Blog

Disc golf-focused blog whether as a player, tournament director or as fan of the sport.

Week #10 March 9th, 2025:

First A-Tier of the Year: Crush on the Concho

First, thanks to the LowPutt crew for putting on one of my favorite tournaments of the year. They do an amazing job at each event, especially this one. Seeing the friends I made during the previous year's events and the new ones I made this year was awesome. I was very fortunate to have my family camp with me and my dad this year. I'm blessed to have their support and shoutout to Bigfoot Discs for the Team Hoodie on my back that kept me warm.

(Playing Ma2) My play started off strong with a 948-rated 1st round and only one shot back from the lead. 2nd round, my putt left me. I was bombing good drives, but my putt and approach game wouldn't let me finish the hole. I may need to sacrifice some content filming to hone my approach skills. I battled in the final stretch to still be in 4th place with a 901-rated 2nd round. I was confident heading into the final day that I could make a push for a top spot as it was on a course I played particularly well on, but during the night, my left leg and calf started seizing and cramping while I was trying to sleep. I was trying to nurse it and still thought I could make that push for the final spot. I soon realized that my leg wouldn't be up for that. I lost about 40 feet of my usual distance, but more importantly, I lost all touch and command of my putt. My leg wouldn't let me push off the putt with any rhythm. In previous tournaments, I would have checked out. Let my excuse be the reason I didn't try. After 5 holes, I was +5. I accepted that it wouldn't be my day and figured out what I needed to do to get pars and hopefully still cash. I figured out that anhyzer spin putts were all I could do on the green. It didn't help me score birdies, but it helped me eliminate big numbers. I finished the round +9 with an 862-rated round in 8th place and in the payout line.

Although the event didn't finish how I want to, I still have a lot of positive takeaways.

Blessed to be alive and able to enjoy God's blessings
Got to spend quality time with friends and family
I got to see Bryan Kee win an A-tier in Ma60 and Ross Bates make the MPO lead card
Playing up a division, I averaged 904 and cashed with an 8th-place finish

God Bless,

Jacob Newberry

Week #9 March 2nd, 2025:

Travel Disc Golf + Rotary Open Recap

I signed up to play the Rotary Open in Henryetta, OK. I decided to take advantage of the free camping they have on the course as an opportunity to visit some new courses on the way there and way back. First ever solo camping trip which gave me some nice solitude and quiet that I didn't know I needed. I got to play 8 courses in 3 days (would've be more without some Sunday Showers).

Friday:

Started trip off with a stop at the IBC course in Shawnee, OK. I played the longer Blues Layout and played solid. More importantly, I did the pray-through that they have at each hole which brought a lot of clarity and peace that set the tone for the weekend.

I then went to Nichols Park in Henryetta, set up camp, and then hit up the 9 hole Beginner/Ace Run Layout to warm up my approach game for Saturday's tournament. It's amazing to think how many baskets are out there and the work the local guys do out there.

Saturday: Rotary Open

I decided to play Ma1 because I play these usually above my level. I also didn't want to worry about chasing a victory. My focus was to recenter and reset my game as the previous tournaments have felt out of hand at times. I simplified my bag to the molds that I know best. Firebirds, Rives, Zones, and Tanks.

Round 1 on the West Course started with 3 bogeys in the first 4 holes (Yikes) but i settled down started to have some good approaches hit some nice par saves, grabbed 2 birdies and finished the round with a 909 rated round and on the chase card.

Round 2 on the East course got off to a bad start as well with a quick double bogey and some missed C1 putts, but I got a park job birdie and started to settle down. I left too many putts on the course to make a push to the top spots. But was able to lock in my last 3 holes to make sure that I shot over 900 at least, finishing with a 914 rated 2nd round and a 8th place finish.

I was happy to see that I had comfort in being in uncomfortable lies and the simplifying my bag made decisions quicker and easier. My putt still has some tweaks to make before I can compete at a high level, but I can tell that I'm not far off. Felt good to have less than stellar driving performance but because of some grit and focus still get them above 900 rated and not completely tank which is what i did the previous 2 tournaments and a lot last year. Thanks to this performance I am back to averaging over 900 for 2025 and back on my way to being over 900 rated.

