2009 Ace Race Prototype PDGA Approved

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and so the 2009 Ace Race disc is now approved for PDGA tournament play! It will fly under the name Focus.

2009 US Am Nationals Fundraisers Released

Oh baby! These discs are super sweet! The CryZtal Buzzz SS is available clear or iridescent, and a mega-rare Glo Z Buzzz (only 100 made and going fast)!

2009 Youth Club Ultimate Championships Results

Blaine, MN - Youth Ultimate continues to be strong in Seattle... the Great Northwest dominated again! Girls final: Seattle def. Triangle Area 15-6. Mixed final: Minnesota def. Boston 15-4. Open final: Seattle def. Boston 14-9.

4.9 Million Ultimate Players Can't Be Wrong

The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association reports Ultimate is on the rise despite an overall sporting industry decrease of 3.2 percent. In 2006, there were 3.9 million people playing Ultimate. 2007: 4 million. 2008: 4.9 million. The SGMA says that 18 percent of Ultimate players played the game at least 25 times in 2008.

Another A-Tier Victory for Johansen

Spotsylvania, VA - Local organizers hosted a couple of C-tier warm-ups prior to the weekend's Virginia Open A-tier, and Michael Johansen arrived ready for action. He went 1-2 in the warm-up events before throwing to a 2-shot victory at the big show. It was 29-year-old's second A-tier win of the 2009 season.

Carr wins Memorial Championship

Congrats to Liz Carr of Michigan on her 2010 Memorial Championship victory and first career NT win. Carr powered her way through the final round in AZ with laser putts and huge drives to take the trophy by a four throw margin.

Blaine Kinkel Claims US Am Championship

Milford, MI - Blaine Kinkel of Charleston, SC is having an extraordinary year. He won the Bowling Green Ams in April, and has now become the US Amateur Disc Golf Champion with a one-throw victory on the Toboggan Championship course against a full field of pre-qualified players. Kinkel is also the only Am player to have ever been offered a Discraft sponsorship deal before winning this prestigious event.

College Ultimate Champions Crowned

Columbus, OH - Clouds and a light breeze set the stage for #1 seed Carleton College CUT (MN) in the Open finals against Colorado Mamabird, with Carleton proving their dominance with a 15-11 victory. It was a similar battle in the Women's division, with the California-Santa Barbara Burning Skirts taking down Washington Element 15-11. Congrats to both on your amazing seasons!

Current UPA Membership Tops 30,000

BOULDER, Colo. – The Ultimate Players Association announced that its official membership total in 2009 exceeded 30,000 for the first time in its history. The final number reached 31,588 individual members, representing an eight percent increase over the 2008 season (29,311). The UPA membership total has grown more than 81% in just six years, rising from 17,419 in 2003.

Custom 50: Lower Custom Ultimate Ordering Minimum

Wixom, MI - Discraft announced this week that the company is making custom-stamped Ultimate discs accessible to more of its customers by lowering the minimum number of discs required for custom orders, down from 100 discs to as few as 50. 'By lowering our custom order minimums to 50, we're hoping to provide better service to the many smaller clubs and events who may not need 100 Ultra-Stars, but still want some cool game discs,' said Discraft Ultimate Director Pad Timmons. The 'Custom 50' offer is available on Ultra-Star 175 gram and J*Star 145 gram models. Hot stamp limited to one color, disc color limited to white only. Contact Discraft for pricing and ordering details.

Disc Golf Course Count: 2748

Augusta, GA - The number of worldwide disc golf courses reached 2748 as of September 2008. The new figure was reported today by PDGA Course Directory editor Cliff Towne, who is currently finalizing the next edition of the print and electronic directory. 2748 represents an increase of 248 courses over 2007 (nine percent), with a total of 2354 courses in the United States and 394 international.

Disc Golf Part of Tiger Woods 10 Wii Game

Redwood City, CA - Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 for Wii will be introducing many gamers to the joys of disc golf. The game is scheduled for release June 19 and -- in addition to being enhanced with MotionPlus -- will include the option of throwing a game of disc golf instead of limiting players to only the ball and stick variety.

Discraft Fans: Show Your Pride!

Do you love Discraft discs? Show your D pride by being a Discraft fan on Facebook.

