I get it …
Not everything is a competition.
Winning is awesome.
Losing isn’t quite as awesome.
But experiencing both is part of life. It’s my belief disc golf does a good job of embracing this truth. And more specifically, all the stuff that takes place in-between – the more “meh” side of results. It’s deeply entrenched in this territory that most of us have “set up shop,” so to speak.
As an amateur, there are days when I think I’m a few field sessions away from qualifying for a Tour Card. And on the flip side of things, it’s not uncommon for me to feel better suited for competitive crochet than essentially playing fetch with myself – and poorly, might I add.
You know what, though?
It doesn’t matter.
Whatever your skill level, no matter how long you’ve enjoyed disc golf, take what you’ve got and compete with it. Because again, win, lose or draw, it doesn’t matter – remember?
My fear is that far too many disc golfers who are genuinely excited about the prospect of signing up for a sanctioned tournament pass on the opportunity only because they feel they’re not ready or that they’re not “good enough” for a full-blown event. And as a result, should they register, instead of having a good time, it’s assumed they’d do little more than embarrass themselves.
To this I say …
“Who cares?”
For starters, the PDGA might get plenty wrong, but there are a million-and-a-half age- and ability-protected divisions. I don’t care how old you are or how trash your game is, there’s a place for you. Choose the right division, and you’ll be surrounded by disc golfers, the majority of whom are 1) competing in their first tournament, and 2) embarrassing themselves in the process.
Been there. Done that.
You’ll feel right at home.
Furthermore, if you think your first tournament will yield Gannon-Buhr, wunderkind-type results, you’ve got another thing coming. Even if you’re legitimately God’s gift to disc golf, due to not knowing what it’s like to compete, your first event is likely to not go how you’d planned.
You don’t get good at dating by chatting up random chicks on Instagram. You’ve got to get out into the real world, meet someone face-to-face and make a few mistakes. With some practice under your belt, before long, you’ll be married with a house, a career and bushel of kiddos.
Disc gigs are no different.
And lastly, if you’ll allow me to step outside of my soccer-mom minivan, disc golf is about having fun. If a tournament will lead to more of that for you, cut the wall-flower crap …
Do it.
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Editor’s Suggestions:
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Great encouragement to get off your duff and try. I didn’t play a PDGA Event last year but wish I did. I did it this past May, and after missing like 7 putts on the front 18 baskets, played even with my age group in the back 18 with a lot of wind that impacted play. I skipped a big 54 basket tournament in June, that i now wished I’d played in, only 15 minutes away. There is another tournament coming up in October that I am really looking forward to and I will sign up. The only way to get better, is to measure ones self with others. I look forward to the challenge.
That’s the attitude, Boomer!
Best of luck, man 🙂
Funny. I came to the green splat just now to comment on the other tournament post. But you had another article along the same theme.
So I’ll ask here. 2 Day tournament at my home course. I thought I would take a look. Then I saw the 40 divisions and thought…. That’s too much. Then I saw the price and closed the tab.
But how do I have any idea what division would be competitive and fun for me?
Fletch, great question …
This’ll get you what you need: https://tinyurl.com/4bvu7nxj
I don’t know your skill level or age, but you’re looking for some iteration of “MA,” for sure.
So as to not have to read the entire source, scroll down to where it says:
“Choosing a Skill-Based Division for Your First PDGA Event”
In my experience, sign up for a WORSE division than you think you’ll need …
And if you’re killing everyone, move up.
If not, stay put 🙂
How expensive were these tournaments, if you don’t mind me asking?
85 bucks.
I’ll check out that link later tonight when the kids are asleep.
Thanks
Man, not gonna lie …
$85 feels a BIT steep.
How many rounds is this tournament?
What tier is it?
For 85 bucks there better be a pretty sweet player’s pack!!!
Yeah, that feels steep …
But again: California.
Par for the course.
2 days. I’m not sure the tier. I can find out. That’s also California Beach City inflation. It’s 6 bucks a gallon of gas almost!
Only reason I started playing disc was because ball golf got too expensive and impossible to get tee times.
Okay, that makes sense …
Forgot about the whole “California-cost” thing.
If it doesn’t fit the budget, it’s not worth it …
Because money woes = stress.
And no game is worth that – I’ll give you that much 🙂
I’ll add to this by saying – someone has to be last place. I’ve made the most friends at some of my worst tournaments. Everyone appreciates a competitor who sucks but has a great attitude. Like you said Lucas – disc golf is about having fun.
Go out there and laugh at your tree hits. Fist bump your cardmates on their great shots. And you never know- at my first pdga sanctioned round I had a lousy 638 rating, but I did have an epic “circle 3” birdie with my jawbreaker zone (thanks for the plastic recommendation way back when btw!!)
Bad rounds happen, but good shots still happen too. Get out there and blow chunks, exchange fist bumps and have a great time. That’s what it’s all about!
Great comment, Kurt.
If it were possible to “upvote” this, I totally would.
Couldn’t agree more 🙂
I’ll turn this into an article soon. Haha.