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NAME: |
Adam Goodman |
| TEAM: |
Pro D |
| HOMETOWN: |
Fairfield, CT |
| PDGA #: |
20004 |
| 2007 PDGA RATING: |
982 |
| BORN: |
1974 |
| STARTED IN DISC GOLF: |
2001 |
| day gig: |
Environmental Consultant |
| HOT FINISHES: |
Three top ten SuperTour finishes in Rookie year (2003)10th place or better in 14 out of 14 events 200413th, 2006 Skylands Classiccashed at 7 of 8 events in 2006 |
| MEMORABLE DISC GOLF MOMENT |
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After 3 years of going to New Canaan Park and Rec Commission meetings, providing several demonstrations and disc golf 'Open Houses,' we finally received permission to install a 10-hole disc golf course in the famous Waveny Park featured in film and television.
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| Adam's Disc Golf Tips |
Train yourself to reach back high. Otherwise you're probably throwing from the hip, which typically result in a nose up, hyzer toss. When I first learned to play disc golf, Michael Belchik of Northern California told me to "reach high or die". It's imperative to release the disc flat (nose down) in order to get the disc to fly straight. By reaching back high, at shoulder height, it is much easier to throw flat. This also eventually helps with throwing anhyzers and achieving greater distance.
Improve footwork for more distance. Although arm speed and 'snap' are very important, many intermediate players can easily increase their distance by developing proper footwork including learning the X-step. Sometimes when my timing is off it helps to slow my feet down. Not only does this help smooth the throw and aim, but it also results in more balanced torque and added distance.
On grips: I believe there is no correct grip because much depends on hand size and personal preference. I use a power grip for driving and upshots (all 4 pads on the inside rim). And a fan grip for putting (all 4 fingers curved slightly under the disc along the face). Thumb position can also be critical. For the most part my thumb is 1-2 inches away from the edge. Try different techniques, find what works, then practice.
Get there early to warm up properly. Getting old is not easy and like with any sport disc golf involves stretching for flexibility and strength. Remember you have a full day of disc golf and plenty of time to throw hard. Start with an appropriate muscle warm up for your legs, arms, and torso. Throw softly with control and gradually increase your length while stretching periodically. Use this time to also prepare mentally by visualizing your body under control and your disc flying towards the basket. Only at the end should you even think about playing some holes to get back into the routine.
Procrastination Putting: Buy a Chainstar for your backyard. My best years of tournament play came when I putted for 30-45 minutes each day. For me it has not been enough to just practice putting before playing (just look at my last 2 years). The best way to become a good putter is to put a basket or two in your backyard. Not only is it a healthy distraction, but when you look outside you'll want to go putt. When that happens putting becomes fun. When it becomes fun, you get good. We moved into our first house in January 2008 and finally my baskets are out again. 2008 is going to be a gr8 year for the putt.
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COURSES YOU SHOULD PLAY: |
Connecticut's Adam Goodman proudly represents Discraft in the emerging New England disc golf scene. He works closely with others in the Skylands Disc Golf Club to plant courses and organize events such as the Skylands Classic National Tour stop. Above: Adam throws around Iceland. |
| Course |
Comments |
Horse Mountain
Humboldt, CA |
Plays along a mountain ridge in a National Forest. The views are absolutely incredible and the golf is equal in magnitude. |
Warwick Town Park
Warwick, NY |
A two course disc golf heaven complex with a total of 108 holes of everything golf. |
Maple Hill
Leicester, MA |
Home to the MSDGC, this is what New England disc golf is all about. No other course requires more course management while negotiating beautiful hills, ponds, fields, and woods. |
| Course |
Comments |
Veteran's Park
Arlington, TX |
A world class course with good length, requiring a variety of shots. The huge local community is top notch and the course pro throws Discraft… yeah MyHero. |
The Redwood Curtain
Arcata, CA |
My first course. In the backyard of Humboldt State U, this course plays around huge 20 foot diameter redwood trees. Highlights include teeing off from the tops of Redwood stumps and holing out on the signature tone pole targets. The local golfers and club (Par Infinity) are worth getting to know. |
| In The Disc Golf Bag: Drivers |
| Disc |
Comments |
Z Predator
(max weight)
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My main overstable driver because it is so predictable and feels great in the hand. I use the Predator for backhand and forehands shots. I usually carry one new for sharp hyzers and one 'experienced' for longer hyzer shots. It may take a while, but nothing is sweeter than a beat-in Z-Predator. This disc is also great for booming S-curve bombs. Throw a high, nose down anhyzer and watch the disc work.
