By David Kynaston

Next up in our series of player profiles is the talented MPO player from Victoria who throws from both hands and has a (right hand) sidearm game that most in Australia can only dream of.  Bringing you Mr Ryan Budge.

Playing Division: MPO

Current Rating: 976

Sponsor: Innova Discs

Predominant throw: Right Hand Forehand

Q: What are your strengths as a player?

A: My biggest strengths would be my forehand power and control. It’s great to have distance, but being able to shape almost any forehand line would be my greatest strength.

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

A: I would say my 3^rd place finish at the 2019 ADGC. It was such an enjoyable trip and to play at one of Australia’s best courses in Mt. Gambier was definitely a highlight.

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

A: I want to keep pushing not only my game further, but that of newer players and to continue the growth of the sport. Would also love to travel overseas and play some big competitions.

Q: Can you share a top form tip or something that substantially helped you improve your play.   

A: Improve your weaknesses, perfect your strengths. Majority of the time in tournament play or pressure situations you will fall back on the shots that are your strengths, so don’t forget to work on them as well. A forehand specific tip would be to learn to throw understable discs. Many people (myself included) start learning with overstable discs. You’ll be surprised by some of the lines and distances you can throw by doing this.

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

A: Probably would have to be Nate Sexton. Not only for his silky forehand skills, but I admire the way he breaks down a course and plays smart golf.

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

A: Hard to go past a Sexton Firebird. Has a great feel in the hand, go-to forehand disc, is reliable, works on multiple lines and as a bonus they look great!

Thanks Ryan!

By Emilie Cameron

It was 10 years ago today that our Jesmond course went in the ground. In 2010, freshly returned from the USA with a practice basket and large box of discs, JJ and Em went searching for a good location for a course. Working with the local council we looked at parks across the area settling on Jesmond Park. Object golf had long been played in Jesmond park by ultimate players so it was a natural place for the first proper disc golf course in the area. Using temp baskets the course layout was discussed, tested, redesigned and tested again. With a grant from the council and money from AFDA and ADG we purchased baskets and supplies.

Then on May 21st 2011 Neil, JJ and Em with help from Adam, Peter, Candice and Bob did the hard work of digging and installing it all.The course has had a few changes over the years. Bricks marked the tee signs until proper tee signs and a course map were added in 2012.

Gold and Black tees were added for tournaments and tweaks were made when random fences appeared around trees. Bigger changes are coming with a freeway due to be built through the park. Though we have been saying this since 2016.

The previous code of conduct document written for Australian Disc Golf was created before the social media age. It has been due for revision for some time. After seeking input from our members, much discussion on the ADG Board and many drafts, we voted in our new Respect Agreement on Thursday May 6th.

In it we define the standard of respect that you need to show the game, other ADG members, the environment we play in and the community we play among, in order to retain your ADG membership. We’ve grown to over 3000 members in the past decade and this time has shown that all but very few people instinctively understand and comply with what is essentially a common sense set of guidelines. Guidelines outlining expected behavior that is no different to any other community, social or corporate setting.

As our numbers grow though, we may find times when we need to show some cultural leadership on respect. Because respect is part of the glue that holds our growing social movement together. This is our respect agreement.