Dean Tannock, PDGA #4028

Where are you from?

I was an Army brat growing up. We moved every 2-3 years. My father retired from the Army in 1976 and we settled in Huntsville Alabama. Except for 5 years in the Navy I have lived there since then.

Home course?

University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), recently redesigned by myself and Lavone Wolfe. Mostly open so you can see them fly, but technically challenging for all levels. Lots of OB and par 59.

How long have you been traveling to compete in disc golf tournaments?

I have been playing since 1985 and traveling since 1986.

You are talented enough to do very well in the Open division, yet like many, really seem to prefer the company of the masters guys. Can you give us a better sense of the difference between the two?

Masters is more laid back, Open more serious and tightly wound up. Open on average has a better talent pool. I usually play Masters ‘A’ tier and above, and Open ‘B’ tier on down. I look at field size and travel costs to see what is the best option. Sometimes I just like the company in Masters, most of these guys I have been playing with and against for about 20 years. We have fun, tell stories for the younger guys. As long as the PDGA has age protected divisions, myself and others will use it in our best interest. I do not have a lot of time to practice these days, I travel a lot. I do enjoy seeing the great young talent we have these days. There are many young good Pro’s that like to compare their scores with seasoned veterans. It is nice to give back to this great sport with advice and some wisdom which some of them seek.

What are the go to discs in your bag right now?

I have always had the Roc in the bag since day one! Greatest disc ever! I count on my Star Wraiths and Sidewinders as well.

Anything new in the bag that is really doing you right?

The Star Leopard is a great all around flyer, and I like the Road Runner for those long tunnel shots or long rollers. The Max is really nice for the big headwind shots and side arm shots.

Tell us about your first professional win.

Well, the first Pro win I had was a local event in 1987.

If that wasn’t your most memorable win, what was?

I would have to say the 2005 Pro Master Worlds. First Worlds title.

Were there any mentors along the way or have you been flying solo?

Lavone has been my mentor and a great friend to me for 22 years. Tom Monroe, Joe Duncan, George Coffin, Joe Thacker and Paul Galloway also have helped my career.

Are there any lessons you feel you’ve had to learn more than once during the course of your career?

Basic Fundamentals! Many times we all over think, over correct and over do things. If you miss a couple of putts you think something is terribly wrong and have to fix something. Go back to the basics, stick with routines, keep it simple.

Which professional disc golfer, of all time, do you admire the most?

Lavone Wolfe. He is the whole package great golfer, great teacher and a great person. He has done so much for this sport world wide let alone locally. Others that I have had the pleasure to meet, know and respect are Ed Headrick, Johnny Roberts, Brent Hambrick, Dave Greenwell, HB Clark, Rick Voakes, John David, Patti Kunkle, Sam Ferrans, Ken Climo, and many more. So many great people in our sport past and present, hopefully the next generation will appreciate the great disc golf history.