Team Discraft: pro disc golfer Dion Arlyn

	NAME:	Dion Arlyn
	TEAM:	Tour
	HOMETOWN:	Corvallis, OR
	PDGA #:	24781
	2009 PDGA RATING:	1004
	BORN:	1989
	STARTED IN DISC GOLF:	2000
	day gig:	Martial arts instructor, pro disc golfer
	HOT SHOTS:	14th, 2009 USDGC 1st, Rose City Open 2009 1st, Umpqua Valley Championships 2009 1st, Midsummer Glide 2009 16th, Beaver State Fling 2009.

Memorable disc golf moments

My trip to the USDGC in 2009 was the culmination of years of practice and dedication to this great sport. I was fortunate enough to put together four solid rounds of golf and shoot -20 my first time ever at the US, and place 14th alongside fellow Team Discraft members Gregg Barsby and Michael Johansen. My fortune didn't stop there however, as I also qualified for the distance finals with a preliminary throw of 594 ft with an Elite Z Force (my farthest recorded throw to date). I got to showcase my turn-around drive alongside my distance idol Avery Jenkins in the King Masher competition as well as witness Jeremy Koling's epic sidearm over the lake! As a final bonus, I also was the recipient of a DGA Portable Mach V for winning the DGU handicap competition! I hadn't realized I had won (or was even aware of the competition) until I was told before my final round of golf on Saturday. Overall the trip was a marvelous experience, and one I plan on repeating.

Dion's Disc Golf Tips

Knowing when to attack the basket
One key to putting together a solid round of golf is knowing when to play aggressive, and when to play smart. All too often during a competitive round of golf, I'd find myself attempting spectacular shots in order to birdie that one hole, you know the one, the hole where at the end of the round you get to tell everyone what a stud you are for throwing an epic drive over water and hazards and fifty-foot trees to Dion Arlyn / Team Discraft

park it under the basket for a drop in deuce. While I've had my fair share of epic birdies, I've also had a great deal of epic disasters. I can remember all too many times turning in my score card and talking to buddies about carding that great birdie, only to find I'm several strokes behind the tournament leader. I eventually wised up to the fact that golf isn't about one amazing throw per round; it's about one solid round of golf after another. My advice to up and coming players (specifically those with cannons for arms) is to learn which holes are worth the risk, and which holes shouldn't be trifled with.

In The Disc Golf Bag: Drivers
Disc	Comments
ESP and Z Force (174 gm)	I believe Force is the best driver on the market today, and unquestionable as my go to disc for both maximum distance and predictability off the tee. This mold flies great into a headwind, and is not as fickle as other high speed discs. I use brand new ones for long hyzers or epic flex shots for insane distance, and seasoned Forces for longer strait shots that have little left to right wiggle room. The ESP Force also holds the Washington State longest ace record, measured at 465ft at Ft. Steilacoom Park, Hole #12, thrown by yours truly.
ESP NUKE (174 gm)	This disc is FAST. I prefer to throw the Nuke for pure sidearm distance due to its great glide and reliable fade. For backhand drives that need to turn yet still go a long way, I trust the Nuke will hold its anhyzer before straightening out several hundred feet away! This is the most recent addition to the bag, and I look forward to show-casing its abilities on tour.
ESP Pulse (174 gm)	The Pulse is perfect for long hyzers or low line drive shots. I use this disc mostly for sidearms that stand up flat and glide a long ways before fading towards the pin. The mold feels very comfortable in the hand, and while the groove on the flight plate is minimal, my thumb seems to feel quite cozy. Very controllable disc.
ESP and Z Predator (174 gm)	What can I say about the Predator that hasn't already been said? This disc is the crown jewel of Discraft drivers and is capable of huge distance, especially in the wind. This disc has a tremendous amount of glide for being as stable as it is. Besides the Pulse, this is my most frequently used disc for forehands.
Z Tracker (172 gm)	I have a stack of first run Z Trackers and haven't needed to retire my very first one yet! These discs are super straight, and super durable. Perfect for pin point backhands in any condition. The Tracker also doesn't require very much height to go far, so if you have trouble getting altitude on your shots, than the Tracker might be what you need.
Z Surge (174 gm)	The Surge has become a bit of a specialty disc in my bag. I have a Z Surge that I use for super long turnover and power rollers. I like the way this disc holds an angle on the ground and doesn't peel out pre-maturely. If anything, I often find myself rolling past the pin, since this disc just loves to go!
ESP Impact (174 gm)	I feel this disc doesn't get the attention it deserves. It flies slightly faster and longer then the Buzzz, but still retains its ability to land softly which is a key element I look for in midrange discs. It can hold a hyzer line, or a gentle turn, and I find myself reaching for this disc when I feel a Buzzz may not have the juice to get there.

In The Disc Golf Bag: Midrange
Disc	Comments
Z Buzzz (178)	The Buzzz is king of the midrange line as far as I'm concerned. There is no other disc that flies as intuitively as the Buzzz does. Release on a slight hyzer and this disc will stand up and glide until gently setting down exactly where it's been aimed. The only issue I have is beating this disc up, since the plastic is so resilient!
ESP Meteor (172-174)	The Meteor is a midrange that thinks it's a driver. This disc flies slightly understable and has the most glide of any of the modern small diameter mid range discs. With a smooth rounded rim that is easy to grip and release, this disc is capable of some truly long flights. I love the Meteor for downhill shots as well, since it never seems to run out of steam. I also find this disc to be very controllable as a roller in the 250-350 foot range. The definition of multi-purpose!

In The Disc Golf Bag: Putt and Approach
Disc	Comments
D Ringer (174 gm)	My main putter. This disc features a low profile and great stability that is able to handle the torque of side arm approaches. If I'm within 150 feet of the pin, chances are I'm using a Ringer. Great for windy days and calm conditions alike this disc is not easily swayed from its intended path of action.

COURSES YOU SHOULD PLAY:
Course	Comments
Winthrop Golf Rock Hill, SC	The most professional feeling course I have ever played. Challenging, diverse, rewarding, everything you want to see during a round of golf.
Milo McIver State Park Estacada, OR	36 Holes of beauty and amazing golf shots. Home of the Beaver State Fling, the best National Tour event of the season!
Adair Park Corvallis, OR	My home course here in Corvallis, OR. A well designed, smooth flowing 18-hole course with a great variety of shots. Also one of the easiest venues to run a tournament, as the county park in which it is located is well groomed and the disc golf portion of the park gets very little interference.
Whistler's Bend Glide, OR	The gem of the Northwest. Offers stunning natural beauty with a short technical front nine and an expansive back nine that includes an epic 700 ft 'Top of the World' hole.
Timber Linn Albany, OR	This temporary 18-hole course is modeled after philosophies at Winthrop Gold and features lots of OB and water hazards. This is also the first course that I can claim credit as lead designer, and was used during the 2009 Willamette Open.

| FAQ | Contact | Sitemap |