and practicing that I will NEVER compete in the USDGC. And that I will NEVER be a Steve Rico or Steve Millz.
My drives are around 320ft. like its been the last 10 months or so.
I just realize that the Top Pros after playing and focusing intently for 15 months were probably way way ahead where I am now. I bet the farm on that. I think if I truly "had" the potential of what it takes , that it would already be obviously seen in my game by now.

Anyway, I don't mean to be negative but just being a realist. I still love the game and will continue to pursue it as long as I can walk.
And spread the name of the game and also try to get more people out to play.

I know I will never play at USDGC (at least qualify w/o special exemption) but at least I can watch some really awesome players who are really nice on top of that and enjoy doing that at Winthrop.

But honestly it is a little disheartening to realize my potential is pretty much limited.

I just wonder if any of you when you first started out had these illusions of grandeur of being a top professional ?? Only to be disappointed when you found out you just don't have what it takes to be among the best ??

[QUOTE]
illusions [QUOTE]
Should that be delusions?

I've been playing for 10 yrs and I can only throw about 360 and have always wanted to play with the pros but like you i just don't see me there anytime soon either but i will always play golf for its the friends you make while playing that makes it worth playing the game.

Don't get too hard on yourself.

While I do not know what your 10-rounds a week consist of. (man you are lucky).

I do know one thing about practicing and getting better to achieve goals.

Quality over quantity.

When you are playing those 10 rounds/week, are you focusing on release angles, disc/arm speed, footwork, body form, release and timing consistentcy, and in general making the disc do exactly what you want it to do? Or are you just tossing a disc through a park.

While I may not be a pro yet, I feel I have made consistent advancement through the 20 months I have been playing. I moved up to Advanced after playing only 3 months, and have steadily gotten better since then.

Also, what are your metrics for improvement? How are you measuring yourself in practice. Many people I play practice rounds with tell me nice shot while I walk away in disgust when the disc is still mid flight. While it may have accidently gone in the right direction, throwing a hyzer flip shot when breaking my wrist instead of throwing with a touch of anhyzer with a controlled drive. In practice it is about the means and not the ends. I never keep score in a practice round, and usually take two putts regardless if I made it or not.

Are there any pros where you live? If not take a drive up to Bowling Green and befriend some of the local pros, or at least some of their top advanced players (I know there are some because they beat me at NAT'S).

While this game is enjoyable and fairly easy, it takes diligence and practice to become great at it. And remember, like the words of Jack Nicholas, "Golf is a game that can never be mastered".

Don't ever give up if you want to be great. Prioritize and do what it takes to get there.

I know I'll never be a pro. It doesn't bother me at all. I play basketball too and I'll never be a pro at that either.

Now if they had a professional Canasta players..... LOL

I bet the farm on that.



You live on a farm?

Just remember, you'll always have more experience than someone.

Have you played in any tournaments yet? Just curious.

I've only been playing since May, so you have at least 9 months on me.
I can say that I am an "OK" player for as long as I've been playing. I could compete well in the novice/rec category,lol (we'll find out next year)
I still make mistakes.... but after watching the '03 Brent Hambrick Open video it shows that even the pros are making the same mistakes (just not as many)
So just don't count yourself out so soon, maybe next week you'll learn how to hit every putt inside 40'.....you'd be unbeatable :D

10 rounds a week??

Instead try spending that time practicing putting and doing field work. Playing rounds will help the mental game, but I don't think it does much for the physical game after a certain point(you're not there yet though).

I remember Climo being interviewed and he said he used to play 8 rounds A DAY!


I have gotten frustrated because I had to spend a TON of field time a few years ago to learn how to throw decently far. I was willing to put in the hours, and luckily I had time to spare ( summer break in high school before I could drive). I see guys come out and are throwing FAR after just playing on a course for a year. But, then I notice that even though they may have more pure distance, they are nowhere near as consistant as I am throwing long distances. Practice DOES pay off, just not always right away.

