1000 Rated Disc Golf Players, News, scores, and more

1000 RATED: With an Amateur World Championship already under your belt, we can only assume that your next goal would be a big one. Your last two World’s finishes left you out of the cash in the Open division - do you feel the pressure to compete well was dominant during some of these rounds? Though disappointing, have these rounds taught you some valuable competitive experience? Can you elaborate on this?

PAUL: No, I do not feel that there was any pressure to compete at all. I was just there playing in another tournament and I couldn’t putt well. Also I played at a course that I feel was very luck-oriented and the strokes could have gone either way (Coldbrook). I do feel that I learned a lot about what I need to improve in my game. Becoming consistent is the hardest thing to accomplish in any sport for any athlete. I feel that there being so many rounds at Worlds, of course a young new player is going to have at least one or two bad rounds. Although I had my two worst rounds of the year at the Worlds, I also had my best round of the year. So all I can do is learn from the bad rounds and strive to shoot great ones.

1000 RATED: Though still young, you’ve played a lot of tournaments over the last two years that are quite far from your home in Arizona. How have you managed to do this and can you offer travel advice to other young, talented players who are willing to make the trek but have yet to find a resource for such means?

PAUL: Well, as I have started playing in bigger tournaments I have been able to meet a lot of other players who live in different parts of the United States. Most of them live in areas where tournaments I have interest in playing are. So, I call them up and ask them if I can grab some floor space or a couch and play the tournament. Also it makes it easier to find a traveling buddy to split costs with and stuff. Always have the money before you go out on tour because you can’t always count on winning enough money to get by.

1000 RATED: By most standards you are still quite new to the game. Other than your Am World’s win, What has been your favorite part of playing in PDGA tournaments over the last four years?

PAUL: It’s quite simple really. I just enjoy getting out there and playing different courses, meeting new people and seeing new places.

1000 RATED: In terms of developing your skills, what do you think was the most important piece of advice you learned during this time frame? Was there anyone specific you looked up to or learned from?

PAUL: The most important and memorable piece of advice I have gotten is that you gotta put in your time - you can’t expect to be the greatest without going through losses and bad finishes - it takes practice and experience. As for someone out there that I looked up to: Dan Ginnelly. Also, Zack Walker has helped me a lot in terms of getting better and getting around to tournaments. My family has been real supportive, and of course, Jesus Christ.

1000 RATED: Since you have a chance here to offer your own advice, what kinds of tips can you offer to players who are trying to up their game?

PAUL: One thing that has helped me a lot is finding someone who is better than you are and to strive to learn as much as you can from them. It’s good to practice your throw out in an open field rather than playing on the same course all the time. It shows you what you can and cannot do as well - which shows you what you need to practice. When playing a new course look for different ways to get to the hole. Also, throw the harder shot so that you can get better at every part of your game, if you see a harder line, practice that line.

1000 RATED: Who is your favorite 1000 rated player and why?

PAUL: Probably would have to say Dan Ginnelly. He has just been a great inspiration for me and always pushes me to get better. He is a perfect example of how someone should act on the course, always laid back and making jokes and having fun with it. Avery Jenkins and Dave Feldberg have also been a big help.