Thanks to Bigfoot Mike and Bigfoot Disc Golf Shop for running another awesome event and their support they have given to me by letting me be on Team Bigfoot.

It was nice to not have a long drive immediately after playing a 2-round tournament but instead got to chill out in God's beautiful creation before hitting my tent.

Sunday:

Instead of taking a direct route home, I wanted to hit up some courses that I haven't got to play yet.

First course was Johns Park in Seminole, OK. This course is a very fun beginner course with a decent amount of short holes and then a couple nice bombs. Very good for a casual round, glad I stopped by.

Second course was in Ada, OK at Wintersmith Park. The course was a big surprise when I got there. It is not the usually 9 hole course I am accustomed to and I love it. It had all the different type of shots and technical lines that even most 18 hole course don't offer. To me, it was like you took the best elements of the Duncan Lake courses and put them into 9 holes. I appreciated the challenge and the experience of playing one of the best 9 hole courses that I have seen.

Third and final course of this disc golf venture was Regional DGC in Ardmore, OK. I am so glad I stopped for this one. It is a bomber's dream. There's a bunch of scenic big pulls that are complemented by the technical wooded holes. Really enjoyed the par 5 and all the par 4s. In my mind, this course is built for a big event. This course is my favorite type of golf and I definitely can't wait to return.

After finishing this trip, I am thankful for the opportunity to do so. I had the chance to be alone with God while enjoying nature and the hard work all these diffent commuinties have put into making these courses. I learned to appreciate the moment and to value the day. For the next week, I will be prepping for my first A-tier on the year, Crush on the Concho in San Angelo, and getting baptized this Tuesday.

God Bless,

Jacob N.

Week #8 February 22nd, 2025:

Course Highlight + Bigfoot Mystery Tour Recap

I got the chance today to run up at 5 a.m. to play a hidden gem of a course in Atoka, Ok. The local club and community have created one of my favorite wooded courses that I've ever played. The gaps are fair but tough. You need all the skills to manage the course. I know that I'll be back to play it again sooner rather than later.

Now onto my play in the 2025 BigFoot Mystery Tour Event #2 at Lost Loksi DGC.

First, I want to thank BigFoo TMike and the Big Foot Disc Golf Shop Crew for running an awesome event. Bigfoot is always making tournaments an experience for the player. Excited to throw my new Zone that I got as my player pack.

Playing Ma2: The first round started rough, but I steadied and rallied to be tied for 3rd and a place on the lead card (891 rated r1). I was excited as it was my first lead card of the year, and I played with some fellow Bigfoot guys. Sadly, round 2 took a turn for the worse. I was struggling to settle in and finish holes strong. I couldn't let myself execute and end the hole. Then at the end, I started finding the water repeatedly. Good thing I was able to retrieve most of my soldiers and only left one in the water. The rough round dropped me to last place (9th) and with a 798 rated 2nd round. Well, stuff happens, but it doesn't change who I am or what I'm trying to do. Not a setback, just a learning experience.

It was a joy to see the out-of-town disc golf buds and to watch Mason Harrell and Justin Barra compete for the win. Congrats to Mason chasing and taking home the win.

I attribute my better attitude and outlook on my less-than-stellar golf to my growing relationship with the Lord as he puts everything in perspective. It's a blessing just to play disc golf, play with others and to travel with my Dad all these weekends.

Going to reset and give it my best next weekend at Henryetta.

God Bless,

Jacob Newberry

Week #7 February 16th, 2025:

Frozen Falls Recap

Thanks to everyone who came out to play last Saturday!

We awarded three winners in Pro, Am, and Rec and multiple Ctps.

I appreciate all the participants and the people helping me set up and break down the event. I love running this event as it's a nice mix of competitive atmosphere and casual play. Despite all the close runs I witnessed, it's sad to see no aces this year. Already looking forward to next year's iteration.

