If you are a fan of disc golf, and I certainly am, the first weekend in June was notable as the European Open was held in Nokia, Finland.
The end was the third of five stops on the inaugural Disc Golf World Tour. The event was notable for a last round surge by Paul McBeth to top the event.
With the major event in the books I thought it was a good time to include an interview with disc golf pro Nathan Doss who played in the opening event of the World Tour, the La Mirada Open back in March where he finished fifth.
The 30-year-old native of California has been throwing discs for years.
“When I was around six-years-old, my father, Mark, found out about the game on a public access television show in Santa Cruz, California. It wasn’t until that following summer when Mark took me along to play at De LaVeaga Disc Golf Course,” Doss said in a Q&A via email. “As a kid, I had ton of energy and loved being outside so playing disc golf was a perfect fit.”
And that connection to the outdoors has kept Doss involved.
“Since I was introduced to disc golf so young, I think just being outside and playing a sport was what kept me playing,” he said. “As I became more skilled in the sport, I fell in love with the strategy of the game. I realized that you didn’t have to be the fastest or strongest but that it was your skill and experience that were the most important factors.”
Then the realization that disc golf had a professional aspect grabbed Doss.
“Every year the national tournament, the Masters Cup, rolled through Santa Cruz as did the top players in the sport,” he said. “So, I was familiar with the game and the best players from these events, and eventually found myself playing alongside them.
“Since I was about 12, the local club and fellow local players supported me and always told me that I would be great player. I am not sure I believed them at the time, but it definitely gave me something to strive for.
“And as a kid, I wanted to be a pro whether I had the skills or not, because I just wanted to play against the best players at the time.
“I ended up turning pro when I was 15-years-old.”
It helped too that Doss had some success early, as he recounted his first tournament win.
“My first big win in my mind was the 2000 Amateur Master’s Cup in my home town of Santa Cruz, Ca. I was a 14-year-old kid playing against grown men, most of which were my friends,” he said. “I can’t remember all the specifics from that far back but I do remember having a game plan and sticking to it! It helps to be a local at De La.”
So it was natural to ask Doss which is his favourite course.
“My favorite course would have to be Milo McIver State Park, just outside of Portland, OR.,” he said. “The park is magical, with a raging river, giant trees, and a course that challenges you to make every type of throw. I make the claim all the time, that if I was forced to only play one course for the rest of my life, it would be Milo.”
But that is not the toughest course to play.
“I would have to say ‘The Beast’ course that we play during the European Open in Nokia, Finland,” he said. “There is a good mixture of all types of shots challenging disc golf holes. Jussi Meresmaa knows how to strategically place the OBs to force the players to perfectly execute the shots every round. If you can tame the beast, you’ll come out on top.”
But what about other players? Who is the player he most respects, or considers is rival?
Doss avoided specific names on this one.
“I respect everyone I compete against,” he offered. “The best thing about playing any sport are the people you play against because without them it would not be a sport. I have never considered anyone a “rival” but have been fortunate to be in a close battle with many great players over the years.
“Every tournament and competitive experience I’ve had has made me who I am today, win or lose. I have all my fellow competitors to thank for that.”
Choosing the biggest moment of his career was easier for Doss.
“The 2011 World Championships in my home town of Santa Cruz, Ca,” he selected. “That win meant such much to me to win my third world championship in my home town surrounded by my closest friends and family. It’s a memory I’ll never forget.”
With all the great courses and growing events, like the World Tour, Doss said the sport of disc golf appears poised to take another step in terms of broader recognition, and maybe prime time sports television.
“I think disc golf is already in the spotlight,” he suggested. “With alternative media becoming more common and more sought after, I think disc golf is moving in the right direction. The future for disc golf has never looked brighter.
The new Pro Tour and the World Tour are obvious elements of the growth.
“I think both tours prove that disc golf is growing,” said Doss. “It is great to see that these tours are stepping outside of the standard to create something new for the game.
“I’m sure in this first year there will be growing pains but they are moving the sport in the right direction, for sure.”
On a personal level Doss said he wants to be part of the growth as the best player he can be in terms of disc golf.
“My goal has always been to be the best player in the world! I have been a professional disc golfer for over 15 years and my consistency through the years reflects my experience in the sport,” he said.
“I have been extremely fortunate that over my career I’ve been able to win three world championships and a national title. I am looking forward to this year, and will continue strive to be the best at every event I play.”
