Disc golf: 5 non-disc items to have in your tournament bag

The goal with these five items?

To get beyond the obvious stuff: minis, discs, water, Sharpies, chalk bags, etc. There are loads of guys out there with more tournament experience than myself, but I’ve played in enough to have truly regretted not having certain things with me. Fortunately, later on, I made changes.

No, this isn’t a comprehensive list …

But it’s a good place to start.

Take notes:

1. Extra socks

Listen carefully …

Extra socks are a must.

If your next event is one of those weekend-long, multi-round experiences, you simply can’t leave home without ‘em. Rain, sweat and even ill-timed sprinklers are all capable of turning your toes into prunes. In a game as mental (and upright) as disc golf, you want to focus on your shots …

NOT the sour state of your feet.

Wet feet are a killer.

* Note #1: Assuming you’ve got one, it’s not a bad idea to bring an extra pair of shoes, too.

2. Ziplock bags

Another moisture issue …

And incredibly, not the last one on this list.

While most might consider the Upper Park Shift a casual-round bag, I compete with it, as well. The bag does it all for me, but it’s not waterproof – I can’t think of any bags that are, actually. 

When unexpected rainfall arrives, you’ll be glad you’ve got a Ziplock bag for your phone, earbuds, wallet and snacks. And if you’re as OCD as I am, plastic bags dominate organization.

Just don’t throw ‘em in the ocean.

3. Pain relievers

I’m 33 years old.

If I was 23, I’d still include pain relievers on this list.

Disc golf isn’t the most physical of sports, but most amateurs’ bodies (and brains) aren’t accustomed to playing multiple rounds in a day, let alone ones that actually mean something. Whatever your pain reliever of choice might be, bring a bottle: Advil, Aleve, Tylenol, etc. 

* Note #2: Don’t want to bring the whole bottle? Toss a few in your Ziplock – duh.

4. Another towel

I’m a BIG proponent of the two-towel system:

• Towel No. 1 – This towel is used for dirt.
• Towel No. 2 – This towel is used for moisture.

You don’t have to follow my lead on this …

But however many towels you prefer, bring ANOTHER one.

You won’t regret it.

5. Sunscreen (and insect repellent)

Beyond trash play, you know what wrecks a round?

Strained by the burden of 25 to 30 golf frisbees, the feeling of backpack straps rubbing tightly against a sunburnt neck. I don’t care how big of a “pretty boy” you might be, no NSYNC-esque tan is worth that kind of pain – not to mention the threat of skin cancer 25 years down the road.

Also, if you’re as mentally weak as I am, you’ll want to toss a can of insect repellant in your bag, too. Remember when the Yankees’ Joba Chamberlain battled a swarm of midges on the mound in Cleveland back in 2007 during Game 2 of the ALDS? Imagine that, but during a C1X bid.

Straight nightmare fuel.

* Honorable Mention: If it’s a remote course, trust me – you’ll want toilet paper.

Preparation matters, right?

You’ve put in TONS of practice …

Don’t let something stupid derail your performance come game time.

Smart disc golfers learn as they go; smarter disc golfers learn from others.

This is that.

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

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