Now if only I could putt... :D

OK, I know genetics, natural talent, and predisposition can be applied to most sports like football, golf,track basketball etc... <font color="red"> I believe that to be true </font>

We have all seen it. The guy who has been working his butt off for decades to break 80 on the golf course. And then comes little Jack who becomes a scratch player at age 12 after playing a year or so. <font color="red"> For disc golf guys like Matt Orum and Coda Hatfield and Justin Jernigan??? Of and 20 Year old world champ Nate Doss </font>

Well, I think nature ability also applies to Disc Golf too. I have been playing Disc Golf for 15 months and have really put in a tremendous amount of work in it. (Avg.about 10 rounds a week).
And I have come to the unenviable conclusion after this 15 months of intense playing and practicing that I will NEVER compete in the USDGC. And that I will NEVER be a Steve Rico or Steve Millz. <font color="red"> While I take that as a tremendous compliment whos to say you will never be as good as me or Stevie Rico??? Up untill March of this year I didnt have much game at all. I played advanced all last year and and only cashed a handful of times. It wasnt untill this year when a few super pros (Brad Hammock, Dave Feldburg, Avery Jenkins and Ken Climo) took some time out of their day to help me out with some aspects of my game. Hammock helped me with the mental side. Dave and Avery helped change my putting form which helped me win the Memorial that very next weekend and the day after the Memorial Climo completely changed my grip which has increased my accuracy about 10 fold. Sure it was great that I had the athletic ability to had a smooth run up and throwing form but it was the little things they told me that has really made me into the player I am today. If I hadnt got the help from them I really think I would be in about the same bout that I was at the end of last year. Cashing when I got hot but never really being good. Now I have some confidence and my goal is to become one of the guys that helped me get where I am (a SuperPro) </font>
My drives are around 320ft. like its been the last 10 months or so. <font color="red"> Trust me when I say this.....320 is not that bad and distance like any other aspect of the game can be taught and learned. Check out Blake Ts website he has some great articles on distance and for and pretty much anything you can think of related to disc golf. There are quite a few pros that dont throw 400 and are still great players. They just know they cant throw that far and they play accordingly....That and most of them are amazing inside 250 and great putters but the point is you can be a great player without throwing 450 ft. I know this because I can outdrive alot of guys who are kickin my butt on the course on a daily basis :eek: </font>
I just realize that the Top Pros after playing and focusing intently for 15 months were probably way way ahead where I am now. I bet the farm on that. I think if I truly "had" the potential of what it takes , that it would already be obviously seen in my game by now. <font color="red"> What you may not realize is that those top pros that you speak of have been playing golf for atleast 10 or more years. I mean hell Nate Doss is 20 and hes been playing more then 10 years. JJ is 19 and hes been playing for 10 years. Climo won his first championship when I was like 6 so hes been playing prolly as long as I have been alive. Sure some of them just picked up a disc and in a year were great players but in all reality most of the time it takes a while and a ton of practice to become a really good player. You just need to figure out what your weaknesses are and strengthen them and once they get strengthened you need to find more and strengthen those and keep doing it over and over and over again because in golf there will always be something you can do better no matter how good you get. And just remember that even the SuperPros make mistakes and throw bad shots and miss easy putts and have bad rounds. IE. I saw Climo miss a 15-20 foot wide open putt at DGLO this year and I saw many missed putts from inside 30 during the Brent Hambrick Memorial final 9 and hell Barry even missed a 3 FOOTER at USDGC this year a # FOOTER!!! So just keep that in mind when your working on your game as well. So if you really want to get good find a local pro and ask him everything you can think of about the game because its the little things that will make you a great player and most pros are willing to pass on what they know to another golfer. That and just have fun and if after you try all that you still arent going to be a pro then who cares because this game is all about the fun and the people you meet along the way :D</font>

Anyway, I don't mean to be negative but just being a realist. I still love the game and will continue to pursue it as long as I can walk.
And spread the name of the game and also try to get more people out to play. <font color="red"> Thats awesome and I thank you for promoting the sport. The more people we can get involved the better. </font>

I know I will never play at USDGC (at least qualify w/o special exemption) but at least I can watch some really awesome players who are really nice on top of that and enjoy doing that at Winthrop. <font color="red"> Think positive and youll be amazed at what you can do. </font>

But honestly it is a little disheartening to realize my potential is pretty much limited.

I just wonder if any of you when you first started out had these illusions of grandeur of being a top professional ?? Only to be disappointed when you found out you just don't have what it takes to be among the best ??



I hope what I had to say helped you out a little and that you continue to try and be a top player if that is what you truely want. And if you have any questions or need any help feel free to PM me and I will help you with anything that I can and if I dont know about it I will try and point you to someone who does.

Thanks again for the huge compliment and I hope to see you at a tournament or on the course somewhere next year.

Steve "DiscPimp" MillZ

<font color="red"> Can you read that better??? </font>

And that I will NEVER be a Steve Millz.



Lol!!