Happy to raise some money for Burkburnett HS Disc Golf. Thankful for everyone supporting the growth of the sport.

Results:

MPO

# Name R1 R2 Tot

1 Jarrod Mehan 41 46 87 $130

2 Walker Hickey 42 49 91 $60

3 A. Newberry 44 48 92 $20

4 Dakota Wingo 47 47 94

5 Scott Allen Morrison 44 52 96

6 Jacob Newberry 48 49 97

7 Travis Gray 48 51 99

MA1

# Name R1 R2 Tot

1 Wendell Burnam 49 47 96 $50

2 Chuck Kidd 46 52 98 $10

3 Eric Davis 52 48 100

4 Bones 52 53 105

MA3

# Name R1 R2 Tot

1 Jeff Garcia 47 48 95

2 Bo Gilliam 50 52 102

3 Lamont Bowden 50 53 103

4 Derrick Holden 51 55 106

5 Steven Kona Kundert 54 54 108

6 Jayden Germann 58 52 110

7 Braden Allison 56 55 111

Thanks again to all the sponsors who help make this possible.

Scott’s Snacks - Wichita Falls TX

Wichita Falls Area Disc Golf

OTB Discs

Doomsday Discs

DiscStore

Ledgestone Disc Golf

God Bless,

Jacob

Week #6 February 9th, 2025:

Bigfoot Bowl Recap

I played in the 2025 BigFoot Bowl up in McAlester, Oklahoma. I decided to play Advanced (Ma1) again since I felt good about my game late. The first round was a struggle. The wind was getting to me on my putts and upshots. I rallied at the end to limit some of the damage, but sadly, I ended up with my first round under 900 of the year. But sitting in 16th place with an 870-first round, I got a fantastic blessing. I was put on a card for round 2 with my Dad on the MP50 card. That was awesome, as it's rare for us to get to play a sanctioned round together, as we never play in the same division. I enjoyed learning how their experience translates to breaking down the hole ahead into what's manageable for their style of play. That rubbed off on me as I threw and played better shots. I only lacked putting, which I need to get more work on. But in all, it was great; I got time with my Dad, a learning experience, some cool drives, and a 910-second round that at least got my event average (890) over my rating (883).

Big thanks to BigFoot Mike for bringing me back to the Bigfoot team for 2025 and hooking me up with an awesome pullover at the tournament. I'm always impressed and happy with what BigFoot has going on, and I am excited about what 2025 offers.

Buffalo Run is a course I'm always willing to drive out of my way for. It constantly tests my game, and I plan to conquer it someday.

Even though the tournaments or rounds don't always go our way, I now consider it a blessing every day I get a chance to get outside in God's creation, try my best, and at the end of the day, have peace that no matter how the day goes, God has my heart and salvation thanks to Jesus Christ.

God Bless,

Jacob N.

Week #5 February 2nd, 2025:

When I Hated Playing + February Freeze Recap

When I say that I "hated playing," I am referring to how I used to enter and exit tournaments with bitterness and frustration. I was younger and ambitious but not dedicated to working on the craft to improve on my shortcomings. Because I had a little talent, wins and great golf were owed to me. Then, when I fell short, I would get bitter and depressed with an excuse at the ready. It wasn't just in the competitive atmosphere that I was bitter and angry. The reason for my behavior and attitude was pride. I took pride in my small gifts and thought I knew better than anyone, especially God. Who knows my life and what to do better than me? "No one". Or so I thought until I came to a breaking point in my life and realized that I needed Christ in my life. Through his grace, I gained some clarity. I now recognize the ability to go out and play a sport in his beautiful creation. I deserve nothing on this Earth; only by his love do I have anything. Once I let Him change and soften my heart, I began focusing on how I carried myself on the course rather than the result. I try my best, of course, but more importantly, I want to be grateful and carry myself honorably. I still get frustrated at bad shots and tournaments, but that's not what my life is about. Disc Golf is fun and a passion, but my heart belongs to Christ, which puts everything at peace.

