Player Profile: Toms Vācietis

Toms Vācietis is one of the most hardworking and talented disc golf players in Latvia. On the course, he is always grounded and pragmatic, carefully choosing his throwing lines. Playing alongside him is always exciting. Many players have highlighted Toms' valuable on-course advice, which has helped them improve. Always positive and ready with a joke, Toms is a pleasure to be around.

Name: Toms Vācietis
How long have you been playing disc golf? - 4.5 years
Which team do you represent? - Chilli Disc Golf Latvia/Latitude 64 LV Team
DGMTRX Rating: 958
PDGA Rating: 935

What is your dominant throwing technique? - Forehand
How did you start playing disc golf?
My friend Roberts Krūms had heard about a new activity in Talsi, so one day, when we didn’t have university classes, we decided to give it a try. Honestly, the first time playing, I wasn’t hooked, but the second time, I managed to throw a disc much farther than I imagined, and I instantly realized this sport had what I needed.

My advice is – always give it another try!

What do you like most about disc golf?
Imagining a line and executing it

What is your greatest achievement in disc golf?
3rd place at the Latvian Championships 2019 in Ērgļi

What is your most memorable experience in disc golf?
Like many, my first Ace. Laumas Nature Park, basket 10 from the blue tee, forehand skip shot.

What is your "home course"? - Ufogolf Mežaparks

Your all-time favorite basket, hole, or course?
Basket 18 at Laumas Nature Park

Who is your toughest competitor on the course?
Definitely myself, but if I have to name someone, it’s the Latvian champion.

Your best companion on the course?
No specific person, but I’ll say Roberts, with whom I started playing (if you’re reading this, it’s been a while since we played!).

Who is your disc golf idol?
If I had to choose one, it would be Nate Sexton.

About Your Gear

How many discs are in your bag? - 15

If you were stranded on a desert island with a disc golf course, which 5 discs would you bring?
Deputy, Harp, Truth, Culverin, Raider

Which disc do you use for long-distance throws?
Dynamic Discs Fuzion Raider

Which disc do you choose for straight shots in tight fairways?
Westside BT Medium Harp or Dynamic Discs Classic Blend Warden

What’s the best disc for approach shots?
Westside BT Medium Harp

Which putter works best for hitting the basket?
The one that feels the most comfortable in hand; currently, it’s the Dynamic Discs Classic Blend Deputy.

What disc bag do you take to the course?
Latitude 64 CORE or LUXURY E3 with ZUCA cart

What must you always have in your disc golf bag?
A towel and water

Looking Ahead

What’s your goal in disc golf? What do you want to achieve?
My goal is to improve my skills and enjoy the game as long as possible.

What would you recommend to beginners just starting out?
Ask someone to record your throw so you can compare it with experts. Start throwing with putters and practice both forehand and backhand techniques.

What’s your wish for disc golf in Latvia?
To catch up with Estonia and Finland in terms of player numbers.

Any other comments you’d like people to know about you?
Disc golf has given me a lot, and I really enjoy this game. It teaches me something new every day. I’m ready to keep learning for a long time.