I love the fall.
And it’s NOT because of Halloween …
The NFL and college football certainly play a role. Postseason baseball is a plus, too. The biggest reason, though, has to be disc golf. Yes, I’m one of those guys who hucks plastic year-round. But by far, the best time to hit your local courses is October and November.
Here’s why:
1. New lines open up
When leaves change color and fall to the ground, new lines open up.
That ridiculous, over-the-top thumber you’ve never considered?
It’s now doable.
I don’t want to say it’s a good thing the more heavily wooded courses in your area will play easier, but the lack of leaves helps boost the ego a bit. If your PR has been stuck at the same score for months on end, autumn might be the EXACT competitive edge your game needs.
Less leaves. More lines. Better scores.
Also, there’s a good chance your more remote courses look like Norman Rockwell paintings. Undoubtedly, you’ll have to battle with Instagrammers and newly engaged couples for fairway space, but to enjoy nature at the height of its beauty, the juice is always worth the squeeze.
2. You’ll buy more plastic
Whether you’ve got the funds or not, you’ll add to your collection …
I call it like I see it.
If you’ve somehow managed to lose discs during field work sessions, wait until a three-inch layer of leaves lines the forest floor at your nearby course. That favorable groundplay you’ve prayed for these past few summer months? Yeah, this time around, it’ll bury your best disc.
I know how the mind of a disc golfer works …
One lost frisbee requires a replacement – as well as THREE additional backups.
Also, though I’ve never been big on Halloween, it’s all but impossible to not bite on the random DX and Star discs Innova decides to give the “jack-o’-lantern treatment” every October. Some of the best-flying Aviars and Roc3s I’ve ever bagged were products of this marketing message …
It works on me every year.
3. ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’
You know how the story goes …
- “This porridge is too hot.”
- “This porridge is too cold.”
- “This porridge is just right.”
Only, in disc golf, I’m NOT talking about oatmeal …
It’s the weather I care about.
Out here in Utah, desert summers are dry and hot – too hot. And we don’t brag about “the greatest snow on earth” just for the heck of it – the winters are crazy, too. So crazy, in fact, you’ve got dudes taping ribbons to their discs to play in two feet of snow in December …
I love disc golf, but I don’t love it enough to do something that stupid.
Sweater weather is the best of both worlds.
4. The tail-end of the DGPT schedule
I get that fall doesn’t technically start until the 22 of September, but the final four Elite Series events of 2022 are of an All-Star caliber. The first two are “playoff” events. The third is a straight-up major. And the fourth is the most fun, competitive format you’ll ever see:
- Event No. 1 – The Green Mountain Championship, Sept. 15-18
- Event No. 2 – The MVP Open at Maple Hill, Sept. 23-25
- Event No. 3 – The United States Disc Golf Championship, Oct. 5-8
- Event No. 4 – The DGPT Championship, Oct. 13-16
And this ISN’T just a “2022” thing, either …
The DGPT calendar always finishes strong.
With respect to disc golf, we can argue about all sorts of things – I welcome respectful, impassioned conversations. But when it comes to identifying the best season for disc golf?
There’s simply no argument …
Fall reigns supreme.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
Editor’s Suggestions:
- What’s ‘C1X’ mean in disc golf?
- Disc golf: Do this every time you buy discs online
- Disc golf: The importance of self-awareness while putting
Real quick, if you happen to buy something through a link in this article, there’s a chance we’ll get a small share of the sale. It’s how we keep the lights on. To learn more, click here.