Millz,

Please don't ever use the <font color="orange"> color orange </font> as it's extremely difficult to read. You probably wrote a lot of good stuff in your last post but I can't read a single sentence of it.

I changed it to red. Maybe you can read it now :D

And I have come to the unenviable conclusion after this 15 months of intense playing and practicing that I will NEVER compete in the USDGC. And that I will NEVER be a Steve Rico or Steve Millz.



Steve Rico is a pro and one of the best in the game today
Steve Millz is a above avg. amature

i really don't see how the two can be compared. :confused:

And I have come to the unenviable conclusion after this 15 months of intense playing and practicing that I will NEVER compete in the USDGC. And that I will NEVER be a Steve Rico or Steve Millz.



Steve Rico is a pro and one of the best in the game today
Steve Millz is a above avg. amature

i really don't see how the two can be compared. :confused:



Ill be one of the best in the sport one day :D

Not if you stay Am for the rest of your life! :eek:

Not if you stay Am for the rest of your life! :eek:



:D :D :D

Not if you stay Am for the rest of your life! :eek:



Dont worry I wont be am for the rest of my life. This is the last year :D

Thats cause he'll be [I'm a potty-mouth!] off about having to follow behind me on the cards all of next year!!!!

:eek: ;) :D

Thats cause he'll be [I'm a potty-mouth!] off about having to follow behind me on the cards all of next year!!!!

:eek: ;) :D



If I remember correctly the only times you beat me are on your home courses :eek: ;) :D

Dude, relax! Play for 10 years and then come see us. Ive been playing off and on since 1984. I really got back involved just last year. I took 10 years off to get married and raise 2 kids. Now that they have grown its time for me to take my game to the level I should have already been playing at.

Things take time. Like a few have already said, if you can accurately drive 320.....have an accurate mid range of 300 and can make 30 foot putts......your golden! Its getting them all to work at the same time thats the hard part. Lots of people out drive me....hell Im almost 40.....but I have an accurate mid game and can putt pretty well.

ie: Pimp can out drive me just about any day of the week, however, I think I have a better mid game than he does..........subsequently........were really about the same level of player. Most of the rounds he and I have played in the same events are seperated by only a few strokes....either way of each other. I used Pimp due to your mentioning of him.

Important note: You need to keep in mind, your not really playing against the other players so much as your playing against the course. Stop comparing yourself to the 'legends' of the game, even if some of those legends are only so, in their own minds (Pimp, j/k man ;)).

When you get to the point of stepping onto any teepad regardless of distance and say to yourself......this shot is just like the one I use at "X" course....or.....I only need to get to 'there' where I will have a wide open 250 mid shot........then you will be ready to take your game to the next level. Vision, practice and dedication are where its all at! Good luck on your endeavors......and hope to see you out on the course some where!

Thats cause he'll be [I'm a potty-mouth!] off about having to follow behind me on the cards all of next year!!!!

:eek: ;) :D



If I remember correctly the only times you beat me are on your home courses :eek: ;) :D



I think your right, but I think that street runs both ways if you know what I mean! ;)

Thats cause he'll be [I'm a potty-mouth!] off about having to follow behind me on the cards all of next year!!!!

:eek: ;) :D



If I remember correctly the only times you beat me are on your home courses :eek: ;) :D



I think your right, but I think that street runs both ways if you know what I mean! ;)



Its ok though. You have been playing on and off since I was 1 year old and I have only been playing for a little over 2 years :eek: :p :D

Thats cause he'll be [I'm a potty-mouth!] off about having to follow behind me on the cards all of next year!!!!

:eek: ;) :D



If I remember correctly the only times you beat me are on your home courses :eek: ;) :D



I think your right, but I think that street runs both ways if you know what I mean! ;)



Its ok though. You have been playing on and off since I was 1 year old and I have only been playing for a little over 2 years :eek: :p :D



You've been playing longer than me, and I'll be in the 980s next update! :o

Thats cause he'll be [I'm a potty-mouth!] off about having to follow behind me on the cards all of next year!!!!

:eek: ;) :D



If I remember correctly the only times you beat me are on your home courses :eek: ;) :D



I think your right, but I think that street runs both ways if you know what I mean! ;)



Its ok though. You have been playing on and off since I was 1 year old and I have only been playing for a little over 2 years :eek: :p :D



You've been playing longer than me, and I'll be in the 980s next update! :o



I keep telling everyone theres more than just corn in NE, but no one believes me!!