Discraft Releases J*Star 145 Gram Youth Ultimate Disc

In conjunction with the Ultimate Players Association, Discraft is proud to announce the J*Star ('JAY-star') 145 gram youth Ultimate disc. The J*Star is the official youth Ultimate disc of the UPA for ages 12 and under. At 145 grams and 9.5 inches in diameter, the J*Star is 30 grams lighter and 1.25 inches smaller than the world's leading Ultimate disc, the Ultra-Star. As a result, it is easier for young players to catch, throw and get better distance.

Doss Remains Top Ranked Disc Golfer

Capitola, CA - California's Nathan Doss remained the world's top ranked disc golfer according to the PDGA's most recent World Rankings report. The current US National Champion has finished 1-2-1-2 in the last four Pro World Championship tournaments.

E-Mac Takes Players Cup By One Over Barsby

Crystal River, FL - He's been tearing up the Tour for over two years, and Eric McCabe of Kansas has now achieved what many have been expecting by bagging his first PDGA Major win with a one-throw victory at the season's final championship event, the Players Cup. A 1076-rated, 12-under-par final round kept E-Mac a throw ahead of Cali's Gregg Barsby, who was edging to take away the lead throughout the final holes and eventually finished 2nd.

ESP Zone Putter and New Z Discs

Wixom, MI - Now headed toward retailers is the new low-profile, overstable Zone putt and approach disc. With a stability rating of 2.0, Zone can eliminate your windy putting concerns. Plus new Z releases: Force, Surge SS, Avenger SS and Comet.

Focus and Soft Focus putters released

When NUKE shipped to retailers last week, Focus went with it! This is the 2009 Ace Race prototype, now thoroughly tested and ready to seek chains! Choose from Pro D Focus (0.5) and available for the first time: Elite X Soft Focus (0.5)! Ask for them from your favorite retailer.

Frisbee creator Fred Morrison dies

Monroe, UT - The inventor of the original Frisbee flying disc has died in his Utah home. Fred Morrison was 90. A bomber pilot in World War II, Morrison created the "Pluto Platter" in 1955 to take advantage of the UFO craze in the 1950s. In 1957, Wham-O, a hunting-goods company looking to expand into sporting-goods, picked up Morrison's invention and in 1959 registered the name Frisbee. The toy gave rise to today's popular disc sports, and has brought fun and joy to millions.

Fury Fourpeats at 2009 UPA Club Championships

Sarasota, FL - Defending Women's champs Fury cemented their dominance with a crushing 15-3 defeat of Boston's Brute Squad in the finals to take their fourth consecutive national title. Final results:

• Masters: Troubled Past (Arcata CA) def defending champs Surly (Twin Cities MN) 15-11
• Mixed: Axis of C'ville (Charlottesville VA) def Chad Larson Experience (Ames IA) 15-11
• Women: Fury (San Francisco CA) def Brute Squad (Boston MA) 15-3
• Open: Chain Lightning (Atlanta GA) def Revolver (Bay Area CA) 15-11

GLO Golf Discs Return

Discraft has just released GLO Z Buzzz midrange and GLO Z Stalker driver. They are sweet! Appear white in daylight, glow green in darkness. Look for them in stores beginning Oct 5th.

Ginnelly Is Inducted Into Disc Golf Hall of Fame

Battle Creek, MI - Team Discraft Co-Captain Dan Ginnelly of Scottsdale AZ was honored during the World Championships when he was officially inducted into the Disc Golf Hall of Fame. As the first fulltime touring disc golfer, Ginnelly joins the elite group thanks to his many years as a player, TD, promoter and sportsman.

Horne, McCabe Snag A-Tier Wins

Tyler Horne of OH was a decisive winner at the Bluegrass A-tier in KY, and E-Mac is back! Eric McCabe of KS has recovered from a hand injury and won the Flagstaff A-tier event after a 3-hole playoff. Also taking trophies on the weekend were Michael 'MJ' Johansen and 5-time world champ Elaine King.

In the Bag Video: Eric McCabe

E-Mac has been competing among the top ten disc golfers in the world for several years. Now he shares some of this techniques for winning, along with explanations of what discs he throws and why.

Johansen Wins Carolina Clash

Charlotte, NC - Here on his home courses, Michael Johansen knows how to take care of business. That's exactly what he did this past weekend when he ran away from the pro field to win by nine throws at the Carolina Clash disc golf A-tier.

