Team Discraft: Jim Davidson Disc Golf Bio

	NAME:	Jim Davidson
	TEAM:	Core
	HOMETOWN:	Katy, TX
	PDGA #:	16715
	2008 PDGA RATING:	985
	BORN:	1978
	day gig:	Environmental Resources Management
	STARTED IN DISC GOLF:	1999
	HOT FINISHES:	2nd, 2008 TX State Championships 3rd at Texas States, 2003 3rd (2005), 4th (2006) at Texas Ten A-tier 8th Texas States, 2006 5th, 2007 World Doubles

MEMORABLE DISC GOLF MOMENT

I will never forget attending the 2000 Pro/Am World Championships in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I had lucked in to attending after winning my first tournament entered as an Advanced Player that previous May. Turned out the 1st place prize was paid airfare and entry fee into Worlds. To be honest, at the time I was really hoping for a 2nd place finish so that I could get a basket that was up for grabs. Little did I know that I had won an experience of a lifetime.

Jim's Disc Golf Tips

Learn From Others:
Don't be intimidated to actively seek out experienced players to have them evaluate your form. Disc golf is blessed with people who jump at the opportunity to share their love of the sport with others. I was playing my first Pro tournament before someone finally told me that if I used even a slight X-step, my distance would greatly improve. Once I committed to making the change, the difference was immediately noticeable. I no longer had to overpower the disc to get it to go far, my footwork and the leverage I was creating did that for me. It really is amazing to see what only a few correct form tips can do to vastly improve a learning player's game.

Professional disc golfer Jim Davidson is the founder and former Vice President of the Aggie Disc Golf Club at Texas A&M. He has hosted multiple disc golf clinics for clubs and local community groups. Photo: Jon C. Hodgson

Improve Your Distance:
If you have gotten a basic grasp of the backhand throwing technique but still haven't reached your full potential with regards to distance, it is likely a correctable issue that can be fixed with proper instruction. The value of having a good player evaluate your form cannot be overstated. They should be able to pick out potential flaws and give you practice techniques that can help you gain the distance your looking for. For example, I have seen many players grasp the basics of the "X-step" and execute the technique with some success. However, many times the players lack fluidity which causes some kinks in the throwing motion (resulting in a loss of arm speed). Concentrate on a fluid motion from start to finish. One thing I do when I'm throwing for maximum distance is to mentally tell myself to REACH when I reach back in my throwing motion. The more leverage I can create the more arm speed I will generate.

The Overhand Shot:
My overhand shot is the single technique that has shaved more strokes off of my tournament disc golf rounds than any other alternative throwing technique. When used correctly, it can effectively negate objects that would otherwise block your shot from your intended landing zone. I utilize the thumber exclusively for my overhand shots. This shot can be performed by placing your thumb on the inside rim of the disc with the other four fingers on the backside. To execute the "thumber" grip, place the disc between your thumb and your index finger with the thumb on the inner rim. Next, pinch the disc by placing your index finger along the flight plate. The other three fingers do not contact the disc and are curled against your palm. The best overall overhand disc I have found is the Pro-D Venom. I carry two Pro-D Venom's at all times, one brand new for accurate overhand distance and one worn in for shorter distances. Also, for maximum overhand distance I use the Xtreme. The overstability causes this disc to turn very slowly, allowing the disc to fly further than any other disc I have used for this shot.

Fitting Disc Golf in to a Demanding Schedule:
If you are like me, disc golf fits in somewhere behind spending time with family, work, and other commitments. Also true for almost all of us, is that we would like to spend more time preparing for and traveling to tournaments. So, assuming you are like me and the time that you can dedicate to disc golf is limited, how then, should you use it? Well, here is a strategy for scheduling events that I've found to be helpful for me: First, I pick the three to four tournaments that are absolutely "must attends" based on the level of competition, sanctioned tier, event atmosphere, course quality, etc. I plan all other events around these. Next, I sprinkle in a 2nd tier of events evenly spaced from the first tier. These events are typically my favorite local and regional events that don't conflict with the first tier events. Lastly, and assuming I still have a free weekend or two, I'll fit in some one day C-tier tournaments and local non-sanctioned tournaments. When it comes to practice, I have come up with a routine that is designed to get the most out of a little bit of time. At a minimum, I try to fit in five 30-minute field sessions and ten 15-minute putting practice sessions during the 14 days leading up to an event. The focus of my field sessions and putting sessions vary, but the important thing is that I am developing fresh muscle memory for the upcoming tournament (as well as getting a good feel on all of my discs). I keep a log of my practice sessions during these 14 days in part to keep myself accountable to the routine. The main benefit to this practice regimen is that while it doesn't require a big time commitment, the five hours of focused practice time that are required are purposeful.

How to Play a Course Blind:
Keeping with the limited time theme, at some point or another most of us will have to play a course "blind" in a tournament. If possible, of course, avoid this scenario by scheduling enough time to at least walk the course. However, when it does come up, there are a few things you can do to help ensure a good outcome. If you know in advance that you will be playing a course blind, try and obtain some information on the course during the weeks leading up to the event so that you can adjust your practice routine to fit the types of shots that are going to be required. A simple email to the TD or checking out tournament message boards can help. During the day of the tournament, make sure you give your full attention at the players meeting. Take specific note of mandatories, unique out of bounds scenarios, drop zones, island holes, etc. Once the round starts, pay extra attention to hole distances, what kinds of hazards are present near landing zones, and evaluate all routes. If there is a player on your card who doesn't mind sharing some of his or her insight, take full advantage! A lot of local players are proud of their home courses and eager to share their knowledge with someone from out of town. Once you've taken the time to evaluate the hole and chose your route, be confident and execute, as this is the key to success whether you've played the hole before or not.