Thats cause he'll be [I'm a potty-mouth!] off about having to follow behind me on the cards all of next year!!!!

:eek: ;) :D




If I remember correctly the only times you beat me are on your home courses :eek: ;) :D



I think your right, but I think that street runs both ways if you know what I mean! ;)


You shoulda came to Homey's, Steve, then we ALL could have settled this.

Nice hijacking of the thread Steve.

If you notice I was just trying to give some advice and help this guy out and did not return to the thread untill people were already talking about me. So blame them for the hijack not me :eek:

Whatever you do please don't equate distance with potential success. There are alot of top level pros that throw in the under 400' category. They just make every throw count. Accuracy and putting over distance every time.

And get off the course in you really want to learn. Hit the fields.

If you had read what I posted, then you would have seen this


Trust me when I say this.....320 is not that bad and distance like any other aspect of the game can be taught and learned. Check out Blake Ts website he has some great articles on distance and for and pretty much anything you can think of related to disc golf. There are quite a few pros that dont throw 400 and are still great players. They just know they cant throw that far and they play accordingly....That and most of them are amazing inside 250 and great putters but the point is you can be a great player without throwing 450 ft. I know this because I can outdrive alot of guys who are kickin my butt on the course on a daily basis :D




Where in I stated there are many great players that dont throw 400 and there are also many players that I can outdrive any day of the week that whoop me all over the course on a daily basis.

I agree with you, DISCnDISCiple. A lot of people in disc golf seem to think that the following is true when it isn't:

time playing the game = skill level

Therefore those people can't comprehend someone not playing pro after "x' number of years, with the value of x varying. Some even step up to pro where they obviously can't compete and then berate better players who didn't join them. Oh well, to each their own.

Some of us are doing well to play marginally well, and some of us will never get better than 'orrible. Fortunately this is a game that you can have fun competing in even if all you do is hack. :) And with the ratings in place, it's easy to see if you are a 950 rated player that is really good or an 850 rated played that isn't that good.

And it's all good. Have fun and do your best.

I know I'll never be a pro. It doesn't bother me at all. I play basketball too and I'll never be a pro at that either.



There is a big difference between being an NBA player and a Pro DGer. All you need to be a Pro DGer is $55! :eek: :D:D

I think you're a little off Rhett. I know people that have been playing for 20 years and will never get above 920. And others who will be above that in 2 years or less.

But it's not how long you play, it's HOW you play. Lots of casual rounds with friends or field work. Rounds by yourself, with a friend around the same skill level, or a good Pro.

Some people will have to putt in more time to achieve the same results, but the key is that you are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve your goals(whatever they may be).

I think ANYONE has the ability to become a decently good disc golfer(at least 975 rating). Some will never be able to be a top Pro, but if everyone could play as well as Climo after a few years it wouldn't make things very interesting.

A good example may be Jay Reading. He was around the 980-990 mark for a few years, consistantly playing good , but kinda looking like he would never be up at the top. And this past year he has really broken through.Another example is that Feldberg toured in 99' as an Adv. player , and has played a TON of tournaments since. Did he start off crushing the Pro division?

" There is a big difference between being an NBA player and a Pro DGer. All you need to be a Pro DGer is $55! "

I can honestly say this. I have been to many NBA games and just recently I got the opportunity to go to USDGC to watch.

I must say from my perspective the sportmanship, skill, and total athleticism in USDGC was more impressive than any NBA game I have seen. I grew up playing basketball and love it with a passion.
But finding DG in the last year or so has made me side with it as being my true sport of choice.

Some people will have to putt in more time to achieve the same results, but the key is that you are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve your goals(whatever they may be).

I think ANYONE has the ability to become a decently good disc golfer(at least 975 rating).


I completely disagree with that sentiment.

I know some 820-ish players who might have 875 in 'em. I personally think I have about 950-960 in me if I really worked on my putting for an extended period. 975 is pretty high.

But you have a real job, family, responsibilities.

I'm talking about someone who has a LOT of time to put into practicing. I have no doubt that you could easily be 975 if you put enough time into it.

Many players that have been playing for years without much improvement should be blaming themselves for it. I see some decent players who accept how good they are and that is good enough for them. For example maybe they are the top pro in a city, they lack the drive to improve because they are already at the top. They choose not to try new throws or learn new tips. They aren't learning anything new, and thus don't improve.

I still disagree. :)

I think 975 is way way way too high a level of golf for everyone to be able to attain. And there is nothing wrong with that, either.

