Team Discraft: Pat Vitale Disc Golf Bio

	NAME:	Pat Vitale
	TEAM:	Elite Z
	HOMETOWN:	South Bend, IN
	PDGA #:	10100
	2007 PDGA RATING:	1002
	BORN:	1974
	STARTED IN DISC GOLF:	1994
	day gig:	Engineering
	HOT FINISHES:	Three-time Indiana State Champ Three-time Circus City Open champ 2005: cashed in 24 out of 25 events, with 5 sanctioned wins. 2nd, 2002 Lumberjack Open Champ live on DiscTV 6th, 2007 & 2005 Bowling Green Open 16th, 1996 Pro Worlds (Rookie season) I'm still seeking my finest.

MEMORABLE DISC GOLF MOMENTs:

The most memorable moments playing disc golf in years past would be those great days when things went well for me. Now I see that the greatest moments are when nothing went right and I just played the game. Easier said then done for me and most competitive players in any sport. Without the experience and recognition of failing, success will always be elusive. Unless of course your natural ability is far greater than mine.

Pat's Disc Golf Tips

Practice Well
If you're going to spend time practicing, then practice well.I suggest you simulate competition play during practice, and simulate practice when you compete in a tourney. Take putting for example: When a basketball player shoot a free throw, he/she goes through the same routine every time and then shoots. It's never about making or missing. Find a routine you are comfortable with. Hopefully this routine keeps your mini foot, disc and swing in line with the basket, giving natural alignment. Learn then how to putt with your body not your mind. Do this in practice for every aspect of disc golf and then do the same thing when competing.

Putting Secrets of the Universe
I'm not very good at putting, but try this: Practice and practice some more. I will share with you now the secrets of the universe concerning putts. Keep your mind out of it!!!!! Find what works for you, keep it simple and remember that it's not about making or missing the shot only doing the same thing every time. Use the tools that we have, disc, arm, body, leg. Aim the disc at the basket, body weight on your front foot which is turned sideways comfortably, put the disc, leg and chest in alignment with the basket. This allows your swing plane (leg, foot, chest disc) to square up with the basket. Mock about 2 to 3 swings, not up and down but back and forth, then release. Call or see me for details, nothing is better than hands on...

COURSES YOU SHOULD PLAY:		Pat Vitale (pronounced Vy-TAL-ee) of Indiana is a small guy with a big arm. His coiled-to-explosion driving style has confounded other top pro disc golfers for years, although he recently incorporated the cross-step into his footwork.
Course	Comments
Honey Bear Peru, IN	A short, tight course with elevation changes, this course also has OB streams when its wet. It's my favorite because of the great people and good times.
Token Creek Madison, WI	Token creek is a challenging, long course. I like the defined fairways and placement shots.
Hudson Mills Ann Arbor, MI	Disc golf paradise. Back to back courses where you need every shot in the book. If you play in the summer expect the fairways and ruff to be thick.
Ludington Park Ludington, MI	Scenic course overlooking Lake Michigan. This course offers plenty of different shots long, short, up and down.
White Park Bowling Green, KY	This course is long , open and usually windy. Some OB throughout the park. I like White because of the placement shots needed for a good score. There are some birdies out there so get em while you can and try to keep them.

In The Disc Golf Bag: Drivers
Disc	Comments
Z Predator (172 - 174)	Consistent and predictable. I use the Predator for everything, it's my favorite disc. Great for my style of throwing because of its overstability. I tend to release discs turned over using the natural flight path and stability to my advantage. I typically carry three at a time, all in different conditions. A new one for windy days, one semi-used and one beat up. These combinations allow me to use the Predator for all my driving shots including backhands, forehands and rollers. Using this bag set up takes the guess work out of what to use and when. I like to keep things simple and the Predator can do it all.
Z XS (172 - 174)	Great disc for rolling, slow turnovers and straight shots. In between a midrange and driver for speed. Good disc for beginners and pros alike. Although most pros seem to use them mainly for rollers, I like the flight path; the XS flies controlled, slow, easy to stand up and they hold a straight line. If you don't have a rocket arm, you're an excellent candidate to master the XS.

In The Disc Golf Bag: Midrange
Disc	Comments
Z Buzzz (172 - 174)	The Buzzz is great right off the shelf. Most midrange discs need to be worn in really good before they get that easy, straight flight. The Buzzz is ready now and holds form.

In The Disc Golf Bag: Putt and Approach
Disc	Comments
D Challenger (174 gm)	Where would I be without my putter? Most likely in last place. The Challenger flies the way you throw it, so if I miss a putt it's not the disc's fault (or mine... who made that noise??!). This putter is overstable, which allows me to use its natural flight path when aiming.

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