Disc Golf Etiquette on the Course

 

Welcome back everyone!

I apologize that this post was delayed. But here we are again! Let's get back to talking about the wonderful world of disc golf. My last post we explored some basic items that you will want to bring to the course, as well as dress attire depending on the season or weather you are playing in. Now as you venture on to your first hole, well prepared for the terrain, it's good to know some disc golf etiquette. 

    What I will be discussing aren't technical rules of the game, but something to know for politeness and safety while playing around others.

Let's begin!

Let people pass: On the course, you will see different size groups playing. From 10 people in a group to single players. It's good to be aware of who else is playing around you. An example of letting people pass is seeing a single person playing behind you that is catching up to your game and they end up waiting for you to finish your turn at a hole. If this is the case, wait to throw at the next hole and let the single player that was behind you play this hole first. You're going to see more experienced players who play at a faster pace. Let them pass so you can take your time and go at a pace that is comfortable for you. The more you play, the chances are you will become faster and someone will be letting you pass as well. 

Wait until the person in your group throws before walking to your disc: This is both proper etiquette and a safety rule. If you get hit with a disc, trust me, they hurt and can cause injury depending where it hits a person. I recently almost got hit by not paying attention and walking in front of someone throwing while playing with a group of friends. It missed me by a second, but I did feel it fly past me and that disc would have hurt! That being said, after everyone throws off the tee, the person that threw the shortest should throw first before anyone else runs to where their disc landed. After that, the second shortest throw from the tee should throw and so forth until you land in the basket. This etiquette also applies to people who are already throwing on the hole and you are waiting for them to finish. Do not throw off the tee while you are waiting for another group. They aren't paying attention to you (nor should they since they are in the middle of a turn) and you can potentially hit them.

Clear the basket: Once everyone gets near the basket to finish the hole, take your disc out of the basket after you have completed your turn before someone else throws. Disc's already have a tendency to deflect off the basket and not make it in, so why make it harder for someone to make the basket due to your disc hanging out in there. 

Find a disc return a disc: Most courses are in woodies areas, have big ponds near or through them, or are very hilly. This can make finding where your disc lands challenging. Some times, when looking for your disc, you may  find previous players' discs as well. It's only right to call them and let them know their disc was found, or hand the disc over to the pro shop near you (if there is one) so they can make the call and keep the disc safe until it is returned to it's owner. In Vermont, the alchemist brewery use to have this incentive where if you find a lost disc and return it to them so they can find the owner, you get a free beer. I'm unsure if other places do that, but I found that was an awesome example of the disc golfing community showing how they support one another. However, don't take other players lost discs. I believe good karma comes back around. So when a player finds your lost disc, odds are they will call you. Lastly, if you're in a group and someone loses a disc, everyone should stop and try to find the disc. Discs tend to blend in with the surroundings of the course. Be a team player. The more eyes you have on it, the more likely chance you'll find it. (Tip: write your name and phone number in sharpie on the back of your disc so someone can contact you if lost)

Please keep quiet until disc is thrown: I think this is one of the most important etiquette rules when being respectful to players around you. Just like in a regular game of golf with a ball and club, players are trying to concentrate on their throws. If you're talking during someones turn, making loud noises or have music on, it can be incredibly distracting. You won't want someone talking during your throw. The polite thing to do is stay quiet until they are done throwing. Just remember to root your friends on afterwards they have finished throwing. It's one of my favorite parts when playing with my boyfriend or other friends is that we cheer each other on after they throw or give them tips to improve their game.

Protect and respect nature: I know at times it's hard when your disc lands in bushes, a mossy area or in an area with a sign that says 'Do not enter', but the biggest thing I want you to get out of this is not purposely destroying the trees, other surrounding nature or littering when playing. A lot of these courses are in already established parks that have been preserved way before the course was already created. So you will see people who aren't playing enjoying a nature walk, picnics, or people just trying to get outside in these communal areas. My favorite 9 hole course to play, near my house, had to recently change it's lay out due to people walking over to retrieve their discs and creating an unwanted trail. One of the holes was on a fragile meadow and the walking was causing severe damage to that ecosystem. They had to put signs up around the area for the players to be mindful when throwing and placed the basket away from the meadow. All in all, be respectful when at a course. These places are for everyone and keeping a green thumb is important so other people that visit and animals that live their have a pleasant experience. 

Have fun: Disc golfing can become very frustrating at times when you're not having a good game. Playing disc golf should be fun and a time to enjoy with friends and family or an opportunity for 'me time' so you  can unwind from your daily routine. My advice if you become frustrated is to take a deep breath, mediate for a second, or rest and let others pass you until you are ready to continue. I'm one to get in my head, which never helps. If that happens in the middle of my game, I will sit and meditate at the start of the next tee, but then will resume once my head is clear.  I have fun playing, I never want to end my time in a bad mood and neither should you. 

The last thing I find helpful when playing disc golf is learning the basics rules of the game. However, I believe knowing the etiquette to disc golf is more important to learn first as a beginner. You can be on a course not know the technical rules especially since I have seen new players who do that. But not knowing how to act while you're on a course can ruin the game for  everyone else. Disc golf is a game where everyone respects the players around them and that is the key when being on the course. I would like to go more in depth in about the rules of the game, but I'm going to save that for another post and stick to the basics. Until then, keep a good pace, be mindful and remember the etiquette that we went over in todays blog. I believe with the knowledge I gave you so far, you are capable of playing a round of disc golf before we dive into a more in depth conversation about the rules and regulations of the game. But until next week, have fun and keep on throwing those discs!

