Our next interview is with Shaun from the UK. He had been throwing a frisbee with his dog for years, but it wasn’t until a Trilogy challenge at the Basingstoke DGC that sparked an interest in the game.
If his bag was to catch fire he would save his Shield, Verdict and Thunderbird. In reality he’d go down with his bag trying to save them all.
He I loves how accessible disc golf is allowing anyone of any age and any ability to play. And that anyone can afford to buy and play with the same equipment that the pro’s use on tour.
Name: Shaun Lewis
Country: United Kingdom
Home Course: Apollo Disc Golf, Basingstoke, Hampshire
How did you get into disc golf and how long have you been playing?
I was walking my dog who’s favourite toy was a rubber frisbee that i’d been throwing for her for six years in all weathers, when a stranger approached me and asked ” So are you one of those Disc Golfers then?”
I had never heard of the sport, but he advised me that there was a local club (Basingstoke DGC) and that they had an event on this weekend.
I was intrigued and decided to check out the event for myself. It turned out that the club were holding a Trilogy Challenge that day and so my first ever experience of the game was at a tournament.
The beauty of this being that at this particular tournament (for those unfamiliar with the trilogy) is that you get a putter, mid range, and a driver as your players pack.
I was completely addicted to the game by the third hole. I have been playing, thinking and talking about the game pretty much every day in the three years since that event.
What is your dominant hand?
Right hand.
Are you Backhand or forehand dominate?
Back hand.
What was the first disc you threw and where is it now?
My trilogy pack comprised of a
Latitude 64° Maccana (putter)
Dynamic Discs Evidence (mid)
Westside Discs Sampo (driver)
I used them for about the first year of playing and then put them away safely as they are sentimental to me.
You’re on the first hole at your local course, what disc do you reach for?
Depends on the weather, but more often than not something overstable that I can send out on a nice hyzer.
What is your favourite course and why?
Quarry Park at Lemmington Spa. Run by the legendary Derek Robins. (Too many accolades to mention)
It has been lovingly hand sculpted out of the landscape over the last thirty some years, and is an awesome mix of open and wooded holes with plenty of elevation changes in the mix. It has made me laugh and cry in equal measures.
Your disc golf bag catches on fire. You can only save 3 discs, What are those discs and why?
Westside discs Shield (Tournament) Dyed and signed by Jeff Ash
Dynamic discs Verdict (Fuzion) also dyed by The Jeff Ash
Innova Thunderbird (Pro)
I’d save these because they are my go to’s for many weather/wind situations. In reality i’d go down with my bag trying to save them all.
What is your favourite disc and why?
Westside Shield, as it is so reliable. Never turns over on me and is useful for most shots within eighty meters. Also great for controlled forehand approach shots
What is your favourite throw to play during a round of disc golf?
I love pulling my DX Stingray out and playing big turnover hyzer drives with it. Not so great in a headwind but when it works it never fails to make me grin.
How many times a week do you get to play or do field work?
Normally two games a week and I get my field work in while walking the dog in the evenings.
The discs that you regularly bag are they all one manufacturer or a mix bag?
Mixed bag, I don’t really understand why anyone would throw only one brand unless they are a sponsored player.
Westside discs Shield, Tournament
Westside discs Harp, BT Soft
Innova Stingray, DX
Dynamic discs Verdict, Fuzion
Vibram Accent
Latitude 64° River, Gold line
Innova Thunderbird, Pro
Innova Orc, Pro
Latitude 64° Villain, Gold line
Innova Destroyer, Paul Mcbeth Star
Latitude 64° Bolt, Gold line
Innova Boss, Starlite
Do you have any superstitions or quirks when on the course. Such as like flipping your disc 3 times before a putt or special hat?
No, thankfully.
What do you love about disc golf?
I love how accessible it is for anyone of any age and any ability. The fact that it is not snobby like stick golf.
That I can afford to buy and play with the same equipment that the pro’s use on tour. I love the fact that everyone I play with enjoys watching a well thrown disc fly up the fairway regardless of who has thrown it, and will congratulate/commiserate with the thrower accordingly.
Most of all I love my disc golf family, the most beautiful collection of kind hearted people I have had the pleasure of meeting. I have made more friends in the last three years of playing this amazing sport, than I have in the last three decades.
What part of disc golf do you find the most challenging?
Blustery wind, and cold days when you can’t feel your fingers. Also steady drizzle, drying your disc on an already wet towel and hiding it up your jacket until it’s your turn to throw.
What has been your greatest achievement to date in disc golf?
I won the Ace Race 2016 at the Colchester University Course. After managing to hold my nerve in the play off.
If you could change anything about disc golf what would it be?
The perception of the game to Local Councils. And maybe a handicap system to encourage beginners to compete more.
If given the chance how would you grow the sport of disc golf?
I would love to be involved with after school clubs and grow the sport from the grassroots.
If you could play any course in the world, what would that course be and who are the other three players on your card?
Konopiste, Playing with Derek Robins, Philo Brathwaite and Avery Jenkins
What’s your embarrassing disc golf story?
Playing at a local tournament, playing the first round with three open players. I tee’d off on the 1st hole into a headwind, my disc went up the invisible escalator until it stalled and turned back towards us.
Looked like an amature attempt. It came to rest 30 meters behind the tee. Much to the amusement of all. I laughed while dying inside.
What advice would you give to a new player starting out?
Don’t waste a lot of money buying discs that you are not ready to throw.
Most disc golfers are generous souls who wish to grow the sport, We end up with a collection of discs that we no longer use due to arm speed (you will learn about) progressing and their style of play.
Given the opportunity most of us will gladly advise you which discs to start with and more often than not lend or give you those discs to get you (addicted) started in the game.