975 is pretty darn good golfing.

i wish i could reach 975 im only a 901

Think of it as in ball golf, only 20 percent of the people who play ball golf will shoot below 100.

Think of it as in ball golf, only 20 percent of the people who play ball golf will shoot below 100.



Woo Hoo, I am in the top 20% of ball golfers! I usually average 90-95.

But as far as attaining a certain level of play in disc golf or any sport, you get what you put into it. So do not expect more out of your input. Granted there are some people who are better athletically then others. But there are also people who are inherently smarter, better artists, better musicians, etc.

While reaching the pinnacle in any sport or activity may take a combination of both natural talent and practice/dedication. You should never stop striving to be the best you can be. Whether it is a 1000+ player, a 950 golfer, an 875 golfer, or a sub 800 golfer. If you are playing your best for the amount of time you put into making yourself better, then you should never compare yourself against anyone else. That is unless you want to become the best in the world. If you do, then drop out of school, quit work, steal a car, borrow gas money from your parents, practice disc golf 5 days a week and compete on the weekends. Become a top pro means dedicating your life to the game. But becoming a good player does not, it just means doing your best, and competing in the right division.

I hate to disagree with you discn'

but after 15 months you are only starting to put together a complete game.

I've been playing about three years, and after 15 months I was about where you are now. Thinking I didn't have the skills to go further, drive further. But I'm really dam stubborn.

I thought I had hit the distance that my body could achieve, but then I noticed that every once in a while one would go 350, then three months later i could hit 350 when i wanted, and every once in a while I would push one 375. Now I can hit 375 when I want and every now and again, push one to 400. What's the difference? very small things. **** sure not my genetics, or the length of my arms, or the strength of my shoulders. It's a bunch of little things... consistent nose down, better timing with my grip, deeper reach back and more hip strength in the throw. Finding discs that work with my style. learning my discs.

Also, when I thought I had hit the max distance wise, I concentrated on upshots. I learned to putt with consistant form. I learned to play within my abilities, and recognize that impossible shots don't happen... start throwing possible shots and play from there.

Come springtime, I'm ready to compete ... six months in advanced and we'll see from there. Can I beat Climo? Hellno!!!! At least not yet :)

One very important aspect of competing pro is not making many mistakes, and I believe most of us are capable of that if you practice fundamentals........a good place to start is to play smart by throwing drives you know you can execute and hitting most putts within 25 feet. the distance and mental game will naturally evolve.

One way to look at is "if" you play a round of golf with only one or two mistakes, and youre driving 300 and making putts within 20-25.....where would you stand on a competitive level? I truly believe most golfers can achieve this goal if they work on it.

Also if you dont have incredible distance then pick tournaments that dont favor the big arm. Every course is different and may or may not be good for you to compete on.

good luck shaka

Like KC mentioned- DG does not require a person to be in good shape, or tall, or strong. Unathletic players can throw realy far, and so can short players.It does help to be 6'6" like Avery or Stokely, but look at shorter guys like Brinster ( or me :D ) . I have been suprised when people comment that I throw far for my height. To me it has nothing to do with size, even though I know it helps.

Think of it as in ball golf, only 20 percent of the people who play ball golf will shoot below 100.



And only 1% ever become a consistant PAR golfer :eek:

shaka, if you dont try to become a better player, how do you know you cant be a better player? i bet you could if you tried.

which, of course is easy for me to say........

So there's a big big difference between having a finite ability and striving to be a better player.

I believe that we each have a certain level of golf in us and it's different for each of us. If we all won the lottery, or committed to eating ramen, and dedicated ourselves 100% to disc golf, some would become 1040 rated players, others 975, others 950, and still others 900. We all have different potential, and I doubt that any of us except maybe 10 have reached that potential.

So we can and should keep striving to play better. Just because you can't reach a 1000 rating by quitting your job and discing all the time doesn't mean you shouldn't keep trucking and trying to get 10 more points on that rating.

I know plenty of moffitt ratz with no job and they aren't getting any better what so ever..

of course I am not getting any better myself, but I do hold down a job. :o/msgboard/images/graemlins/smirk.gif :D;)

Some people mistake quantity with quality. I think it was Stokely that said "practice doesn't make perfect, practice makes permanent." If you are throwing incorrectly over and over and over, you won't get better. Most of the top pros when they give advice talk about doing field work, putting, etc., not necessarily playing 12 rounds a day. It's tempting to work in the field for a day or two, and then run to the course, to see if your game is better. If you really want to improve, practice form, work on the shots you aren't comfortable with, and putt, putt, putt. (Make sure you spend plenty of time at discgolfreview inbetween all of this) Then compare your game to where it was 6 months ago.

