Valarie Jenkins started her professional disc golf career in 2004, since then she has won most of the tournaments she has played in around the country and around the world, including the last 3 consecutive world championships. She also won the national tournament stop here in Minnesota, the Minnesota Majestic, the past 2 consecutive years. I had the opportunity to ask Valarie some questions about disc golf and how she plays the game.
Their needs to be more women in disc golf to increase the popularity of the sport, what do you think needs to be done to get more women into disc golf?
This is a question that I get asked year after year, and it's not an easy one to answer. Fortunately for me, I was raised on a disc golf course, so the intimidation of learning the sport was never a problem for me. I think it would be difficult for a new player to come and learn this sport, as it is predominately male. I think it is up to the women to take charge and start bringing out their female friends and family. It is tough to learn anything new, but with a little guidance and encouragement a person can go a long way.
I have not seen an in the bag video from you, what are your favorite discs and what weights do you throw?
My favorite driver is a Pro Starfire (SL). I have several in my bag, in all sorts of stabilities. This disc is consistently the farthest flying disc in my bag, and I really like how it fits in my hand. I carry 2 Star Starfires as well. These discs are very stable and good for the windy rounds. I do have a Destroyer in my bag, but it is not as comfortable to grip as my Starfires. I do use this if I have a completely open bomb because my accuracy with the thicker rim discs is not always on point. My money discs are my Champion TLs; I have 2 in my bag (a new one and a beat one). These discs are my fairway drivers. Lastly, I have a Champion RoadRunner. I love this disc for anhyzers, and trick shots (like thumbers and standstill flex shots). I have an Ontario and a Glow Roc in my bag. The Ontario I use for slight anhyzers and the Glow Roc is for my pure straight shots around 200-250ft. I also have an 11x KC Aviar. It's stable and I use it for my shorter approaches. My putters at the moment are Proto Aviar Drivers (one more beat than the other). I throw mostly max weight (My Star Starfires are 170g and my Destroyer is 168g).
I read that you set a record for women by throwing 485 feet and one of your goals is to be the first to break 500 feet. What is your long-range disc and weight?
Distance and golf shots are completely different. On the course I throw my Pro Starfires (175g) because I can control them on the fairways. But I broke the world record with a 156g DX Wraith, which I do not carry in my bag or have ever thrown before then.
It must have been quite a thrill at the world championships in Kansas City with you winning the worlds for women, and Avery winning the world for the men, and both your parents playing in the tournament also. What was the celebration like after that?
As you can imagine, it was amazing! Avery and I were both floating on cloud 9. Our good friend and host for the Worlds, Pete Cashen set up a party after Worlds was over at a local bar. He set it up with several bars outside and a live 80/90's cover band (they rocked!!). We were surrounded by friends and family and danced the night away. It was a great way to follow all of the excitement!
What's the latest on the Team Jenkins Movie?
It is going to be in the works for this touring season. Director, Rob Engle, has actually quit his job at a Houston film company, and is joining the tour with us. He will be covering what it's like on tour, and deeper into our family's story.
This film won't be like any other "disc golf" movie. It is not just going to be focuses on how we play disc golf, but rather how our family formed because of this sport and where it has taken us. I am not sure the 2010 release date still stands because we have a lot of work and filming to do. We do look forward to presenting the movie into Film Festivals all over the US, and of course into the homes of disc golfers everywhere!
You have played in several other countries a few times now, is the popularity of disc golf growing as fast in Europe and Japan as it is in America?
The last time I was looking, I did see that PDGA members had nearly doubled for international players. I think this is a great sign for disc golf in the world. I do see it getting bigger and better each year we travel to a new country. As much as we are thanked for traveling to an international tournament, I am thankful that they give us the opportunity. Without tournaments around the world, we would be stuck playing tournaments just in the US. It is a great experience to meet players all over the world, and we love to hear the excitement they too have for this sport.
You have won almost everything you can win already, what are your goals and plans for the 2010 season?
Why thank you! I am looking forward to another solid year on tour. We will be up to the same regimen of traveling and competing along the National Tour. We will be back in Japan this year, which I am really looking forward to. The one major tournament I have yet to win is Women's Nationals, so I guess that would be a good goal for me this year. And of course, I would love to repeat as the world champion another year in a row.
Thanks again Val. All the best this season on the tour and we’ll look forward to seeing you in June in Minnesota. Check out Disc Golf News for all the disc golf news everyday.
Valarie Jenkins
Comments
Great article. Please do more interviews. Someone with your limited disc golf experience and novice skill set is simply not qualified to write "how to" articles. Case in point: your dismal article on how to play the wind. Come on down to Bear Cave in Rochester or Todd Park in Austin and actually get some experience playing in the wind!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!