“The first disk I ever owned like so many. It’s probably a DX shark, when I first got into the sport when my brother invited me to go throw with him, and a friend, that is the first guest that I put in my hand to throw, and to this day I throw in range is probably more than anything else…My 3 sons are what keeps me going. They are 18,15,&14. Between music, disc golf and baseball they are constantly busy but I enjoy it all...”
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 Nathan Bradley (PDGA #104853)
Tell us about yourself! How old are you? Where do you live? What do you do (work/school/etc.)?
I am 41 years old, I work for the Virginia dept of transportation as a transportation operator and I am the head coach for basketball and baseball at a local middle school, and also coach travel baseball
Tell us about the most important people in your life! Who do you live with (family, friends, etc.)?
My 3 sons are what keeps me going. They are 18,15,&14. Between music, disc golf and baseball they are constantly busy but I enjoy it all.
Disc Golf Journey
How long have you been playing disc golf?
I have been playing disc golf about 6 years now, the game has truly helped me in so many ways. Coming back from a bad knee injury, where I was 12 hours away from amputation.
Share some of your memorable disc golf moments…
Memorable moment for me is winning a B tier tournament on the 4th playoff hole with a death putt from about 55ft, and throwing an ace in front of my 15year old son.
Some Random Personal Stuff
What do you do when you’re not playing disc golf?
My free time is basically taken off by coaching, coaching is a great passion of mine, being a mentor to kids, and teaching them lessons, not only on the core or field but in life, it is one of my favorite things to do
What’s your favorite fast-food restaurant?
My favorite fast food restaurant is probably Jack-in-the-Box although there are any around me that still is my favorite from my time on the West Coast when I was in the Navy.
What are some of your favorite movies of all time?
Favorite movies are tombstone, top gun, Hoosiers, Rudy, just to name a few and being that I am from upstate New York originally.
Do you have any pro or college sports teams you are fanatic about?
Syracuse basketball is a huge thing for my family, and college basketball in college baseball.
In the Bag
What is the first disc golf disc that you ever owned?
The first disk I ever owned like so many. It’s probably a DX shark, when I first got into the sport when my brother invited me to go throw with him, and a friend, that is the first guest that I put in my hand to throw, and to this day I throw in range is probably more than anything else.
What are some of your favorite discs that are in your bag right now?
My favorite disk in my bag which I have five of them in my bag are discomania Neo origins. That disc is the most comfortable feeling thing I’ve ever thrown, including my primal run origin. That is now a four time Ace disc.
Disc Golf Courses
Do you have a course that you consider your ‘home course’? Tell us about it.
Living in Virginia, there are so many great, just golf courses in the area, I actually have two home courses in New, Quarter, Park, in Waller, Mill Park, not only are some of the best courses in the area, but they are some of the best courses in the state.
What are a few of your favorite disc golf courses to play?
Favorite courses that I’ve played would have to be Jones east, and west in Emporia, Kansas, Winthrop, gold, Lake, Marshall, in Montross, Virginia, and Loriella park in Fredericksburg Virginia.
Let’s Play Disc Golf
Do you drink, smoke, snack, or partake in anything else while playing disc golf? What’s your go-to?
When I’m on the course I normally carry some Gatorade and water and carry snacks like beef jerky or sunflower seeds.
Are you just a casual disc golfer? Do you participate in any local leagues? Do you compete in disc golf tournaments?
I play multiple tournaments a year and really enjoy playing the game. I’m also an active member of the Colonial disc golf club and play in weeklies and club tournaments. Five years ago I developed a Mersa infection in my knee and was chair ridden for six months and disc golf really helped once I was out of that chair.
Do you have any tips for aspiring disc golfers?
A really good tip for new disc golfers would be to throw a lot of midranges and putters to start. Don’t worry about distance right away. Throwing the slower speed disc will help you with your release and form.
Disc Golf Fun Stuff
Do you have any favorite professional disc golfers that you follow?
I’d say my favorite pro would probably be Simon along with Matty O.
Who do you typically play disc golf with?
My son Wyatt (155407) and I are normally out on the course. He has really taken to the game.