Our next interview is with Eric, who has been playing for about two years. The first discs he threw was the Discraft starter kit.
When stepping up to the first tee at his local course, he will be throwing a light backhand anny with his trustee latitude 64 fuse.
And his embarrassing disc golf story is…. well you’ll just have to read it, but it’s safe to say we could all learn from it 🙂
Name: Eric James Martello
Country: United States
Home Course: Powder Mill DGC
Follow on Instagram
How did you get into disc golf and how long have you been playing?
I only started playing disc golf about 2 years ago. I was aware of the sport and that there were a few courses in the area but I just never got around to trying it out!
One day I was cruising the liquidation sale at our local sports shop that was going out of business and I saw a disc golf starter set for $25. I bought em and started to throw. The rest is documented on my instagram feed!
What is your dominant hand?
I throw with my right hand
Are you Backhand or forehand dominate?
Currently I throw mostly backhand as it is the most comfortable and consistent for me. I do have a flick but it only comes out for get out of trouble situations!
What was the first disc you threw and where is it now?
My first discs were from a discraft starter set
Soft magnet
Buzz
Avenger SS
The only one of these that I still have is my Avenger SS which has become a backyard toss around disc!
You’re on the first hole at your local course, what disc do you reach for?
The first hole at powder mill dgc is a short shot from the red tees with the basket pretty straight ahead with a guardian tree at the basket.
Most players flick this one from the red tees, but I usually throw a light backhand anny with my trusty latitude 64 fuse. Understable with no fade makes sure it gets right and doesn’t have much chance to come back left of the basket!
What is your favourite course and why?
Of the three I’ve played locally I would say our little short 9 hole course Eagle Rock is my favorite!
It is a short course on a small plot of land in the middle of town that while short is very technical and requires a lot of disc control.
Your disc golf bag catches on fire. You can only save 3 discs, What are those discs and why?
My latitude 64 fuse – This disc is a utility disc in my bag especially since I currently can’t throw a distance forehand.
My pink star roc3 – The roc3 is my all time favorite disc that I have ever thrown, and my pink one is stamped with a wicked creepy melting snowman.
My star throw pink stamped teebird – The teebird has become a favorite of mine since it doesn’t require a lot of arm speed and is a disc I am quickly learning how to control with a lot of precision!
What is your favourite disc and why?
My favorite disc in my bag and overall is the Innova Roc3. I love the control that this disc can give a player, straight with a reliable fade at the end.
I especially love throwing my Roc3 on a turnover shot because it so much fun to watch!
What is your favourite throw to play during a round of disc golf?
I really love throwing those shots that are short but require accuracy. Like a short shot over a ravine or pond with a guarded green.
Are you part of a league, if so what is your handicap?
I have played many times with several of our local leagues! Currently I have not played with a handicap!
How many times a week do you get to play or do field work?
I try my best to get out and play at least once a week, but this summer (2018) has been particularly busy and I have not had the chance to get out as much as I would like!
The discs that you regularly bag are they all one manufacturer or a mix bag?
Currently my bag is an assortment of several different brands. I am still learning what I like to throw and only have a few discs that are solidly in my bag! I am always looking to try different discs and buying them second hand whenever I can!
Do you have any superstitions or quirks when on the course. Such as like flipping your disc or special hat?
I don’t like to cross the tee pad of the hole I’m waking up to, meaning I don’t like to cross in front of it whole approaching the pad. I don’t know where this came from or why I do it, I just did it one day and it kinda stuck!
What do you love about disc golf?
I love the feeling I get when I go out and play. It gives me a chance to disconnect from the world and just have a bit of fun for a while!
What part of disc golf do you find the most challenging?
Honestly the mental aspects of the game! I psych myself out all the time when I know I shouldn’t!
What has been your greatest achievement to date in disc golf?
Not finishing dead last in the league finals last season 😂😂😂
If you could change anything about disc golf what would it be?
I would put more dual use courses all over the world! I think both disc and ball golf can exist in harmony on the same grounds!
If given the chance how would you grow the sport of disc golf?
I would love to be a disc golf ambassador for any company that would let me help promote the sport in rural areas!
If you could play any course in the world, what would that course be and who are the other three players on your card?
I would love the chance to play Dela withey best friend Greg, Nate Sexton and probably Jeremy Kolon We would have a blast!
What’s your embarrassing disc golf story?
I once had to bail on a winter round two holes in because I was about to poo my pants and there was no bathroom for miles 😂😂
What advice would you give to a new player starting out?
Take it slow. Don’t try to throw far and hard starting out. Slow is smooth, smooth is far.