INNOVA Team Champion Star: Des Reading

Associate Sponsors: Phenix Disc Sports, Revolution Disc Golf Bags, Salomon Sports, Kavu, Birdie Bags, The Equalizer, Maui Jim

Number of Aces: 18 and counting

Longest measured throw: 438 feet

Favorite Hole: Hole 18, Winthrop Gold

Memorable Win:
The 2005 World Championships for the intensity and level of focus I was able to maintain during the rounds and then release it into calm state in the evenings.
Also, the 2006 Mixed Doubles World Championship for its classic pairings and dramatic last hole finish. The same three lead card pairings were rematched from 2005 into 2006; defending Champs Angela Tschiggfrie and Chris Sprague, 2nd place The Readings, and Birgitta Lagerholm with partner Anders Kallstrom. All three teams were tied going into the final round. The Reading and Tschiggfrie/Sprague set the pace early with back and forth stellar play. Both teams were tied going into the final hole 18 at Lake Olmstead, which is a daredevil of a birdie hole. It is a touch with power turnover shot with Ob high along the right side and Ob low down a steep cliff to the water’s edge. Spraque went hyzer and landed down the cliff side safe then Jay stepped up and with great control and confidence and threw the perfect turning Coyote shot for the 15 foot birdie putt to win the championship by one.

Most memorable event:
The times at the Master Cup; singing happy birthday to Marty Hapner from the Top of the World during a final nine, the times camping and the many times driving up and down the coast, swinging from the rope swing out over the abyss, gathering an understanding of De LaVeaga, being invited to play skins with Climo, Rico, Doss and holding my own (thanks for the vision Tom). Lastly with great honor being awarded the DGA “Steady” Ed ‘Spirit of the Game’. Wow, it is recalling times like the above that I am so grateful that disc golf entered my life.

My favorite events:
The United States Women's Disc Golf Championships. I urge all women to attend this event, regardless of your skill level. This is an event about coming together. It is about showing ourselves and others that we are strong in number, that we are diverse. We are mothers, wives, and girlfriends. It is an unmatched event held for us.

Advice:
Be Patient with your game, yourself, and others. There is no substitution for practice, for disc golf is a game of timing and technique. Remember to enjoy your casual rounds and take seriously your competitive ones.

Additional comments:
If you or a school is interested in information concerning EDGE: The Educational Disc Golf Experience, please check out the website at www.edgediscgolf.org.