Beware the Zone:
We've all been there... 'the zone'. Even our bad drives end up yielding birdies due to a stellar putt or a lucky kick that sends our shot careening towards the basket. If we're lucky, maybe the 'zone' lasts an entire tournament (very rare or possibly nonexistent)... or maybe it kicks in during the final round and we jump up off the 2nd card to steal a win. Regardless of the scenario, those types of rounds stick out in our minds and we sometimes unrealistically expect that level of play to be our new standard. If there is any downside to having a round where we play out of our minds, this is probably it. For instance, let's say that during the first round I dial into the 'zone' and shoot out to a 1st round lead. The 2nd round begins and I find that my level of play, for whatever reason, has fallen back to my 'norm'. My norm may very well be good enough to hold the lead and finish with a win, so long as my decision-making is solid and I can steady my nerves. The problem that can come up is that it is easy for our minds to expect to birdie that wooded 500 foot hole for a 2nd time in a row, whereas before the tournament you would have been happy with par. Take a moment to evaluate whether you feel comfortable with trying to take the "risky" route or whether a safe play is in order. It can be humbling to lay up when everyone else on your card "goes for it". Only you can know what the right decision is at that moment based on your own comfort level. That said, enjoy those rare times when you enter 'the zone'... but when you come out of it, recognize that your goals are still the same, whether it be to finish in the cash or to win the whole thing.

COURSES YOU SHOULD PLAY:
Course	Comments
Tom Bass (Wilmont) Houston, TX	This is the course to hone your skill sets in the Houston area. Partly named after local disc golf legend and co-designer Don Wilcheck, this course offers a wide variety of challenges, namely distance!
Milo McIver Portland, OR	These courses will test every shot in a player's bag. Within driving distance from these two world class courses you'll find beautiful waterfalls and spectacular views.
Warwick Town Park Course Warwick, NY	Not only does this course have multiple tee-boxes, it has multiple baskets! This course offers a perfect mix of open and wooded holes, with just enough elevation thrown in for good measure. If you make the trip, check out the Zana D Italian Restaurant for a superb meal.
Kensington Toboggan Milford, MI	This course offers a lot of elevation and a lot of challenge. Controlled long drives off the tee are the key to having success.
Cameron East Waco, TX	This course will punish you if you are not on your game. The first 9 holes are a mix of lightly wooded and open holes. The back 9's legendary shule can ruin a good round quick.

In The Disc Golf Bag: Drivers
Disc	Comments
ESP Force (172 - 174)	The ESP Force is my primary distance driver. The thing I absolutely love about this disc is that I can release it flat and still get maximum distance, versus some of the other high-speed drivers that I have to release with a hyzer angle.
ESP Surge (170 - 172)	The Surge finally replaced the Wildcat as my primary distance driver at the beginning of 2006. The ESP plastic gives this maximum distance driver superior durability and grip.
ESP Avenger SS (171 - 173)	The Avenger SS is one of the best additions I've made to my bag in a long time. I can throw this disc at 75 percent power with just a slight hyzer and it will fly perfectly straight, with very little fall off at the end. The Avenger SS is also a killer roller disc right out of the box.
Z Predator (170 - 172)	The Z-Predator is the most consistent disc on the market. Every time you pick one up you can be sure of two things... it is fast and overstable! The Predator is an absolute must on windy days. You can throw it flat into a headwind and be confident that its not going to turn over.
ESP Predator (172 - 174)	The ESP Predator has become my go to distance driver when I need a little more stability than the surge. Slightly less stable than the Z-Predator, I can release this disc hard and flat and be confident that it is going to fly on the line that I put it on. The ESP Predator also serves as my primary sidearm driver.
Z Tracker (170 - 172)	Thrown low and flat, this disc will fly straight and far. When I need an accurate placement type drive, this is my disc of choice.
D Venom (170 - 172)	I use the Pro-D Venom exclusively for overhand shots. The overhand shot is a big part of my game and the Venom fits the mold for a good overhand disc. It's overstable and has a very low profile. I'm throwing overhand shots for distances that I hadn't thrown for years with this disc. I'm currently keeping two in my bag, one beat and one new. I use the new one for long sweeping overhand shots and the old one for shorter shots where I need pinpoint placement.

In The Disc Golf Bag: Midrange
Disc	Comments
Z Comet (max weight)	I cannot say enough good things about this disc. Those that know me know I swear by the Comet. I believe it to be the purest flying golf disc on the market. The Comet's glide and accuracy are unmatched. It really earns its money when I need a shot to go perfectly straight with no fall off at the end.
ESP Buzzz (max weight)	The Buzzz is my all-purpose, do everything midrange disc. I can throw this disc in windy and calm conditions with very similar results. I like to carry two in my bag at all times: one brand new for shots that I need to hyzer and one slightly beat in that I can throw on just about any line and know that it will hold.

In The Disc Golf Bag: Putt and Approach
Disc	Comments
APX Swirl (170 - 172)	Like the Comet, I can't say enough good things about this disc. It has been my go-to putter for so long that I can't remember using anything else. I put a lot of spin on my short approach shots, so this disc is perfect because it will fly absolutely straight with a bit of float. It will hold any line you put it on and has helped me save more tricky approach shots than I'd care to remember.
D Challenger (170 - 172)	I use the Challenger as both a midrange and as a putter. Thrown flat and hard it will hold a perfectly straight line. I prefer the Pro-D plastic in this model because of the superior grip that it provides. On windy days the Challenger takes over as my starting putter.

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