Interview with Russell Schwarz
Dir. of Special Projects, Innova East
PDGA #1922

When did you first discover disc golf?

1979. I wasn’t aware of disc golf as a formal sport until mid 1980. Up till then we were just picking trees and light poles in the park and counting throws, like everyone else we “invented” disc golf for ourselves. Then one day we were out playing in Latta Park in Charlotte and Alan Beaver comes up to me and says, did you know there is a Professional Disc Golf organization? I joined shortly thereafter.

What were you throwing when you first started playing?

I would try anything, anything from Humphrey Flyers to LifeSaver rings. My first “real” golf disc was a Midnight Flyer 100 mold @ 166 grams. Then I went to Midnight Flyer 40F molds followed by 70 molds.

Of all the discs you’ve ever thrown, which one gave you the most memorable “Wow!” that first time out?

The first time my friend & I threw the prototype INNOVA Eagle (Aero) correctly. The thing went so far we couldn’t believe it. It was a total paradigm change.

How many disc golf courses have you designed?

11 where I was principal/sole designer and I have, to varying degrees, assisted on at least 8 more.

Of all the courses you’ve designed, which one are you the most proud of?

To this point I would have to say Fox Chase in Albemarle, NC. I am happy with the design because I think it challenges the players to use a wide variety of skill sets, rewards good play and fairly punishes poor play. Also I think the property has some really handsome features and great elevation changes.

Tell me about how you first met Harold (Duvall) and came to work for Innova.

I had been a member of the old International Frisbee Association & had gotten to be friends with Tim Selinske who worked at IFA. Thanks to Tim & Dan Roddick I got to be part of the core staff for the Wham-o US Opens starting in 1981. Tim, Dave Dunipace, Harold & his brother Charlie started INNOVA in 1983. I went to the PDGA World Championships for the first time in 1985 and ran into Tim, Dave and Harold in the hotel lobby. As an aside that was the year Harold won the first time.

When Harold moved to Rock Hill after winning the World’s for the second time we got to be friends and I helped him with tournaments and small projects. I kept saying to Harold, “You ought to hire me.” Finally, one Sunday evening, about eleven years ago he called me and asked me if I would meet him for lunch on Wednesday to talk about a job. I went to lunch went back to my office and turned in my notice. Two weeks later I went to work for Harold. The best decision I ever made.

Harold is regarded as one of the top course designers of all time. Having played and/or worked on most of his courses, what factors do you think contribute to his success?

Harold is a very intelligent and thoughtful designer. He surveys the sites very carefully and is willing to take the time it takes achieve excellence. Harold always designs with balance and fairness as primary goals. This is true for his recreational designs as well as his championship courses. He also always remembers that disc golf is supposed to be fun and he designs holes that emphasize the pure joy of throwing a disc with accuracy and power.

You have been involved at every level in many course projects over the years. What is the best advice you can offer an individual looking to get a course in their town?

Be polite, friendly, patient and persistent. Be willing to help the people responsible for the facility and the community and remember that government agencies (parks departments) work within budgets and long planning horizons and that sometimes it takes a while for your efforts to bear fruit.

I’ve always felt that a person’s musical tastes say a lot about them. Give me your all time favorite band or artist, and the best concert you ever attended.

I have to say, The Beatles are still my all time favorite band, even though I never saw them perform.

The best concert, or at least in the top few, was The Grateful Dead in Charlotte during the Wake of the Flood tour in 1973.

Jerry was definitely, ZoneDriven…