David Wiggins, High Point, NC
PDGA #24437
Age 12

Just for perspective to get us started… what grade will you be in next year?

I’ll be starting 7th grade next fall.

You recently became the youngest winner of an advanced-level tournament on PDGA record. That is an amazing accomplishment. Give us a quick summary of how all that went down?

I’m really excited to have won my first Advanced tournament. Moving up from Intermediate last fall was a big step and my first couple Advanced tournaments I definitely noticed the stiffer competition! Things started to come together at Sanford, so going into the Alamance County Shootout I hoped to do well. I am familiar with those courses (Wellspring and Cedarock) and have played them a few times in tournaments. My last tournament there, the Sneaky Pete last fall, I shot my first 1000+ rated tournament round on the wooded course (Wellspring).

So when I was in contention after the first round on the Cedarock course, I had high hopes for the next round on the wooded course. I shot my second 1000+ rated tournament round ever and moved into first. After another good round on Cedarock I was in second behind Jimmy James Camden (who was playing great) and heading back to the woods. It was a close round, but going into 18, I was 2 strokes up on Alex Wells who had also had an excellent tournament. I hit an early tree and had to use my second shot to get back in play while Alex made a good drive and made par. So I had to end up having to make (and made) a 15 footer for 4 and the win.

You also hold the distance record for your age group. What disc did you use to set the record and how far did you throw it?

I used a 2007 World’s CFR Wraith 168 grams. I threw it 484 feet.

How do you keep all these “old guys” who wish they could throw as far as you can from being a distraction?

I get really focused when I’m playing, so to tell you the truth I don’t really notice them or much else other than my game. I would like to say, though that the guys I have played with, though older, have always been great to me. That’s one of the reasons I liked disc golf so much and why it is my favorite sport.

What are your other favorite sports?

I play in basketball leagues in the winter. I used to play little league as a pitcher and infielder but gave it up because it took time away from disc golf. I love to fish, and I like football too.

Is there a pro athlete that you really admire?

Ken Climo and all he has done is amazing. Brian Schweberger has encouraged me from the time I started playing tournaments.

What do you like most about disc golf?

I love doing things outdoors. I love playing disc golf for fun or practice or tournaments and look forward to seeing my friends out on the course. I like to compete, so I especially look forward to tournaments.

To be continued…