Koling is PDGA Rookie of the Year

Jeremy 'Big Jerm' Koling of Charlotte NC was honored this week by the PDGA as the 2009 Pro Rookie of the Year. His outstanding season in 09 included seven wins and an impressive 23rd place finish at USDGC. Koling has a player rating of 1010, and plans on touring full time during the upcoming season.

Esquire Ranks Ultra-Star Among List of Things Every Man Should Own

The April 10 2009 edition of Esquire Magazine includes the Discraft Ultra-Star 175 Ultimate disc among the 31 things that every man should own. The manly list also includes items such as jumper cables, charcoal grill, work gloves and chain saw.

Lopez, McCabe are Mixed Doubles World Champs

Kansas City, MO - Congrats to Liz Lopez and Eric McCabe for their world title victory... what a great way to kick off World Championship week!

McCabe Wins First A-tier of Season

Las Vegas, NV - He closed out 2008 with a major victory at Players Cup, and now Eric McCabe of Kansas has entered into the 09 season by winning the Gentlemen's Cup in Vegas. E-Mac tore into the lead in round two with a 1089-rated performance.

More D, Less Dough

Economy got you down? Get a grip on these max distance drivers and putter, all now available in money-saving, grippy Pro D plastic: Force, Surge, Avenger, Avenger SS, and Zone putter. Ask for them from disc golf retailers now.

NUKE Memorial Championship fundraiser

Discraft's fastest and longest-flying driver is arriving in stores: ESP NUKE. The widest rim legally allowed helps to give NUKE a huge distance advantage, and the 1.6 stability rating makes it more useful to a wider range of players. Only 1000 are being initially released as a fundraiser for the 2010 Memorial Championship presented by Discraft, March 3-6, Scottsdale AZ. A stock version is scheduled to be released spring 2010.

NUKE in stores now

Discraft's new high performance, maximum distance driver is ready to launch! NUKE flies super fast, super far, and is controllable for virtually all skill levels without getting flippy at average arm speeds. Discraft engineers spent more than a year developing this disc, ensuring optimal aerodynamics and flight characteristics to create the most desirable distance driver for the widest possible range of skill levels. The results are explosive.

New Leadership for UPA

Boulder, CO - The Ultimate Players Association has announced the hiring of Dr. Thomas Crawford as Chief Executive Officer. Crawford will lead the UPA after extensive experience in the sports and fitness industries. He was founder and Managing Partner of sports consulting company High Performance Associates, as well as co-founder of the Altheus company, a senior executive for Eteamz, and Director of Coaching for the United States Olympic Committee. Crawford replaces outgoing UPA Executive Director Sandie Hammerly.

New Video: Nate Doss In The Bag

2008 United States Champion Nate Doss demonstrates his throwing techniques while explaining in detail what is in his disc golf bag, and why.

Nyberg, Z Force Rule Swedish Distance

Stockholm, Sweden - The Circle of May Swedish distance competition saw 19-year-old Eric Nyberg out-gunning the field with a final throw of 604 feet (184m) using a Discraft Force driver. Nyberg is a new addition to Team Discraft and is emerging as the distance favorite at the WFDF World Overall Flying disc Championships, Jacksonville, FL in July.

Reg opens for USADGC

Registration opens today for the most prestigious and challenging Amateur tournament of the season: the US Amateur Disc Golf Championship, June 11-13. Field is hard capped at 144 players, so see if you've qualified and register soon. Only the worthy will take on the legendary Toboggan... it's an experience you'll never forget!

Retail Chain Academy Sports + Outdoors Adds Discraft Golf Discs

Discraft disc golf products will now be available throughout much of the Southern United States through retailer Academy Sports + Outdoors. The 120-store chain will carry a variety of golf discs, including the popular Surge driver, Buzzz mid-range and Challenger putter.

Return of the Putting Machine

Welcome back Cam Todd! The 2001 World Champ has returned after a long hiatus from disc golf, and he's busy getting his game up to speed. Could this mean the return of the Cam Todd signature Challenger?

Roller Ace Helps Gory Bag National Tour Event

Santa Cruz, CA - California's GreGory Barsby was in a tight duel with Nate Doss at the Steady Ed Memorial Masters Cup when in the third round a critical roller drive found its way into the basket for a huge momentum shift. That would prove to be the icing on a 1071-rated round and an incredible 6-throw victory for the first NT trophy of his career.