February Freeze Recap (Norman, OK)

I decided to play Advanced (Ma1) this Saturday at the February Freeze Tournament in Norman, Oklahoma. I wanted to focus on playing the courses smart and not chasing risky shots. The wind was active both rounds, which made putting a complete guessing game. I had to accept that all I could do was give my best attempt and hope the wind and the basket accept it. My first round at the Lions course was a struggle as I couldn't find the green enough to get looks for birdies, but I was at least managing my score to get up and down for par most of the time. Usually, I only bogeyed because of short missed putts, which was frustrating but not demoralizing, as I rallied to finish my last four holes with made putts for three pars and a birdie. That rally moved me into 6th place after the first round, on chase card, and in the cash line with a 922-rated round. 2nd round started with capitalizing birdies early, getting exposed in the wind during the stricter stretch of the course, and another rally at the end that moved me into 4th with a 940-rated round and a new personal best at the Griffin course.

I am pleased with the tournament and my play overall to begin this season. My first five rounds are over the 900 mark, which is a good sign that I have improved. It is weird as it does not feel like I get that many special drives off or impressive putting rounds that would warrant this better golf. I am getting improved results from a better mindset and strategy for this new season.

Thank you to the tournament director, the awesome cardmates I could play with, and my Lord, Jesus Christ, for another day on his Earth and the work he has done in my heart.

God bless,

Jacob N.

Week #4 January 26th, 2025:

The 5 Must-Have Slots in Your Disc Bag

One of my goals to start the year is ironing out my bag and ensuring I only throw what I can trust. As I've been assessing my bag, beginners have asked me a handful of times what they should throw, hence this week's blog.

Through my experience and observation of other players, there are 5 disc requirements for every bag. I will share what disc molds I use for the slot and offer other alternatives, as the sport is unique in that every play style is different, and preferences vary. I naturally like to have discs with a bit of fight to them, so I lean to more overstable, while players with a lot of touch might like understable discs with more glide; that's part of the fun figuring out what kind of player you are and want to be.

#1 Reliable Putter

In my bag: Hyzerbomb Tank, Goliath Genesis

Alternatives: Almost Any Putter

The putting aspect of the game is the most individualistic. Every style is different, and there is no one way to do it. It's all in the results of whether you are a good putter or not. It is the same with the putter you use. You should putt with whatever mold gets the results and the type of putt you want. Since I naturally wish to have an overstable, hyzer finish to my putt, I putt with the Tank (2 2 0 2) and occasionally a Goliath Genesis (3 4 0 1) for the longer putts. Hand feel is also crucial when picking out your putter. I prefer a flat, beadless putter like the Tank and Genesis, while others want a deeper dish and a beaded rim. That's why I recommend that you see what feels right in your hands and achieve the desired release and result, which should be in the basket.

#2 Workhorse Approach Disc

In my bag: Discraft Zone

Alternatives: Innova Toro, Westside Harp, Discmania Tactic, etc.

It's been a revolution over the past few years. Not many people were looking for the 4-speed approach disc for a while. A big boom came from the Pro Tour and seeing how almost all the top touring pros used a version of one of these to consistently get and stay close to the basket. Once I introduced a Zone to my bag, I immediately saw the value and would recommend everyone get some version in their bags. It saves so many strokes by just staying close to the baskets. I like the Zone as it handles wind, hits angles well, and has perfect stability for control.

#3 Overstable Fairway

In my bag: Innova Firebird, Goliath Chainbreaker

Alternatives: Discraft Raptor, Dynamic Felon, Infinite Scepter, etc.

A staple in any bag should be an overstable fairway. It is an excellent type of disc to fight through winds, minimize angle mistakes, and be accurate. I'm old school and prefer a trusty firebird and occasionally the Chainbreaker for harsher winds and angles. For some, you might want a more moderate fairway disc like an Eagle or Athena. Whatever gives you a predictable fade, I'd recommend you bag it for when you need to handle the wind or a predictable hyzer towards the bucket.

