Disc golf: Acknowledge great shots (you’ll be better for it)

There’s an internal battle that takes place out on the disc golf course …

For me, it’s a very specific one.

Whether it be during a casual round after work or a full-blown, multi-day tournament, it’s between my passions for both winning and NOT being a complete and total douchebag.

To win, no matter how you slice it, you need your competitors to play worse than you. Talent aside, to this end, their outright failure helps your cause – especially if you’re not playing well.

Yes, in an ideal world, you not only want to play your best, but you’d like to beat others at their best, too. Still, it’s not uncommon to find yourself secretly pulling for shank-jobs and trash putts.

Winning is important.

But is it SO important you actively root for your competitors’ demise?

These are questions worthy of Socrates himself …

The good news?

Two things can be true at once:

• Truth No. 1 – You’re genuinely a decent person.
• Truth No. 2 – You look for competitive advantages.

Or in no uncertain terms …

The mistakes of others.

One of the best ways to navigate this fine line?

Celebrate people’s good shots – and not just for show, either.

Mean it.

You don’t need to become a rival’s personal cheerleader. You don’t need to force a round-long conversation about the weather. And you don’t need to swap cell-phone numbers and friendship bracelets. But even if it shreds your chances of winning, when a tight gap is pierced or a clutch putt is smashed, acknowledge it. Offer a smile, fist-bump and a few congratulatory words.

The benefits of this are obvious.

Those “good vibes” disc golfers are always searching for? This is a great way to invite them. Also, your cardmates aren’t merely obstacles to be overcome: They’re people – enjoy their company. Furthermore, and this might sound weird to some, but trust me on this one:

• Focus on YOU – what you can control.
• Praise others – what you can’t control.

You’ll play better.

I’d hardly consider myself the second-coming of Mr. Rogers on a disc golf course. Heck, I stand with Brodie Smith (gasp) that the high-fives exchanged before anybody’s thrown a tee shot on the 18th is a tradition worth obliterating. But this is easy to do – and it makes for a good time.

Even in disc golf, game recognizes game.

The way things should be.

Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

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