How did you first get introduced to disc golf, and what was it about the game that captivated you? Feel free to share something unique about your life and connect it to Disc Golf.
Emma: Logan had been playing for quite a while when we met and started dating. I thought I would go out and try it with him and I'll admit it wasn't my favorite thing at first, but after we stopped running competitively it felt like a natural transition to become more serious about disc golf. I love watching the disc fly through the air (and often into trees) and being able to look back at videos and pictures to see how far we both have come. I also love it because it's something you can do with friends and family. Even though our family members aren't as involved with the sport as we are, they're still open to going out and playing when we visit.
Share your favorite disc golf course that you’ve played and a favorite course that you’d still love to visit.
Logan: Love - Blue Ribbon Pines (MN), Bailey DGC (CO), Still want to visit - Maple Hill
Emma: Love - Highbridge Hills (WI), The Preserve (MN), Still want to visit - Smugglers' Notch
For newcomers to disc golf, what's one technical tip or aspect of play you think is undervalued but can make a big difference in their game?
Logan: State of mind - It doesn't matter how badly you want to play well, if you have external factors in your life that you are focused on or are in a bad mood, you will inevitably play bad even if you're trying to will yourself to play well. Try to bring positive energy with you and you will play better.
Emma: Hydration - Always be drinking water throughout the round (not chugging once every 9 holes). Staying hydrated and properly fueled will help you stay focused and keep the "pop" that you need to hit putts. Which is another tip - you don't have to throw it as far or further than everyone on your card if you're confident in your short game and putting.
Can you recall a particularly challenging course or hole that you've played and how you navigated it? What made it stand out?
On challenging courses remember that it's not always about getting the furthest drive down the fairway. If you throw a driver and it hits a tree that kicks you into the forest, you're worse off than if you can trust a midrange or putter to get you in a position. Whenever there are tight gaps or fairways, we both will disc down to get the accuracy and often are able to still save the par without having to scramble from off the fairway.
Disc golfers often have a favorite disc in their bag. Which is yours, and why does it hold that special place for you?
Logan: MVP Reactor (midrange) - Trusty midrange that I can use for hitting straight lines and also throwing "max distance" midrange shots. Sadly I lost my favorite one today, but luckily I have a backup that will be making its way to the bag now!
Emma: Mint Discs Mustang (midrange) - Mint Discs is a local disc manufacturer in Austin, TX and we learned about them when we moved here about 2 years ago. Since then I have slowly come to rely on the Mustang whenever I need to hit a gap or for any upshot. I trust it for both backhand and forehand and don't play a round without it!
Disc golf, like many sports, has a community aspect to it. Can you share a memorable moment or story that stemmed from your involvement with the Flippy Disc Golf community?
Being accepted into the community! First hearing that we would be able to represent Flippy as ambassadors this season and having lots of conversations about our apparel on the course and feeling the support from all Flippy team members on social media.
How do you prepare for a big tournament or match? Are there any specific routines, mental exercises, or physical training regimens you follow?
Emma: I played my first major last year (USWDGC) and it was helpful to remind myself that it was no different than any other level of tournament. If you let those thoughts creep in, then it adds more pressure which will inevitably lead to playing worse. I like to just relax, trust the work that I have been putting in, and remember that I play disc golf because its fun.
Are there any disc golfers or athletes in general who have inspired your journey or whom you look up to? Why?
Any player featured on JomezPro. Watching coverage always impresses us and makes us want to go out to play and continue to get better.
With the growth and evolution of disc golf, where do you see the sport in the next 5-10 years? And what role do you think platforms like Flippy Disc Golf will play in that future?
Logan: More players, including a stronger women's presence. Tournaments at the amateur level will likely change to start accommodating more players to meet the demands of the number of players who want to play at a competitive level.
Outside of the technical aspects, what's the most valuable life lesson disc golf has taught you?
Logan: Stay humble! Emma: Have the memory of a goldfish when you're sad and remember to have fun!
What’s the very worst score you’ve ever recorded, and on what hole?
Emma: A 9 on hole 18 (486 feet) at The BEast (Waco, TX). It plays as hole 12 on the DGPT Stop. Logan: An 8 on hole 12 (192 feet) at Wells Branch DGC (Austin, TX)
To keep up with Logan & Emma's exciting journey together on the course and their love for the game, follow them on Instagram @kitchenchains. Stay tuned for more incredible stories from the outstanding ambassadors of Team Flippy!