Disc golf: Why you should always use a mini during casual rounds

As its name implies, the mini marker is a small item.

But not using one can have a big impact – even during casual rounds.

In disc golf, placed directly in front of the disc that was just thrown, the purpose of the mini marker is to mark a lie. This allows you to throw the same disc again, without incurring a penalty stroke. And though many would hesitate to openly admit it, the biggest perk is that mini-use also allows you to get about eight inches – the diameter of most golf discs – closer to the basket.

As you can imagine, this is especially important on the green, where closer is always better. Otherwise, you’re left to simply putt (or throw) behind the disc that was previously used.

Throughout the course of my disc golf career, I’ve always done what I’d presume most do. During casual rounds, I flip my disc, so as to not have to use a mini – same difference, anyway. Then, come tournament time, I dust off my mini marker, and it finally sees the action it deserves.

Two weeks ago, however, I played with an out-of-towner who asked if he could tag along for a round. He didn’t want to have to figure out the course’s layout on his own via UDisc – I can understand that. Besides, I was throwing by myself that day, so it was no skin off my nose. Anyway, five or so holes into our impromptu pairing, three things became clear to me:

• His name was Dan.
• He was really good.
• He used a mini marker.

Like, religiously.

For every throw.

I asked him about it …

Here’s what he told me:

First, it’s really a matter of routine. He doesn’t like to practice just for the sake of practice. When he throws casual rounds, it’s to get better. The hope is that his tournament results reflect that. It’s for this reason that, apart from mind-numbing tap-ins, his mini gets used on every single hole.

In Dan’s own (paraphrased) words:

“I never change my putting routine, so why would I change this?”

Secondly, Dan shared with me that, way back when, he was a serial disc-flipper. It only took one instance of accidentally flipping his disc during a tournament to swear off the stuff for good.

That’s a no-no.

He told me his card didn’t call him on it or anything, but that he felt bad for having put his cardmates in an awkward situation when it was entirely avoidable – just always use a mini.

Dan’s a cool dude.

Since then, he’s been a mini-or-bust kind of guy.

I plan to do more of the same.

Thanks, Danny Boy.

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Editor’s Suggestions:

• Gripe No. 65: Dudes who take disc golf way too seriously
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• Disc golf: Exercise caution when offering unsolicited advice

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