Henry is a keen Finnish disc golfer who threw his first disc in 2006, but he didn’t take the game seriously until years later.
His first tournament win came in 2017 at the Konopiště Challenger.
If he could play any course, it would be Winthrop Gold. The three other players on his card would be peoples champ Gregg Barsby, fellow Black Ink team member Catrina Allen and his hometown hero Pasi Koivu.
Name: Henry Liukkonen
Country: Finland
Home Course: Kippasuo DGP
Local Club: Lords Of Discgolf
Follow on: Instagram
How did you get into disc golf and how long have you been playing?
We used to live in Turku where I discovered disc golf in 2006. My main sports were football and futsal at the time so it took several years before I started to really compete in Disc Golf.
First tournament was in 2011 and 2016 I finally got my PDGA membership. Past two seasons disc golf has been my number 1 sports. It has become more than a hobby, it’s a lifestyle!
What is your dominant hand?
Right
Are you Backhand or forehand dominate?
I started disc golf as a forehand player but nowadays backhand is the dominant. This season I had some work-related wrist issues which really affected my forehand play. Trying to fix them for next season!
What was the first disc you threw and where is it now?
My first real disc golf discs were white S-line P1 and dyed Champion Leopard. I think I sold the P1 and Leopard was eaten by a swamp in Masku DGP :/
You’re on the first hole at your local course, what disc do you reach for?
Kippasuo Pro hole number 1 is 168m long and surrounded by ob. Basket is on a little hill.
The fairway is pretty narrow in the beginning but opens up after 70m in the right side. I reach for my Champion Leopard3 which gives me straight flight without losing that much of distance.
Second shot probably my straight basic Jokeri to the base of the hill. Easy birdie! 😉
What is your favourite course and why?
I got to say “The Beast” in Nokia. Been there couple of times and it’s something else!
Your disc golf bag catches on fire. You can only save 3 discs, What are those discs and why?
My beat up basic Jokeri, Huk Lab MD4 and my Black Ink turtle -stamped PD2!
What is your favourite disc and why?
At the time I’m really digging the PD2. New S-line is something I can really trust in any winds and older beat up Chaos -stamped PD2 goes really far!
What is your favourite throw to play during a round of disc golf?
Every time I get to throw far!
Are you part of a league, if so what is your handicap?
No
How many times a week do you get to play or do field work?
Summer 3-5 times a week, in the winter 1-2 times a week.
The discs that you regularly bag are they all one manufacturer or a mix bag?
My bag is 90% Discmania (Innova) but I carry couple of Jokeris and a Harp!
What is your pre round routine?
A good warm up! Putting and playing couple of holes
Do you have any superstitions or quirks when on the course. Such as flipping your disc or special hat?
In the winter I use friction gloves! My nickname is Glove-Liukkonen!
What do you love about disc golf?
It’s just the perfect sport! You have nature, discs that fly very far, great people, awesome coverage free on Youtube, you are travelling and seeing places and you get to meet the Pro´s! What’s there not to like? 🙂
What part of disc golf do you find the most challenging?
For me the hardest part is to keeping my body together that I can play as much that I do. After 30 years of football, it’s not easy! 😀
What has been your greatest achievement to date in disc golf?
Got my first win at Konopiště Challenger this season!
If you could change anything about disc golf what would it be?
Cheaper discs!
If given the chance how would you grow the sport of disc golf?
I would like to teach better form to new players, design new courses!
If you could play any course in the world, what would that course be and who are the other three players on your card?
Winthrop Gold Course in Rock Hill! I´ll choose the people’s champ Gregg Barsby, my Black Ink team member Catrina Allen and my hometown hero Pasi Koivu!
What’s your embarrassing disc golf story?
This years Tyyni I clipped my own shoulder in reachback and my throw hit the first tree 2 meters to the left of the tee! Probably my worst shot ever! 😀
What advice would you give to a new player starting out?
Practise a couple of basic throws and go exploring new courses!