#4 Straight Midrange

In my bag: Discraft Buzzz

Alternatives: Latitude 64 Claymore, Mint Mustang, Discmania MD1

We would be better disc golfers if we started learning the throws and form by tossing a straight midrange. It is a great way to see if you can hit your proper angles and make it fly straight rather than burn into the ground or hyzer way off. Even for experienced golfers, the value of a straight mid is invaluable as it can be less taxing on the arm but still get quality distance and be easier to hit the tighter lines.

#5 An Easy Flyer

In my bag: Lightweight Infinite Maye, Lightweight Innova Wraith

Alternatives: Understable Fairways or Lighter Distance drivers

Sometimes, you can catch yourself with lower energy, struggle to get the same juice on your throw or find a tricky spot with limited footing. That's when you need a disc that can fly easily and cheat off some of the distance without the maximum effort. Now, this spot can be found in a multitude of ways. One is by having something really flippy that you can release with a hyzer and have it flip up to flat on its own. Another is to have a disc in a lighter weight, which might not go as far as the max weight but will get up to speed quicker, which can help when tired or in a tight spot.

Those are my suggestions for everyone's bag. The molds are up to your feel, arm speed, brand preference, and experience. So get out and throw. Find out what works for you and score those birdies.

God Bless,

Jacob

Week #3 January 18th, 2025:

River Rampage Tournament Recap

The 1st Annual River Rampage Presented by Birdie Productions was a blast!! Thank you to River's Edge for hosting and Birdie Productions for running it. Excited for what both have in store in the future.

Friday: The flex start was a much-needed practice in the course. I have practiced the course casually and was shooting -1 and even a -6, but that was without pressure, and when the putts didn't matter, I decided to enter the flex when I saw how nice the conditions were and the value of pressured practice. And I shot +3... but a rating of 921, well above my rating and a good way to start the season. I saw that the course will bite and sometimes you must grind to survive the foul shots or holes to preserve the full 18. Got 2nd in Ma3 and won some payout.

Saturday:

The conditions were not ideal this time; it went from 71 degrees on Friday to the 30s and was windy. Had to go from short sleave to multiple layers. I felt nervous for the first couple of holes, but I managed the stricter part of the course well enough that I was in decent shape so that I was able to finish out at +6 and tied for 4th in MA2. An unofficial 923, that's what the wind and cold can do.

Due to the tie-breaking in PDGA numbers, I was on the chase card for round 2 but didn't really mind much as it was the exact card of the first round. Everyone was chill, and we focused on meeting the chase card duty and trying to come after the lead card guys. All of them were from Amarillo, so I didn't mind explaining and helping everyone navigate the course and explaining the out-of-bounds and other rules. I was just happy that they came down all the way to play it. Funny enough, one of them had played Juniors with me previously at an old Duncan Hillclimber Open back in 2016. Always love seeing the kids who played with me back then still sticking with the sport like me.

Round 2 was weird. In some spots of the course, I was super sharp, others not. Parked the tunnel on 15, missed the Hole 2 island, hit the pole on shot 2 of Hole 5, Go from putting for birdie to taking a double bogey on 4. I locked in at the final stretch to bring the round to a close and rose to a tie for 3rd with two other cardmates at a +5 for the round and +11 overall. To my surprise, it was over 900 rated, which makes it 3/3 on hitting over 900 and 2/2 on winning payout, I hope to keep it going. Our chase card did our job; we all moved up at least 1 spot and outshot the lead card by 22 strokes.

Despite the success, I noticed that my putting was not locked in yet; I was taking and missing too many. It was good that I hit the occasional bonus, but I need to make the short ones to have prolonged success. Overall, I can't think of many shanked drives which make me happy. The form felt smooth and direct for the most part. I could have easily had these putting performances bring me down and ruin my rounds, which I'm glad I didn't let myself do this time. It showed that I can be a solid golfer.