Stalker Driver, Ringer Putter Released

Wixom, MI - Two new -- and very sweet -- discs will be hitting stores (and chains) Monday, July 6th! Read all about them in the July edition of the Disc Golf newsletter.

Team USA wins Ultimate gold at World Games

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan - Congrats to captain Gwen Ambler and her squad for defeating a scrappy Japan team 13-6 in the gold medal match yesterday. Scores, photos and video available now from the UPA.

Top Ranked Doss Wins Another NT

Twin Cities, MN - The world's top ranked disc golfer continued to build on his outstanding year with a two-throw victory at the Minnesota Majestic NT. Back to back 1060+ rated rounds and some long putts helped propel Nate Doss out of reach of 2nd place finisher Cale Leiviska, who was competing on his home courses. Liz Lopez (see her on the cover of the new Discgolfer magazine) finished 3rd and Katy Schreder was 4th.

Two New Discs to Debut at AmNats

Milford, MI - Two discs will make their first public appearance at the US Am Championship this weekend: Stalker is an easy-to-control fairway driver that flies like a Buzzz, only farther. Ringer is a low-profile, sweetly overstable putter.

Two Players Log 1000 Courses Played

Appling, GA - Ben Calhoun of MI and Gregg Hosfeld of FL had been battling this season, each trying to be the first player to log rounds on 1000 different courses. Yesterday they both shot number 1000 together on the newest course at the International Disc Golf Center near Augusta.

UPA College Ultimate Start Up Kit

The UPA has created an awesome college Ultimate start-up kit that includes everything you need to get your program airborne. Get the kit and get throwing!

UPA Exec Director Resigns

Boulder, CO - The UPA has announced the resignation of its Executive Director, Sandie Hammerly, effective May 31. Hammerly has been the longest tenured UPA Executive Director in the history of the organization, delivering more than 6 years of unprecedented growth. Under her leadership, the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association reported that Ultimate grew faster than any other sport for the years 2007/2008.

US Am Nationals: All 940+ Players Now Qualified

Milford, MI - TD Philip Shelton announced today that all PDGA Ams with a rating of 940 or higher are now eligible to compete in the 2009 United States Amateur Disc Golf Championship, June 12-14. This PDGA Major championship is presented by Discraft. Spots are limited, see website for details.

Ultimate Hall of Fame

Know someone who has helped shape Ultimate's rich history, on or off the field? Nominations are now being accepted for the class of 2009 and are due by Sep 15.

Ultimate wedding

Getting married this year? Commemorate the event with custom Ultra-Stars for your guests! Browse the free design templates, or create your own.

Victory for Doss in Sudden Death Playoff

Pawhuska, OK - After taking an early lead, Nathan Doss was forced into a sudden death playoff at last weekend's Green Country Open National Tour event. He won the playoff on the first hole amid high winds to seal his first NT victory of the 2009 season.

Video Clinic: Getting Out of Trouble

Pro disc golfer Mike Randolph demonstrates a number of techniques you can use when you find yourself off the fairway.

Video Clinic: The Anhyzer Shot

Famous disc golf coach Mark Ellis and pro friends teach you about the trickiest shot you need to succeed: the anhyzer.

Video Clinic: The Basics of Putting

Discgolfer Magazine's Instructional Editor Scott Papa walks you through the essential elements of good putting.

WFDF World Ultimate and Guts Championships Results

Vancouver, BC - Over 1600 athletes from 21 countries gathered in Vancouver, Canada to test their mettle August 2 - 9 at the fields of the University of British Columbia. Final results: Jr Girls: Canada def Gr Britain 17 - 3; Jr Open: US def Canada 17 - 7; Mixed: Canada def Japan 17 - 8; Masters US def Canada 15 - 13; Women: US def Japan 13 - 10; Open: Canada def US 17 - 15; Guts: US def Japan 21-18

World Disc Games Champion Nate Doss

Capitola, CA - Two-time disc golf World Champ Nate Doss continued to build his status as a disc sports phenomenon after becoming the overall Champion at the 2008 World Disc Games in CA. Doss medaled in five of six events, including one gold (maximum time aloft), two silvers (distance, accuracy), and two bronzes (disc golf, double disc court).

World course count hits 3000

PDGA Course Directory editor Cliff Towne recently reported the addition of disc golf course #3000, a mountain course in Austria. The number represents an increase of 8% in the past year, up from 2748. Approximately 2500 courses are located in the United States.