Team Discraft: C.R. Willey Disc Golf Bio

	NAME:	C.R. Willey
	TEAM:	Elite X
	HOMETOWN:	Seminole, FL
	PDGA #:	4390
	2007 PDGA RATING:	1003
	BORN:	1963
	STARTED IN DISC GOLF:	1982
	day gig:	Gardener/landscaper and Disc Golf Course Pro
	disc Cred:	Four Disc Golf World Titles Four Florida State Titles Lots of other stuff

C.R.'s Memorable Disc Golf Moment:

My first World Doubles title with Ken Climo was certainly a defining moment. Then in 1992 I was the first person to beat Kenny from the second card at Tradewinds in Ft. Lauderdale. Kenny and Bucky Worboys were ready to get their playoff started and I came in carding a course record of nine under to win by one!

C.R.'s Disc Golf Tips

If you want to be a good putter, you're going to need balance. It all starts with proper footing and a proper 'base'. Regardless if a player throws straddle, open stance or turbo, one's base (stance) needs to be balanced, enabling the thrower an opportunity to rock back and follow through without falling down or swaying from one side to another.

My sidearm throw is considerably different from most players. I start with a conventional grip with two fingers on the rim (kind of like gripping a pistol), and at the time prior to release -- as the disc starts to slide forward in my hand -- I allow my grip to break down from the conventional two finger grip to a 'claw' grip where my fingers are nearly clenched like a fist on the rim...This creates more torque and a LOT LESS friction as the disc leaves my hand.

A low-to-high release point is a problem I see a lot. A good way to correct for this is to slide a disc along a park bench or picnic table to emulate a level and nose-down flight path. Try it!

COURSES YOU SHOULD PLAY:		Florida's C.R. Willey has been a course pro in Clearwater for over 15 years. He has helped to create many courses, and has four disc golf World Titles to his credit, including back - to - back doubles titles in 1989 and 1990.
Course	Comments
Cliff Stevens Clearwater, FL	Clearwater's premiere course, adjacent to a nature preserve
Tradewinds Park Ft. Lauderdale, FL	Many great memories here. Wind and weather is always a factor.
Creekside Park Salt Lake City, UT	Very scenic/picturesque.
Taylor Park Largo, FL	One of the newest courses in Pinellas county that I designed.
NE Coachman Park Clearwater, FL	A thick 20 acre park in the middle of civilization. Really fun.

In The Disc Golf Bag: Drivers
Disc	Comments
Z Avenger (168 gm)	This disc is my smooth hyzer disc. I can throw this one flat and easy and it just flies straight. It works well as a backhand roller too!
ESP Surge (172 gm)	This first run Blue has been in my bag since it first came out. It is very predictable as a backhand flyer and backhand roller. I especially like the glide it has, it just flies effortlessly.
FLX Surge (173 gm)	The FLX Surge has a little more stability than the ESP first run, and it is a lot more grippy. It's a workhorse on cold days, and is also invaluable in the rain. I like it because it sticks in the chains quite nicely (off of the tee)!!!
X Predator (172 gm)	These old red Predators just keep producing birdies on long holes; I just can't live without them, especially throwing side arm. When I throw this disc high and hard I can get a nice Z-turn and fade -- very predictable!!!
Z Predator (172 gm)	I use this Z plastic Predator when the wind picks up or when there are a lot of trees. I throw it backhand or sidearm, whichever the hole dictates is the easier route.
D Venom (168 - 170)	This is a very fast disc with a lot of overstability and glide.

In The Disc Golf Bag: Midrange
Disc	Comments
Z Buzzz (176 gm)	I'm still throwing the first Buzzz that I started with -- its no longer blue it has faded to a nearly translucent pearl white color, because it has sat under the pin for so long (while others are still shooting)... I wouldn't trade it for the world -- it flies so perfectly straight, it will turn if I want it to, or it will hyzer if given enough edge. It is one of those go to discs that will do pretty much whatever you want it to -- it allows me to shape shots with it at any park I go to!!!
FLX Buzzz (178 gm)	I use this for shorter backhand shots that require some type of hyzer to get to the hole. I also like the way FLX sticks in the chains from the tee. Occasionally I have used this as a putter in severe wind.

In The Disc Golf Bag: Putt and Approach
Disc	Comments
Soft Magnet (175 gm)	I always carry two Soft Magnets in my bag -- one fresh one for putting only and one that is slightly beat up for driving, approach shots, and longer style putts and jump putts.

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