Snack Interview: Pro Disc Golf Snacker
The fastest growing sport in the world is also one that most people are only vaguely aware of: DISC GOLF. (Remember the “Summer of George” Seinfeld episode featuring Frisbee golf, or “Frolf”?)
The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) has over 16,000 registered members and counts more than 2,700 disc golf courses in the U.S., with more underway. Similar to “ball golf”, players walk an 18-hole course with the goal of recording the fewest strokes (throws) possible. Instead of balls and clubs, disc golfers tee-off with special hard plastic discs, eventually making a “putt” into metal chain-link baskets.
Disc golf is accessible to everyone: men, women, children - and NO GREENS FEES! At the expert level numerous touring pros compete in tournaments throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia, in all types of weather. Snackerrific is proud to feature one of those professionals. He’s ranked 14th in the world. Yes, IN THE WORLD.
Meet North Carolina’s own Brian Schweberger
Referred to by nicknames such as Schwebby, Schweb, King Mullet, and Cheeseburger (although he doesn’t eat beef), Brian continues to rack up tournament wins in his quest for world domination.
The sport requires tons of walking and hiking since many courses feature thick woods and hilly open terrain. Naturally, trail mix is the preferred snack of most disc golfers, and Schwebby is no exception.
“Most of the time during tournament rounds I do not carry much to eat, but when I do, it is usually a trail mix with dried yogurt and chocolate in it. Good quick energy that is easy to handle. My favorite snack as a kid was fresh fruit. I am not a big sweets eater.” He apparently enjoys fiery snacks, though. On a recent visit to Snackerrific, he admitted being drawn to the spicy snack reviews.
One of Brian’s earliest snacking memories involves Planters Cashews. “My Dad and I would open a fresh can and finish it in one sitting.”
Planters offers a delicious variety of trail mix to suit just about every taste. In time for the holidays, they’re also advertising two holiday sweepstakes offers: Through December, one lucky winner can snag an all-expenses-paid trip for four to the “Pass & Snack In Paradise Event” in Hawaii.
Also, you can enter the “Celebrate the Holidays with Planters” sweepstakes for a chance to win a 42″ plasma HDTV and other cool prizes.
Schwebby is one of the best in the game at a specialized type of throw called the “thumber.” This overhand shot, thrown similar to a baseball pitcher’s delivery, is gripped with the thumb along the disc’s inside rim. It’s good for getting through tightly wooded fairways or for slicing around and over trees. His longest recorded thumber flew an amazing 603 feet. “That was back in 2002 in Texas. I just happened to throw it at the right angle with a lot of speed. There was about a 15 mph tailwind as well.”
If you want to try this addictive sport, grab some discs (starter sets begin around $20 and include a driver, midrange, and putter), grab some snacks, and head out to a disc golf course near you.
For a listing, check out the PDGA course directory.
Buy Planters Nuts Online:
- at Amazon.com
- at drugstore.com
Candy Addict » Snackerrific Roundup: Snacks And News Go Healthy This Time ‘Round on December 5th, 2008
[...] world, one of the fabulous Snackerrific staff writers even scored an interview with a professional disc golfer. Check it out to find more about this budding sport and what this master of the game likes to chew [...]