Why do some professional disc golfers rub their hands in the dirt?

If you’ve been in disc golf for a long time …

Keep it moving.

This article isn’t for you.

But if you’re new to the sport, stick around for a bit – you might accidentally learn something. Better yet, if you’re (finally) following the Pro Tour seriously for the first time, the subject of today’s piece is that much more likely to strike a chord with you – you see it constantly.

The topic at hand?

Dirt.

Well, not just dirt …

But getting your fingers all up in its business.

While tuning in to watch the game’s greatest on the Disc Golf Network, before teeing off on a hole, it’s not uncommon at all to see guys bend over and rub their hands in a patch of dirt frequently found alongside a tee box – their throwing hands, to be more specific.

Here’s what that move is NOT …

• It’s not superstitious.
• It’s not a grounding technique.
• It’s not an excuse to use hand sanitizer.

In reality, it’s far more simple than that …

It’s a method to keep fingers dry.

If you’ve ever thrown 18 holes in something even as non-threatening as a light drizzle, you’ll know an uptick in moisture not only compromises grip, it messes with your head. The exact same thing takes place when it’s 95 degrees outside and humid as a Turkish bathhouse.

For this reason, I keep a bag of moisture-absorbing beads in my Upper Park Shift at all times. You might prefer a Whale Sac. Nikko Locastro uses climbing chalk. Clay works, too. Heck, you can even buy literal bags of pre-packaged dirt some disc golf companies feel the need to sell …

Anything to score a buck, right?

I love capitalism.

More power to ‘em.

Regardless, if you find yourself with nothing on the course and a pair of sweaty palms, remember: The Earth itself can help alleviate the not-so-sticky stuff – the Pro Tour is proof.

Tread lightly, though …

Back in 2022, Eagle McMahon sliced his throwing hand on a shard of discarded glass, while rubbing it in some dirt at Worlds in Emporia, Kansas. It happened to him. Who knows? It could very well happen to you, too. To date, you and Eagle have the same number of World Titles …

NOT using dirt could give you a leg-up in the race to one-time glory.

The choice is yours.

Have anything to add? Take to X to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

Editor’s Suggestions:

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• Gripe No. 74: Drinking fountains not working at disc golf courses

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