Disc golf offers a pleasant, tight-knit community.
But I’m not convinced it’s quite as kind as many think …
For example, there’s this random, negative stigma surrounding COVID-era golfers.
Have you noticed?
I’ve seen it a time or two on Twitter – in a few blog comments, as well. Whether directed at a Twitter follower or blog reader, there’s usually an impassioned disagreement that ignites things. From there, the conversation eventually escalates to the point where somebody decides to “shame” the other with an accusation of discovering disc golf during quarantine …
[Insert Audible Gasp]
During the pandemic, there was plenty of downtime, so people went outside. But instead of just walking or hiking for the sake of movement, they brought a couple of frisbees along for the ride. Disc golf grew – and fast. And while I wouldn’t call it a “mainstream” sport by any means, for better or worse, your local courses are likely busier as a result of disc golf’s rise in popularity.
Yes, I get that it’s cool to be the FIRST to something …
Why else would people wait in line overnight for an iPhone upgrade?
Disc golf is no exception:
- On Saturday morning, it’s best to be first to the course.
- If you’ve got a four- or five-digit PDGA number, kudos to you.
- Bagging a prototype (or first-run) frisbee grants instant respect from others.
But faulting someone for finding disc golf when it became mildly trendy?
And during a pandemic?
Weak sauce.
The negative perception stems from a belief that boredom was the prime (and only) motivating factor. During COVID, disc golf beat out collecting toilet paper – a low bar to clear. This was a reality for many. They came to disc golf, enjoyed it for a bit and moved on to something else.
That’s fine.
For others, though?
Yeah, there was nothing better to do …
But now, they’re obsessed – and in it for good. It shouldn’t matter how you get to disc golf. All that really matters is that you made it in the first place. And if it’s right for you, that you stick with it. Be it 15 minutes or 15 years a person has in the sport, be warm and welcoming.
It takes a village …
Don’t be the idiot in it.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
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Would you know right off what all pros started over COVID? Just wondering.
Not off the top of my head, no …
Ella Hansen and Brodie Smith are two of ’em, though.
There were playing BEFORE 2020, but that’s their first year with the PDGA.
I’m a Covid convert to the sport and so are my four boys and their friends. We love it! We play every week and watch it on YouTube and the disc golf network. My personal experience has been that our local disc golf community has been very welcoming. Some of the backlash seems to be directed at newbies who have not yet learned course etiquette and that’s fair. Nobody wants to be stuck behind a group of six that don’t know enough to let you pass. Others complain because they just don’t want to share the course on a busy weekend. Sorry, you’re going to need to get used to that until new courses are built to address the demand.
As far as commitment goes, I think most of the covid converts will be life-long followers of the sport. For me, it came into my life when I was so stressed out and needing something safe and fun for the couped up family to do outside. It was a life-saver. Therefore, the emotional connection to this sport is really strong. My only regret is that I didn’t start playing sooner. It took a world-wide pandemic for me to try it out.
Welcome to the fold, Jeff!
That goes for your four boys and their friends, of course 🙂
As soon as the noobs learn course ETIQUETTE, they’ll be accepted.
It’s an absolute s#!t-show some days!
Yeah, but that might also just be an issue of not knowing …
Hard to fault ’em for that.
But if they know and still suck, that blows.
You are so incorrect I have to say something. The stigma around covid golfers has everything to do with their lack of respect for course etiquette. When you see the courses filled with singles carrying new bags stuffed with brand new plastic then yes thats a dead giveaway for covid golfers. One thing you can guarantee is that any experienced golfer would gladly pick up a newbie on their card. There is no shaming. Only frustration for those who want to play yet only throw by themselves. You will never get better by practice alone. So next time you go throw thinking you’re involved in a mildly trendy sport, try actually playing with randoms that know the sport. You will probably shave at least 4-5 strokes. Maybe think about how you are the one being judgey before writing something so negative.
That’s a quality read. Thank you.
Regards,
Dude who fell in love with the sport June 11, 2022.
Happy to have you onboard, Dave!
This is a thing? I didn’t start playing till post covid and to be frank didn’t know the sport was a thing until my brother told me about it. But so far I’ve yet to have a negative interaction with other disc golfers
That’s great to hear!