I know, I know …
The comments section won’t keep silent on this one:
“You can’t get better without real, meaningful competition.”
I don’t need any convincing:
- I get it.
- I totally believe it.
- I won’t argue against it.
All I’m saying is that there’s a certain kind of joy that comes from teeing-off against a buddy who’s clearly worse than you – though not by much. I take no pride in curb-stomping the first-timer in soccer slides who’s literally unboxing an Innova starter set on the first tee.
Instead, the buddy I’m referencing has a bag – and a nice, spacious one at that. Furthermore, he’s swimming in plastic. He’s been playing for years, actively participates in the local disc golf scene and competes in nearby disc golf tournaments whenever he has a free weekend.
He’s just not as good as you …
And never will be.
Every disc golf group has a punching bag – think of yours.
And if you can’t, bad news …
It’s (likely) you.
Part of the thrill of beating up on a lesser opponent is an elevated sense of self. Yes, it’s an artificial one, but you’ll find a way to convince yourself otherwise at a later date. Also, it’s somewhat comforting to know there’s somebody worse than you actively working to improve.
Sadistic? Yes.
Relatable? Of course.
Forgivable? Not a chance.
Another benefit is a stress-free win – even during a casual round. In an ideal scenario, the victim in question is good enough to keep you at least mildly engaged, but not good enough to require any kind of actual effort. Remember: If you play well, you win; if you play poorly, you win.
This is the “sweet spot.”
Taken to an extreme, anything can be bad for you: cash, fast food, the latest tech, etc.
This is another one of those things.
But in small, infrequent doses, by all means …
Indulge in the occasional beat-down of your inept amigo.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
Editor’s Suggestions:
- Disc golf: Technically, no disc is too flippy for your arm
- This ball-golf term has no place in disc golf (and yet it’s used)
- Nearly all disc golf courses could be improved with this one change
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