I don’t want to pin this topic on Drew Gibson …
But I’m going to pin this topic on Drew Gibson.
Before reading the rest of this article, take 30 seconds to read through the entirety of the below Twitter thread. It’s only three tweets, so no need to kife the SparkNotes from your local library.
* Note #1: Since this post’s publication, Gibson has deleted the Twitter thread in question.
* Note #2: I salvaged the above screenshot, but contextual clues are needed for the rest.
Item by item, let’s dissect the flaws in Gibson’s argument …
1. ‘Shoutout to ANY and ALL course designers.’
This isn’t a shoutout …
Like, at all – it’s the OPPOSITE of a shoutout.
What Gibson’s put forth is actually a “call-out,” if I’m not mistaken. This is dumb, but still worth pointing out. You and I and everybody else on Twitter knew what he was getting at, but man …
Not a great start.
2. ‘When you RAISE the basket / target you then alter how the target / basket was DESIGNED to catch.’
If you’ve read through Gibson’s thread, you’ll notice “design” plays a hefty role in it. And while certainly a step in the right direction, assuming baskets needed redesigning to catch frisbees three or four feet higher than they would in an un-elevated state, the question begs asking …
What would change?
They’re high-end picnic baskets – not microchips.
3. ‘Why is raising it ok?’
I’ve only included Drew’s question in the above, but in the actual tweet, he raises concerns about the PDGA requiring baskets to be built around certain specifications – one of which is height …
And he’s right – click here.
What Gibson fails to recognize, however, is that for his “target ideal” to exist, baskets would need to be placed on pancake-flat surfaces 100% of the time so as to not frustrate the PDGA’s original dimensions. Obviously, this isn’t the case: The uphill and downhill “death putt” exists.
If nature doesn’t raise baskets, tournament directors will – and vice-versa.
Pick your poison.
Also, unlike what a course throws at you after a wayward drive or upshot, elevated baskets give you the benefit of knowing beforehand EXACTLY what you’ll encounter on the putting green.
But if “harder” is grounds for complaining, then yes …
Elevated baskets suck.
4. ‘No other sport (to my knowledge) do they make the target / goal operate different to slow people down from scoring.’
True, outside of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, most sports don’t change targets …
But traditional golf offers elevated, undulating greens like mad. And you can throw a hissy fit about the need for disc golf to get beyond the ball-golf comps all you like, but this one’s pretty hard to ignore. Reading greens is a MASSIVE part of ball golf: path, slope, speed, growth, etc.
If your literacy isn’t up to snuff, the PGA Tour will chew you up and spit you out …
Is it all that bad if the DGPT does the same thing?
*** Sheepishly Shakes Head ***
Gibson might be onto something, though …
He didn’t outright say it on Twitter, but if Drew’s anti-elevation, imagine his frustration when seeing three, four or even five raised baskets out on a single course come tournament time?
That’s borderline putt-putt.
I couldn’t be further from a professional disc golfer, but I can’t imagine Drew’s perspective as one shared by most of the Pro Tour. Given the above, as long as everybody putts on the same baskets (and they do), why would it matter if he’s got a few more feet to contend with?
Long live elevation.
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I’m with Drew.
Elevating the basket to make putting more challenging and entertaining has changed event outcomes without warrant. Best player lost.
If putting is deemed too easy then change the baskets rather than elevate the currently approved designs.
The idea to use Marksman style baskets at elite events has been discussed. Logistics proves too much of a challenge, consistency and playability for all divisions keep us stuck.
I guess it’s easier to elevate than grow the sport.
A solution may be in the middle. Introduce a mix of baskets where appropriate on the courses.
Growing pains, worth it.
Thanks, Jeff!
Appreciate the insightful comment, brotha!
This could totally happen …
But if a basket that’s a few feet higher causes issues with players …
Imagine DIFFERENT baskets on DIFFERENT holes: Marksman baskets + traditional baskets.
The flood of complains would surely be swift and relentless, right?
Granted, this is a tough question without a sure-fire solution, so perhaps what you’ve proposed is what’s needed …
Nobody really has the right answer, at this point.
Thanks for reading – love your stuff!
Personally I kind of like raised or suspended baskets. I like the challenge of playing with variables. Especially on courses like the three at the IDGC where each course has a different manufacturer’s basket. It adds a little Flair to three awesome courses. One of our local courses around Atlanta has a basket that is literally ground level. Kind of neat. Of course I must say though that putting from circles edge on a raised basket into the wind is one of the worst things of all time
Oh, gosh …
LOVE suspended baskets.
Yeah, they’re pretty gimmicky – but they’re also few and far between.
Baskets are at a height for ALL AGES. If you want the sport to grow you MUST have a regulated height so as to encourage the young to play ! Senior players also need restricted heights !
Selfish self serving putt putt golfers want to have windmills etc … The sport will die if you discourage younger players.
At a time when Disc Golf is being introduced to them, consistency and order is essential. IF IT AIN’T BROKE DON’T FIX IT !
Maybe some Disc golfers would be better off playing putt putt or regular golf. Sounds like they need a change in their lives.
Control freaks are a part of all life they just don’t need to be a part of disc golf. Sorry that they’re bored individuals that have nothing else to do but try to make a sport something they want to make of it whether it’s a fad or just a passing fancy because that’s really all it is.
As the owner of New world sports complex. I’m constantly looking for ways to make our sport better. If you don’t challenge the players it gets really boring really quick. No danger no drama. Check out l i v golf! They realize that the same old same old gets old. What’s next are we going to complain about wind and rain. Come on man play the game! Just my opinion Mr new world.
All good stuff – thanks for reading, Mr. New World!