Emilie Cameron – ADG Secretary

Emilie Cameron is the (Company) Secretary for ADG and co-ordinates……well pretty much everything. She’s the central hub of communications and actions internally and externally. Emilie is a leading advocate for the growth of female participation in the sport and like other board members she also volunteers for additional projects, like co-ordinating the first Aussie Disc Golf Day (that was a big one), and the Women’s Global Event on the national level as well as TDing the WGE at Koala Park in NSW. Let’s hear from Emilie.

Q. How long have you played (DG) and how did you get introduced to the sport?

A. I have played Ultimate since 2002 but didn’t venture into disc golf until 2008 when I moved to the US with partner JJ. There was a course 5 mins from our house and the first time we played we met some awesome people who told us about the local club and events. We were soon playing as much as we could and made some great friends.

Q. What is your favourite place to play in Australia and why?

A. While I like playing those big-name courses like Poimena and Crater Lakes I think my favourite place to play is to stay local. There is something special about being involved in getting a course in the ground and getting to play that courses regularly and seeing others enjoying it.

Q. How did you come to be on the ADG Board? and what are the responsibilities of your position?

A. In 2010 the AGM was held in Finny’s (Chris Finn) backyard in Perth and there was a real sense of excitement as the sport was starting to take off. When it was time to vote for a new committee no one was putting their hand up for the secretary role. So I thought why not. I have been in the role ever since.

Q. Look ahead five years – what is your vision for disc golf in Australia?

A. More women! The sport has grown so quickly in recent years that we need to make sure the numbers of women and other underrepresented groups are included in that growth. I would also love to get disc golf into more schools and have enough juniors for some junior-specific tournaments.

Q. Do you have any tips or advice for people thinking of getting involved in the admin/management side of disc golf? A. This sport runs on the hard work of volunteers running clubs, events, on boards. If you are at all interested there is a job for you. Just reach out and see what help is needed.

Thanks Emilie, you are truly appreciated!

ADG Hall of Famer Gail Lynch has played in and contributed to the development of disc golf since its inception in Australia, and we’re delighted to bring you our interview with Gail.

PLAYER PROFILE – GAIL P LYNCH – VIC – PDGA #68980

Playing Division: FA40 / FA70+

Predominant throw: RHBH

Q: How long have you been playing and how did you get introduced to the sport?

A: I have been playing Flying Disc Sports since 1976, when the two World Frisbee Champions came to Australia on a promotional tour for Wham-O. I was working with Toltoys, who were the Australian distributor (later a manufacturer) of Frisbees and was hooked immediately – ahhh the flight. Went on to become a founding member of Australian Frisbee Association and the Australian Flying Disc Association.

Q: What are your strengths as a player?

A: Back then – all-round high-level disc skills. Came from playing the various disciplines which required a diverse suite of skills and throws.

Now – perseverance, mindset, enjoyment. As I don’t play very much at the moment and my body is aging, I have had to work hard to be mindful of this, and in particular to ‘dial down’ my highly competitive drive to playing to my abilities, appreciating what I can do and enjoying it.

Q: What is your best or favourite competition result to date?

A: Well, in the ‘olden days’, the three Australian Championships I won and particularly winning the Open Division of Freestyle – yeah! In those days we played all the disciplines of Flying Disc Sports as part of the competition; Distance, Maximum Time Aloft, Throw Run and Catch, Discathon, Freestyle, (even Accuracy at one point) and Disc Golf.

In ‘modern days’ competing at the Aussie Open in Perth in 2015 (the first PDGA Major in the southern hemisphere) and coming 2nd in Advanced Women and of course, who could forget my win at the SA Open / WGE 2021 in the 65+ Division (big smile and thanks to all who backed in this win – bigger smile).

Q: What are your disc golfing ambitions and plans for the next two or three years?

A: Oh, so many: playing more regularly; working with Melbourne Disc Golf Club in developing new courses, continuing our work actively developing and promoting participation options for women and juniors; continuing to have fun out there.

Q: Can you share a practice tip or something you learned that substantially improved your play?

A: Working with others who are more skilled for feedback on my form and play and putting this into practice, practice, practice.

Q: What top pro player do you look up to and why?

A: There’s a huge field of fabulous players, including all the younger players coming into the sport who I admire. Though she is not touring anymore, I really admire Valarie Doss (Jenkins), 4 x Disc Golf World Champion & Disc Golf Hall of Famer. Valarie’s huge list of accomplishments speaks to her skills, as well as her ongoing work in developing and encouraging young players. In particular, her ongoing work increasing participation for female disc golfers, with the creation and promotion of the first Women’s Global Event in 2011 and her other endeavors, has meant that women’s participation has increased immensely.

Q: What is a favourite disc in your bag right now and what do you use it for?

A: My trusty old Piwakawaka – approaching shots a dream with this, and it has gotten me out of trouble so many times – perhaps this is because Simon Feasey signed it?

A last comment – throughout my many years playing this great sport and recreation activity, I have been fortunate to travel and play overseas, meet wonderful people, to be inducted into the Australian Disc Golf Hall of Fame and to receive a Lifetime Membership to MDGC. The standout though is the people, the camaraderie, the fun and enjoyment and the sharing of the love of the game.

Thanks so much Gail, your are an inspiration to us all!

Playing Division: FP40 / FPO
Predominant Throw: Right Hand Back Hand

Q: How long have you been playing and how did you get introduced to the sport?
A: I’ve been playing for 7 years and got introduced to disc golf by my husband Ken, who also introduce me to ultimate a few years prior.

Q: What are your strengths as a player?
A: I learn and adapt to new skills and techniques quickly and am prepared to work hard to improve my game. My game improvement has been erratic due to a busy work-study-volunteering-life schedule over recent years, but it’s meant I’ve learned to work with the time I have, and find ways to maximise the training I do.

 Q: What is your best or favourite competition result to date?
A: I threw a 891-rated round at the Fantasy Park Open in February – my highest rated round yet – which was an encouraging result, and reflected the work I’ve put into my game.

Q: What are your disc golfing ambitions and plans for the next two or three years?
A: I’d like to improve my rating to 850 within the next year and set my sights on 900 in two or three. Being competitive in an international women’s masters competition would be cool – I would be rapt to find myself on a card with Des Reading or Juliana Korver one day. I’d also like to keep contributing to the growth of women’s disc golf, and improve the sport’s inclusivity for more people in the community.  

Q: Can you share a practice tip or something you learned that substantially helped you improve your play.  
A: Listen and learn from others, but also remember no-one know you like you. Take advice from a range of coaches and guides and use what works for you.

 Q: What top pro player do you look up to and why? 
A: Kristin Tattar. I first noticed her career while preparing for the World Team Disc Golf Championships in Estonia in 2019. I admire her for just being amazing by what she does and the way she plays her game: she’s a humble, quiet achiever.
 
Q: What is your favourite disc in your bag right now and what do you use it for?
A: I just started throwing my newly acquired Latitude 64 Royal Grand Grace with the Kristin Tattar stamp. I’m using it to get distance and a fairly reliable fade, which may change a little as I beat it in. However I love its glide and am keen to get some more Graces for my bag. Prior to recent throwing sessions I would have chosen my RPM Cosmic Pekapeka for similar reasons. Some love for our local manufacturer too: the Fourth Circle Discs mid-range Dingo is my go-to tailwind upshot disc.

Thanks Sue, we’re stoked to have you on Team Australia!