“I’m a competition junkie! I love the competition aspect of it, but I love all my casual rounds. It’s actually how I met a lot of people. Disc golf brought me out of my shell. I’m generally introverted, but when I’m playing disc golf and met me out on the course, you would never know that!…I didn’t play in my first sanctioned tournament until 2020. The club I played with encouraged me to start entering them, and after my first one I’ve been hooked!”
Welcome to another edition of our Disc Golf Player Profile publication – where we feature disc golfers that you may or may not have heard of before. Everybody has their own disc golf story to tell. This is the place where those stories are being told and shared with the world!
Meet Alyssa Bailey (PDGA #170878)
Tell us about yourself! How old are you? Where do you live? What do you do (work/school/etc.)?
I am 31 years old and I found disc golf in college at Western Carolina University. Full time I am a medical lab technician working in a private physician office running their in house lab.
Tell us about the most important people in your life! Who do you live with (family, friends, etc.)?
I love my family – definitely family oriented. I moved back in with my mom after my dad passed and we have two dogs, Alex and Prince.
Do you have a nickname or just something else that you go by?
I was given the nickname Lizard years ago and it stuck. People will call me Liz and I will answer to that as well as my given name. 🤣
Disc Golf Journey
How long have you been playing disc golf?
Easy answer is about 10 years. But 8 of those years was just SUPER casual. I didn’t play in my first sanctioned tournament until 2020. The club I played with encouraged me to start entering them, and after my first one I’ve been hooked!
How did you get started with disc golf?
We had a course on our college campus in Cullowhee, NC. Crazy elevated long holes, but it was fun just to get out there and play with friends. The rec center had discs we could check out and use, so I didn’t have to buy my own, at the time.
Share some of your memorable disc golf moments…
My most memorable moment of disc golf is I had just moved into FA2 and I was playing at a WGE event at my home course. I was playing very well and ended up in a playoff. That was probably the most nerve racking experience I have ever had! We went shot for shot through 4 holes. I lost the playoff on my birdie putt that chained out left, but it was so much fun!
At another tournament, again at my home course my first round didn’t go so hot. I wasn’t playing bad, but I wasn’t at my best. My sponsor was TD and he started trash talking me about it (knowing full well it would light a fire, lol). Second round after lunch I was shooting hot. Everything was falling, lines being hit perfectly. My card mates almost told me my score going into the last hole, and I stopped them, I didn’t want to know. Turns out I ended up 3 down! That was my first rated round under par and in FA1 and I ended up with the win!
Some Random Personal Stuff
What do you do when you’re not playing disc golf?
I’m playing with my dog. We like to hike and play tug. I also take kickboxing classes 2-3 times/week.
What is your absolute favorite food (something you couldn’t live without)?
Cheese! All kinds! The only cheese I’ve met that I don’t like is swiss 🤮
What’s your favorite fast-food restaurant?
Bojangles
What are some of your favorite movies of all time?
This is hard! I’m a big Disney fan and I definitely have to say The Lion King! Hakuna Matata
What are some of your favorite TV shows/series?
NCIS, Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, 911, 911 Lonestar, Last Man Standing, Golden Girls, The Good Doctor
Do you have any pro or college sports teams you are fanatic about?
UNC Basketball all day long!
In the Bag
What is the first disc golf disc that you ever owned?
Discraft Stratus – I don’t even think they make it anymore. It was the first disc my dad gifted me when he realized I was serious about the sport. It is now signed by Paige Pierce, Ohn Scoggins, Ella Hansen, Henna Blomoroos, and Missy Gannon.
What are some of your favorite discs that are in your bag right now?
Discraft Thrasher, MVP Hex, Discraft Heat, MVP Watt, MVP Proxy, MVP Entropy, Discraft Zone
What else is always in your bag other than discs?
Minis, hydration packs, chalk bags, sharpie
Disc Golf Courses
Do you have a course that you consider your ‘home course’? Tell us about it.
Valley Springs is my home course. Wooded, tight lines, beautiful layout! A lot of fun on some holes that are definitely ace runs although, I don’t have my first ace there yet! It’s coming! I’ve been so close on several holes!
What are a few of your favorite disc golf courses to play?
Rolling Pines – Wilkesboro, NC
Ashe County – Jefferson, NC
Jones Park – Holly Springs, NC
Kentwood – Raleigh, NC
Leigh Farm – Durham, NC
What is a dream disc golf course for you that you hope to play someday?
North Cove – Marion, NC
W. R. Jackson in Gerogia
Let’s Play Disc Golf
Do you have any pre-round or post-round rituals that you do when you play disc golf?
I almost have music in my ears. And definitely coffee before round!
Do you drink, smoke, snack, or partake in anything else while playing disc golf? What’s your go-to?
I like trail mix and beef jerky while out on the course.
Are you just a casual disc golfer? Do you participate in any local leagues? Do you compete in disc golf tournaments?
I’m a competition junkie! I love the competition aspect of it, but I love all my casual rounds. It’s actually how I met a lot of people. Disc golf brought me out of my shell. I’m generally introverted, but when I’m playing disc golf and met me out on the course, you would never know that!
Do you have any tips for aspiring disc golfers?
Remember to have fun! ALWAYS!! When it’s no longer fun, you probably need to step back for a minute.
Don’t worry about your distance drives too much at first.. Practice your putting, that’s where I’ve found all my wins happening.
Disc Golf Fun Stuff
Do you have any favorite professional disc golfers that you follow?
Holyn Handley Ohn Scoggins Kristin Tartar Missy Gannon Ella Hansen
MPO: Paul McBeth, Ganon Buhr, Calvin Heimburg, Silver Latt, Simon Lizotte
Do you have any disc golf goals that you are trying to achieve?
Go to Amateur Worlds! I plan on in 2024.
Who do you typically play disc golf with?
Normally just me. But I play with my league from time to time and my teammates to do practice rounds before tourneys.
What would a perfect disc golf round look like for you?
Clean lines, putts falling. No bogeys.