This is going to read like an after-school special, and I don’t even care …
It needs to be said.
And don’t think for one moment this message is exclusively for newbie disc golfers – it’s not. Whether you’re beating in your first starter set or tour full-time, there’s something here for you.
To kick things off, however, I will speak to greenhorn golfers: Be patient with your stuff. Regardless of the division in which you compete, you’ll need more than 15 minutes to find success. The “birdie-or-bust” golf you see on the Disc Golf Network is the last place you should look to find a measuring stick. Play within yourself. Nobody knows your game better than you.
But while that’s obvious, the second layer of this isn’t …
On-course comparisons.
Think back to your last tournament …
Then answer these questions:
- Do you constantly check UDisc to see where you stand?
- Do you often feel self-conscious about how far you can throw?
- Do you regularly switch-up strategy depending on how others dissect a hole?
- Do you sometimes question your disc-selection based on cardmates’ decisions?
If you compete, you can relate.
I don’t care if you’re a 750-rated weekend warrior, a Pro Tour prodigy or somewhere in the middle, you control what you can control. Wind, baskets, teepads, pin placements, tournament directors and my personal favorite, other disc golfers – this ISN’T within your jurisdiction.
It’s for this reason JohnE McCray’s become a disc golf hero of mine …
He’s ancient. He can’t forehand. He looks like Santa Clause. And he’s literally almost died during tournament play. And still, in spite of all that, he gets out, does his best and is a complete joy to be around, regardless of how things go on the course – that’s REALLY hard for me to do.
I never thought I’d quote Dolly Parton on this blog, but here we are …
“Find out who you are, and do it on purpose.”
Play YOUR game the way YOU know how …
The results will come.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
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