One theory as to why it’s so easy to become addicted to disc golf

By: Lucas Miller

Do you know what an “addiction” is?

I’m no psychiatrist …

But here’s what I found online:

  • It’s repetitive.
  • It’s compulse.
  • It’s (initially) rewarding.
  • Ended, it creates a withdrawal.
  • Continued, it upsets the flow of life.

Yes, there’s more to it than that …

But you get the idea.

So, does disc golf fit the bill?

As I see it, overwhelmingly …

Yes.


When taken to an extreme, of course.

DGPT: Isaac Robinson

Drugs and alcohol are the stereotypical vices. But gambling, video games and social media are commonplace, as well. With all three of the latter, no matter how small, when something positive takes place, there’s an instant hit of dopamine. Similarly, disc golf is loaded with the stuff.

However, it’s NOT exclusively dopamine that makes the game addictive …

It’s intermittent reinforcement.

If you were to receive a quick burst of dopamine after every throw of the disc, the tingle you’d derive from the sport would take a nosedive – think eating Domino’s pizza for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Domino’s pizza is great and all, but with that much of it, it’d be boring.

There’s no fun.

Intermittent reinforcement is the opposite of this. And it just so happens to be one of the most behavior-influencing forces on the planet. Intermittent reinforcement takes place when a positive reward isn’t the automatic result of a specific behavior taking place. And that “positive reward” you’re so interested in? In some cases, it rarely – if ever, in all honesty – makes an appearance.

DGPT: Ricky Wysocki

It doesn’t matter, though …

It’s the thrill of the pursuit that’s addictive.

Take slot machines, for example. You will (likely) never pull a jackpot.

But you could …

And that’s enough to get you.

Hook. Line. Sinker.

So while you might never smash an ace, take down a Pro Tour event or send chills running down Paul McBeth’s spine on a Sunday, in theory, you could. And again, that’s enough. My suggestion would be to start with hitting most of your 12-footers. Then, work your way to a World Title.

In the meantime, enjoy the addiction.

Disc golf is heroin.

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Photo of author

Lucas Miller

Lucas Miller is the founder and editor-in-chief of Green Splatter. When he’s not out tossing a Champion Rhyno in his native Utah, he’s watching true-crime documentaries with his wife, wrestling his twin boys and praying the Oklahoma City Thunder’s rebuild passes quickly.

6 thoughts on “One theory as to why it’s so easy to become addicted to disc golf”

  1. We have a shirt that was given out for the local disc golf tournament in 2023 that has this on it…”it’s only an addiction if you are trying to quit”

    Carpe Diem – rattle those chains, one never knows when lady luck will strike. I was with two card mates in July that got aces, one July 2 and the other on July 30. The one on the 30th liked my disc approach line to the basket and he nailed it, mine was just a little high. Next time…

    Reply

  2. There’s a saying, that I can’t recall exactly, but only takes one great shot during a round to excite you and get you back out again chasing that feeling.

    I could put it on the woods for 17 baskets, but if I park it in just one. I’ll chase that feeling….

    Reply

  3. You nailed it, Lucas. Those bounce back birdies are addictive!! I had one today on my 13th hole of the day. It was smack dab in the middle of a bogey train!

    Have fun, chase those birdies and aces (I’m still chasing down my first ace). That’s half the fun is the thrill of the pursuit, the other half is watching those beautiful discs fly. I once made the argument with a group of friends that the sport would become boring if you aced every hole. They vehemently disagreed.

    I know for me too I love playing hard courses when I have the time. My expectations get way lower. Pars feel like birdies and birdies feel like eagles. That’s a different kind of pursuit. That’s part of the mental game too. You can’t let a double or triple bogey ruin your round because you might birdie that hole that you haven’t yet birdied or shoot your personal best out there.

    Reply

    • Amen to that, Kurt!

      When I first started playing, to avoid getting too down on myself, I only counted the number of pars I carded over the course of 18 holes.

      Perhaps a stupid idea, but it helped me keep going, at least.

      Reply

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