| Name |
Dain Eric Cunningham |
| Nickname |
nanook |
| PDGA Number |
24006 |
| Division |
PRO |
| How long have you been playing disc golf? |
I started playing disc golf in the Fall of 1993. |
| How did you get your start in disc golf? |
Growing up, my family frequently played catch with frisbees. But, my first day of grad school, I was exploring campus and discovered the Colorado State University campus course (now defunct). I went up to the nearest group of players and asked them where to get discs. I've been hooked and playing ever since. |
| What do you love most about the sport? |
The flight paths in disc golf are amazing; a disc in flight is a beautiful thing. As a physics teacher, the physics of flight is captivating! |
| What makes disc golf better than the other sports you have played? |
More than any other sport I have ever played, disc golfers tend to appreciate the successes of their competitors. A spectacular shot is truly appreciated, even when thrown by an opponent. |
| How do you approach a new course? |
The advent of disc golf range-finders has changed my approach greatly. I love being able to break down a hole, knowing exact distances to baskets and preferred landing zones. I also take notes on on my smart phone, about disc selection and types of shots, during practice rounds. |
| What motivates you to continually improve your game? |
My local disc golf community is a huge motivator! There are so many excellent players all over Colorado. For local league events, I'm usually one of the oldest players on the course. Playing against the "young guns" helps me to stay sharp. |
| What do you do to stay focused playing in tourneys? |
I do not like to know my score, or the scores of my competitors, until the last few holes of the tournament. I play far better when I just focus on "me vs. the course". If I start worrying about what other players are doing, then I'm not focusing on my strengths. |
| What’s your most memorable win? |
The 2004 Glenwood Eagle Open (MA2); it was my first ever tournament win. Plus, the final round was the first time my wife ever walked the course to watch me play! |
| What’s your most memorable disc golf moment? |
Overcoming a 3-stroke deficit, in the final 3 holes, to win the 2010 Grateful Disc Spring Disc Golf Festival (MP40). I had no idea that I had won until we counted up the scores at tournament central! |
| What are your top three favorite discs? |
Axiom Envy, Axiom Insanity, and MVP Photon. |
| What are your top three courses you have played? |
In no particular order; Beaver Ranch in Conifer, CO; Bailey, CO; and Brewer Park in Grand Rapids, MI. |
| If you could play any course in the world, which would it be? |
DeLaVeaga Disc Golf Course in Santa Cruz, CA. I want to experience it in person! |
| Who is your disc golf hero, and how were you influenced be him or her? |
I really respect Scott Stokely for his Blue Power events, bringing disc golf to special-needs children and adults. As a parent of two, mildly-autistic teenagers; Scott's work with people on the spectrum means a lot to me. |
| Whats in the bag? |
MVP: Plasma Photon (2), Plasma Wave (2), Plasma Tesla, Plasma Volt, Neutron Reactor, Plasma Nomad (2). Axiom: Plasma Fireball, Prism-Plasma Wrath SE, Plasma Insanity, Plasma Crave, Prism-Plasma Pyro, Neutron Hex, Plamsa Theory, Plasma Envy, Plasma Proxy. |
| What non-disc golf hobbies do you have? |
I love mountain biking, kayaking, and camping. |
| Any superstitions you have before or during a round? |
No, but I do think it is good etiquette to high-five on the first and last holes of a round. |
| What does #NoBadRounds mean to you? |
#NoBadRounds means keeping a positive attitude, a willingness to learn from mistakes, and prioritizing 'the spirit of the game'! |
| What do you love most about your FlighTowel? |
Now that I am in my 50s, it is harder and harder to warm up my arm, and keep it warm. My FlighTowel helps me stay loose during long tournament back-ups. Also, when I am running events, checking people in, and have no time for the driving range. Using a FlighTowel allows me to avoid injury and is extending my disc golf career! |
| Facebook Link |
https://www.facebook.com/daineric.cunningham |
| Instagram Link |
https://www.instagram.com/nanookninetythree/ |
| Twitter Link |
https://twitter.com/dain_eric |
| YouTube Link |
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPAidtZOzXyS3LcIB1LeThw |