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Z Avenger
(max weight) |
This is my go-to, all around stable/straight driver. Looking for an 'experienced' Predator? Look no further! This disc feels like a Predator, but flies straighter longer. I also use the Avenger for longer forehand shots.
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ESP Surge
(max weight) |
This disc consistently out drives anything else in my quiver. I like that I can rip this disc with a slight hyzer, have it turn right slightly, and then hyzer out a very long way away. The Surge is king of the triple helix.
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X XL
(172+) |
Old school! I love the XL and always carry one. This disc has become a staple in my bag because it goes so darn straight with very little fade. When you don't want the disc to skip or fade away, try the X-XL. I also use the XL on shorter shots that require a bit of finesse. People say that 'this dog is well trained'.
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D Crush
D Venom
X Slipstream GT
(172+) |
Northeast winters can be brutal. When the temperature drops, a few winter specific discs get 'called up'. The Pro-D Crush is an incredibly grippy, fast, straight, long disc. The incredibly fast D-Venom is used for big right to left shots and forehands. And the understable Slipstream for a sure grip of the Groove Top. The new FLX Surge will most likely make the winter 'team' because of it's amazingly soft grip and true flight.
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| In The Disc Golf Bag: Midrange |
| Disc |
Comments |
Z Buzzz
(174+) |
This disc will do anything, it is all you need. Start the disc on hyzer angle and watch it glide that direction. Start it anhyzer and watch it turn forever. Throw it flat and watch is sail straight, only fading at the end. Everyone should have one of these!
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ESP Meteor
(max weight) |
The ESP Meteor is easy to throw and fun to watch fly. Beginners and experts will enjoy throwing this disc because it flies straight right out of the box. I've removed my beat up D Wasp and now can grab any new Meteor for straight or left to right shots. It's not too flippy at higher speeds either, especially when thrown with a slight hyzer.
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ESP Comet LE
(max weight) |
I'd always heard so much about the Comet, but never threw it until the ESP Limited Edition was released. What you've heard is correct: this is the easiest, straightest flying control midrange disc ever made. The most common thing heard after releasing this disc is 'What was that??!!' I guess people aren't used to seeing something go so straight with a slight drift to the right. I also love that I can throw a very controlled shot 200-300 feet from a stand still.
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Z Wasp
(max weight) |
Time tested and mother approved. The Z Wasp is a predictable midrange that rules the wind and always fights hard to the left. For me this disc is the midrange equivalent of the Z-Predator.
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| In The Disc Golf Bag: Putt and Approach |
| Disc |
Comments |
D Challenger
(max weight) |
The ultimate putt and approach disc. It's an overstable putter that has a great grip and is incredibly consistent. I enjoy using putters for drives and midrange shots when possible because they land softly and don't skip far from the target.
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Swirl APX
(max weight) |
The APX Swirl has earned many tournament most valuable disc awards (MVD). Not only is this disc a great long gliding putter, but I love it for straight and anhyzer upshots and drives. And somehow it can always get me out of trouble. I've never made so many 100+ foot fairway aces with any other disc. This disc is virtually indestructible, feels great in the hand, and gets better with age. I can trust this disc to do what I want every time. Unfortunately this disc has been discontinued, but was replaced with the Soft APX which I have not thrown.
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