Yeah, this past Spring and Summer I consistently practiced at Soccer field. It was good for my game but it took a toll on my arm and shoulder.
I have found just thru my own experience there is no substitution for playing and practicing on a DG course. You get the best of both worlds. You can experiment with your form and style while getting to aim at a target. In early mornings I go out with 7to8 rocs and practice different positions at different Holes on the Course. Like I said from my experience this blows any field work away as far as utility to you overall game. I know many of you may disagree with this. But from my own personal experience field work was way overrated.

I suggest if you can get out very early in the morning to go to your local DG Course where more than likely it will be empty on weekdays. And practice your "field" shots on fairway holes. And then take about 10 or so midrangers and practice upshots from different positions around the Hole. And then of course don't forget Putting also.

I know many have schedules in mornings on weekdays so this may be impossible. But sooner or later in my opinion if you want to get the most out of your game pracice and play around a real DG Course !!

While your arm may get tired initially, if you do a lof of field work your arm will hold up better in the future when you play marathon tournament rounds.

The pay sucks anyway. Just enjoy the game and have a good time doing it. That's all the counts when the day is done.

I've only been playing since June. My sister got me some discs as a welcome home present when I got back earlier this year and I fell in love with the game.

For the first month or so of playing I was usually by myself hitting different courses around des moines and generally sucking it up. But one day I happened to pull into Walnut Ridge and there were about 90 people out playing the course. I was accidently introduced to the Des Moines Disc Golf Club. Since then my game has grown by leaps and bounds, I have the luck of having incredible courses 15 minutes away from me and also of having some of the best players in the world to help me out. I've played more than a few rounds with Chris Sprague and Tanner Duncan. Just the small pieces of advice I've gotten from them has shaved at least 5 strokes off of a regular round. Plus there are so many other great players around here that everytime I play I learn something new to improve on.

I've never played a sanctioned tournament yet but I am told I need to play advanced next year.

It all comes down to what you are willing to learn and how quick you can pick it up. I think if you put everything you have into it and you have the right people around to smooth out your edges then all you really need is a miniscule amount of athletic ability and coordination to excel. I plan on playing open by the begining of 2007 and the only reason I say that is because in the last 4 months I've gone from +11 at Grandview to -2 on avg. It's all because of the people that I play with who (thank god) are willing to help a new player develop.

"When the student is ready the teacher will appear." Lao Tsu?

When the teacher appears he will probably tell you that you do not need to practice walking as much as you need to practice throwing. You already walk as good as most of the top pros. Someone has already told you this.

What the teacher told me was that if I spent more time practicing putting, my driving would improve tremendously. He was correct.

Like KC mentioned- DG does not require a person to be in good shape



no it does not, but a ken climo in outstanding shape will always beat a ken climo in good shape. just ask him he will tell you the same thing.

I'm staying AM 4 LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With a few pro tournies mixed in there :D

Like KC mentioned- DG does not require a person to be in good shape



no it does not, but a ken climo in outstanding shape will always beat a ken climo in good shape. just ask him he will tell you the same thing.



That is absolutely true. Take hole that has a steep, uphill slope. After climbing that hill, if you are out of breath, your putt is much harder to focus on.

It does help to be in good physical and mental health.

It helps in playing tournaments , through out a long week / weekend.

Time for me to get a personal trainer !!!!

I agree with everybody in this thread... to a point. I believe that everybody here can one day become an Open Pro level player. However, the level that you will reach in the Open Pro ranks is limited by your own personal talents.

Using my own situation as an example: I could see myself, with my current athletic ability, as a potential top local pro in a few years, depending on how much I practice (I have the benefits of three courses within ten minutes, a huge flood plain behind my house, a practice basket and access to eight chings to grab at any time from a gym teacher friend).

Now, I look at my little brother Mathew who just moved up from U-16 to start playing regular Amateur divisions. He rarely practices, rarely goes out to the course, yet is always right behind (or ahead of) me in tournaments. He has a lean 5'10 frame, a wingspan over 6', and the right mindset when a tournament comes around (unflappable and positive). He shot a 997 rated round in one tournament last month. I could see him playing in Worlds one day.

I think that everybody can become an open pro... the level of open pro is restricted. If everybody could be Climo, Climo wouldn't have as many world championships as he has.


-Chris.