I’m not big into the “hippie” side of disc golf. I’ve made that abundantly clear on this blog. But there’s no sense in throwing the baby out with the bathwater. If there’s but one valuable lesson the counter-culture movement can teach us, it’s that disc golf is meant to be enjoyed …
NOT endured.
Endurance is for careers, parenthood and bike races through France.
Disc golf is fun.
Don’t forget it.
Now as much as it pains me to say this, I’m going to give the Pro Tour a pass on this one. I shouldn’t, but I will. You’re welcome, Mr. Locastro. When disc golf is your means of survival, I can understand how your attitude towards it would quickly change. No, that’s not an excuse for bad behavior, but it’s something to consider before passing judgment on knee-jerk reactions.
Instead, I’d like to direct my comments towards the rest of the disc golf community. You know, those of us with a PDGA rating we’d rather take to the grave than share publicly. I don’t care if it’s a casual round, league night or Amateur Worlds, there’s no reason to treat staff, spectators or your cardmates as if you were God’s merciful gift to mediocre disc golf – because you’re not.
Temper tantrums suck, but they’re obvious.
Don’t throw ‘em.
More than anything, I’m referring to actions and attitudes that, though often subtle, leave a sour taste in everyone’s mouth that’s hard to rinse out – you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Competitive disc golf is often presented as a false-dichotomy:
- If you care about winning, you’re cold and calculating.
- If you care about having a good time, you’re destined to lose.
The reality of the situation?
You can care about winning, have a good time and take down a tournament or two – and all at the same time, might I add. You don’t need to choose one or the other – these things can coexist.
Profanity, kicking bags, bending discs, the silent treatment and treating others like second-class citizens doesn’t factor into ANY formula for “success” on the disc golf course I’ve ever seen.
Yes, for some, disc golf is a job. I sometimes get frustrated at mine. You do at yours, too. But for the overwhelming majority of us, the game’s a hobby. Life’s too short to sweat the small stuff.
So don’t.
This includes disc golf.
Have anything to add? Take to X to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
Editor’s Suggestions:
- Disc golf: Don’t aim at a tree to miss a tree (it’s a lose-lose)
- Disc golf: Exercise caution when offering unsolicited advice
- Perk No. 9: The sound of a golf disc and chains coming together
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