“I took home my first tournament win (MA3, but, it still counts!) in the Spring of 2022. I also hit my first four aces that spring and summer. I am particularly proud of the small group of guys from my church that I have gotten into the sport. We play at least once a week together…I love playing music (I play guitar and sing), hanging out with my daughter, and cooking. My wife and I play tennis together, and enjoy hiking and going to the beach…”
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 Noah Hood (PDGA #153841)
Tell us about yourself! How old are you? Where do you live? What do you do (work/school/etc.)?
I’m 31 years old and I live in Lafayette, Indiana. My wife and I lead a church here and have for the past 5 years.
Tell us about the most important people in your life! Who do you live with (family, friends, etc.)?
My wife Tori and I have been married for 6 years, and just welcomed our first child into the world in April. Her name is Tabitha and she is on track to be the 2041 FPO World Champion.
Do you have a nickname or just something else that you go by?
Nope, just Noah!
Disc Golf Journey
How long have you been playing disc golf?
I played casually with friends through college, but picked it back up more seriously in February of 2020.
How did you get started with disc golf?
Like many people, COVID necessitated a hobby that got me outdoors and socially distanced. I feel very blessed to live in a city with multiple great courses for its population. I registered for the PDGA that summer and played my first tournament that Fall.
Share some of your memorable disc golf moments…
I took home my first tournament win (MA3, but, it still counts!) in the Spring of 2022. I also hit my first four aces that spring and summer. I am particularly proud of the small group of guys from my church that I have gotten into the sport. We play at least once a week together.
Some Random Personal Stuff
What do you do when you’re not playing disc golf?
I love playing music (I play guitar and sing), hanging out with my daughter, and cooking. My wife and I play tennis together, and enjoy hiking and going to the beach.
What is your absolute favorite food (something you couldn’t live without)?
Probably pizza just for the versatility of toppings.
What’s your favorite fast-food restaurant?
Tough one, but I’d say the Lord’s Chicken (you may know it as Chick-fil-A).
What are some of your favorite movies of all time?
I love sports movies and documentaries, as well as action films.
What are some of your favorite TV shows/series?
My wife and I love The Office, Community and 24.
Do you have any pro or college sports teams you are fanatic about?
Living in Lafayette, we support Purdue basketball and football. I also follow my Atlanta teams (that’s where I was born), specifically the Braves. I also have been following Manchester City since 2010.
In the Bag
What is the first disc golf disc that you ever owned?
An amazing red Star Destroyer that was entirely too much disc for my arm at the time.
What are some of your favorite discs that are in your bag right now?
Currently throwing all Prodigy (shoutout to Georgia local businesses!). I love my D2s, M2s, and PA1s!
What else is always in your bag other than discs?
Always have some sandpaper with me (see the reference to Prodigy above), a retriever, water, and resistance bands for stretching before rounds.
Disc Golf Courses
Do you have a course that you consider your ‘home course’? Tell us about it.
My home course is Washout Waters in Lafayette. It’s a great track built up on an old golf course with water hazards, bunkers, and three sets of tees to mix it up. The gold tees are amazingly hard.
What are a few of your favorite disc golf courses to play?
Whenever I’m home in Georgia, I have to hit up Little Mulberry Park. In the Midwest, I try to travel and play Kensington Toboggan, Idlewild and BC3 whenever I can.
What is a dream disc golf course for you that you hope to play someday?
I have wanted to play the Preserve and Maple Hill ever since I first saw them on coverage!
Let’s Play Disc Golf
Do you have any pre-round or post-round rituals that you do when you play disc golf?
I have gotten more into stretching recently, after neglecting it for years. It helps so much with shoulder and hip flexibility and injury prevention. After my rounds, I often get a big Icee from the gas station.
Do you drink, smoke, snack, or partake in anything else while playing disc golf? What’s your go-to?
Just water! Me and the local guys often play Ript Revenge for a fun change-up.
Are you just a casual disc golfer? Do you participate in any local leagues? Do you compete in disc golf tournaments?
I participate in the local doubles and singles leagues when I can and play local tournaments, but it’s been a lot tougher after having our daughter!
Do you have any tips for aspiring disc golfers?
Get good at throwing putters! I love turnover shots with putters, as well as flip up forehands. Too often, newer players grab a driver when their form is not ready for it.
Disc Golf Fun Stuff
Do you have any favorite professional disc golfers that you follow?
I’m a fan of the Georgia boys from Prodigy (Alden Harris, Isaac and Ezra Robinson), as well as Ezra Aderhold.
Do you have any disc golf goals that you are trying to achieve?
Hopefully getting to 900 rated this year, and winning a tournament in MA2! Consistently hitting 450’ and making 75% of my C1X putts.
Who do you typically play disc golf with?
Local guys from church or the Wabash Disc Golf Club.
What would a perfect disc golf round look like for you?
I’d love to play Idlewild and shoot under par. My best round there was +10, but it was snowy and treacherous, so maybe even par is possible!