Again, I am grateful for the opportunity to play on God's beautiful creation and to River's Edge for having me.

God Bless,

Jacob

Week #2 January 12th, 2025:

Course Highlight: River's Edge DGC in Iowa Park, TX

My dream is to build my own disc golf course. To have a vision and then be able to set it out. I'm not worrying about red tape with the parks department or everyone's two cents on the course design. Having my canvas for my disc golf dreams. I hope to do that one day, and I hope it'll be a lot like River's Edge DGC.

What Nathan (the owner) has been cooking out on the outskirts of Iowa Park, TX, is nothing short of amazing. He has quickly gone from nothing to a 9-hole course to a full 18 with multiple pin locations in a span of about 2 years. If you first saw the land, you wouldn't think much of it, but not Nathan. He saw and found ways to create a fun and unique course. It utilizes the land with technical par 4s, hanging baskets, and clean fairways matched with thick rough.

I know it's not just him that did the work. The disc golf community has spent much time working, clearing out thorns, clipping lines, and leveling out tee boxes. A lot of the support is because we see the owner's vision and passion for making his course as good as possible.

I am humbled every time he asks for my thoughts on the design because I didn't take the risk nor put in the effort to build this gem. He asks for people's thoughts because he cares about his property, which he shares, and we're lucky enough to have it.

I have been lucky enough to host a couple of tournaments, making for a great atmosphere. I'll be playing the tournament there this upcoming weekend in MA2 and hopefully bringing in a win, but even if I don't, I know I will enjoy another round out there.

God Bless,

Jacob N.

Udisc link:

https://udisc.com/courses/rivers-edge-dgc-rAEg

Pay to play

$5/day. Call or text Nathan for access at 940-203-2223

Tournament, January 18th, 2025

https://www.discgolfscene.com/tournaments/1st_Annual_River_Madness_Presented_by_Birdie_Productions_2025

Week #1 Sunday Jan 5th:

Success and Failure of 2024, What to Do in 2025?

I was thinking about my goals from last year.

Win an A-tier
Hit a new career high-rated round (954)
Get over 900 rated

Now, early on in the year, I hit two of my goals. I shot two new career highs (996 and 962) in March, the 996 during the Crush on the Concho A-tier that I won Ma3 in playoff fashion. I was at an incredible pace to accomplish all three goals, but then I hit a lull. I played 860-ish golf from April to June. I couldn't figure out why. I was still practicing and giving it my all in tournaments. For some reason, I couldn't focus my way through rounds or lock-in and grind through mistakes. This was because early success in the year left me a bit directionless.

The most significant part of my issue to beat the 900 hump is an inability to minimize mistakes. Often, I let one hole or aspect of my game derail me. If I went out of bounds, I'd back it up with a miss putt. This is how I am going into 2025; I will try to play the smartest, simplest golf I can. Take the easy shot, and if I find trouble, try to walk away with a bogey instead of a double or worse.

But no matter how much I want to improve or feel bad about failure, I need to remember the successes from the last year and be thankful and appreciate the gains made. The way I played at Concho showed me that there's a solid player here. I averaged 942 golf for three rounds at Concho, where I never played for a score; I played what the course gave me. In one course, I played twice and shot -1 and +3; on the other, I shot a -7. That's what I need to do more often. On courses that require minimizing damage and sneaking a handful of birdies, I have to stay focused and not give away shots. On courses that have the opportunity to score, I need to give myself chances and not get discouraged about missing one hole when there will be more.

For 2025, I am not looking at one hitting specific goals. I want to put in work that will help me manage the course. During the tournaments, I will listen to my dad and play the hole in front of me to the best of my ability. I know that the results will come on their own with hard work and a clear head.

Also, part of my problem was letting disappointment get me down and allowing myself to lose focus. I will be more content this upcoming year with my play, good or bad. I am blessed to be able to participate in this sport, go on all these trips with my dad, and be a part of an incredible community. Even without disc golf success, I have victory with my Lord, Jesus Christ.

God Bless

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