Scienski And USDGC Rocs The House

They’re almost here. The limited edition USDGC custom Rocs will be up for grabs Saturday morning to much fanfare; and like the last two years a memorable design will be provided by Skeet Scienski.

Innova started producing the USDGC Roc in 2001 and disc golf enthusiasts and players alike gobble them up each year. Because of the limited run, the discs become instant collectibles, some of the past gems have been said to be worth hundreds of dollars.

This year 750 discs will be in Champion plastic and another 250 will be stamped in full color Star plastic. Usually, getting a glimpse of the tourney disc prior to its release is unheard of, but this year Innova is granting a sneak peak. Glancing at the Star version its color and detail is impressive. A few Roc birds can be seen hovering above a man, almost stalking him. Scienski called it “The Offering.”

Scienski’s Roc for last year, was also a memorable one. An underwater scene shows a plump striped fish inspecting submerged discs that have run astray on Winthrop’s hole 5. Buyers also got to choose from a disc designed by cartoonist Bob Camp of The Ren and Stimpy Show.

Scienski’s first tournament Roc in 2007 pretty much reinvented the Roc bird’s aesthetic. Instead of a logo-like version of the bird, from past years, Scienski added more detail and life into the drawing that showed the outstretched claws of the bird practically reaching out to grab you.
With the limited amount issued, last year only 500, it has been said that Roc collectors from as far away as California will drive to Rock Hill just to snag one.

Roc collector and disc golf enthusiast Ron Perkins didn’t drive quite that far; he only had to drive from Mesa, Ariz. Although he was here to witness the entire tournament, the special Roc was definitely the driving force for his trip to South Carolina’s Winthrop Gold.

Perkins, who has over 3,000 discs, said he collects sets of Rocs in their various series. He said that last year he actually spent the night at the course in order to be the first one in line to buy the discs.

Perkins said he enjoys the different designs Scienski has brought to the Rocs.
“He brings a whole new gamut to the Roc. It’s more of an artistic appeal,” said Perkins, who has both of Scienski’s Rocs.

The only thing is they’re almost too precious to use as an upshot.
“You can’t really throw them. They’re an art piece,” Perkins said with a chuckle.

Scienski said he believed art was what disc golf design was missing before he began contributing. He said he wants discs to not only function but to appeal aesthetically as well. He said the best thing is to buy two, that way golfers can play with one. Though, he hasn’t seen many of last year’s edition in players’ bags.
“I have yet to meet a guy who wanted to throw it,” Scienski said.

Scienski, who has a tent near the clubhouse displaying his work, said his drawings are mostly inspired from comic and fantasy artists and he often combines the allure of fantasy with elements of disc golf.
He said he tries to depict the unreal into realistic ways, whether that comes in the form of a man grappling with a terrifying beast that’s uprooting a disc golf basket or an intricate pattern of chains swirling around the disc.
“That’s been my main goal from the start,” Scienski said.

A good chunk of his design orders come from Innova and clients the company refers to him. He said it’s best when people have an idea what they want so he can tailor the design. Scienski also did a custom design disc for Discraft for the 2009 Worlds.
Scienski’s involvement with custom disc design started about twelve years ago when the owner of a Charlotte area disc vendor, S & P Kite, asked him to make four designs for the metro’s four main courses which included Winthrop.

Eventually, Innova saw his unique designs and began commissioning him for various projects, most of which relate to the yearly USDGC.

A typical design can take anywhere between 6 to 10 hours, Scienski said. He now draws with the aid of a computer using the equivalent of a digital pen and pad, which he says has cut back his man hours considerably from when he drew with a pen and pencil.

Someday Scienski hopes to design discs as full time job. Although his commissions keep him busy, he still works a day job at a dental lab where he molds false teeth.
Until then he will be happy designing discs for the USDGC.
“It’s like the Super Bowl of disc golf art for me because everybody gets to see it,” Scienski said.

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