Your curious disc golfer,

Rebecca 

I used the udisc and innova discs website as a source to write this piece. If you are interested in reading more about it, here are the websites:

 https://udisc.com/blog/post/stay-classy-disc-golfers-rules-of-disc-golf-etiquette

https://www.innovadiscs.com/disc-golf-pro-tips/disc-golf-etiquette/

Gear for the Weather and Other Beginner Gadgets

 

Hello fellow disc golfers,

Once again my name is Rebecca. Today we will be going over gear to bring and what to wear for each season. Now, you may be thinking, this is pretty straight forward and obvious. But I have run into situations where I was not prepared. When it comes to each season and weather changes, clothing is usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, I will be including items that you may not even realize you should bring as a just incase situation. We are going to start off with Summer since thats the season most people play disc golf.

Summer: Of course, summer is the best time for outside activities. So it would be great time to start learning how to disc golf. Other than activewear, such as tee shirts, shorts, sports bra (for women), etc, there are other items to consider when out on the course that you may want. Bug spray and sun screen I would highly suggest and water is  a must for every season you play in.     

    Recently when I went to a course on my travels, there had been a lot of mosquitos out. When I say they were swarming my legs, I mean they never left me a lone. It got to the point where my legs and arms were covered in welts (as shown in one of the photos above). Also, sunscreen is just important to bring because you could be outside for a couple hours and that sun does beat down on you where there is a high chance to get a sunburn and become super dehydrated. I will emphasize BRING WATER! You may not notice when you're out on the course, but you're going to be walking, hiking and standing a lot. Disc golf can be quite the workout, so it's really important to stay hydrated. I've seen many people become sick at an end of a round because they didn't think to bring a water bottle. So again, no matter if it's spring, summer, winter or fall, water, water, water!

Fall: Fall is honestly one of my favorite times to play. The weather is where you can wear a light jacket, maybe shorts but you definitely won't be sweating as much or freezing. For me it's the time I feel the most comfortable being outside because of the temperature. But once again, dress for the occasion. 

Winter: Yes! You can play disc golf in the winter! During the winter, it can be tricky to find courses because not are all open. A great website to research courses in your area is the Udisc.com . They have some of the most accurate and updated information on courses and shops. I'd highly recommend using this source rather than google, because it will show if their is a cost to play, tee times and if the course is seasonal or all year round. Just remember, if the region you are in gets lots of snow like it does here in Vermont, you will want winter entire (jacket, gloves, snow pants and boots). You may even want to make sure you have yak tracks or spikes if there is some hiking up hill and down hill involved. 

Spring: I consider spring the mud season ( and so does every Vermonter fun fact). Having said that, the biggest thing you will want to be wearing are hiking boots or even mud/rain shoes. You may also want to bring a rain jacket if it's a rainy spring. Of course, bring a rain jacket in general if it's raining at other times of the year. 

I know this all seems very obvious, but trust me, some times you're not ready for what the weather brings. When I go out to play I do pack things in my bag to prepare for what I may face including a snack since I'm the type of person that can get hungry through an 18 hole course. Right now, if you looked in my bag, I have sunscreen, bug spray, and a reusable water bottle. In my car I have my rain jacket and hiking boots because disc golf course terrains vary. You could be on a flat land, to hiking up and down in a forest/ woodsy area. But that's why I love playing! Theres always a different view, and I'm still able to explore beautiful nature walking trails. 

So remember, when you start to go out there and play, look at the weather and be prepared for the terrain you're about to enter. 

Now, I think you're ready to start playing disc golf!

Last weekend I did learn from a man, who works with professional players, that if it is your first time playing bring a driver, mid range and putter. You can easily find combo packs of discs to buy online and in stores around where you live (cough cough Udisc.com will hep you find those stores).  Their is an order in how you throw them, but don't worry about that at the moment. What this man had taught me was to start getting a feeling of each disc and just start throwing them to understand their weight, the distance it will go and just simply have fun!

I know I said I'd talk about each type of disc, but after that advice I was given, I want you all to play around with the discs you purchase or borrow before explaining each discs characteristic. Because learning about discs can get confusing and complicated. However, next week I think it would be a good idea to talk about course etiquette when on a course where there are other players. 

I'm signing off now, but until next time! Enjoy this summer season and start throwing those discs!

Your fellow curious disc golfer,

Rebecca 

The History of Disc Golf and Why it's so Popular Today

 The History of Disc Golf and Why it's so Popular Today

    Welcome back to the second ever post of "Disc golf for the curious". Once again I'm Rebecca and I will be sharing my thoughts and experiences of being a newer disc golf player in the world. First, I think it's important to discuss where disc golf began and give a brief history about it.

    As I did my research, the inventor or as he was considered the "Father of Disc Golf" was 'Steady' Ed Headrick who had patent the invention of the game in 1975. However, it was a bit confusing on who actually was the first disc golfer and who created the original game itself. In 1965, George Sappenfield was recorded as playing golf with frisbee. For me, I read a lot throughout the week to give correct answers on this topic but I found one article that was pretty accurate with a summary that generally states there is no correct answer on to who was the first disc golfer. However, we can be sure it started with a frisbee being thrown for golfing purposes and someone a long the way throughout history evolved the sport into what we know today. Since it was patent, the game slowly grew followers at a steady pace. Until the pandemic and the number of players started to double on the courses.

    Why was this? As we all know the pandemic put us in a lock down, isolating us from our friends and family. Even when we wanted to see people, we were all told we should do it outside at a distance of 6 feet. If you ask me, it was pretty torturous and mentally draining to try and find activities so we still had some kind of socialization. This where disc golfing comes into play.

    The people who were and who started to play found enjoyment in playing not only because its an awesome sport, but they could socialize, enjoy lunch and maybe even have a beer with friends all while staying 6 feet apart. It gave them life and kept their mental health afloat. Plus playing is affordable!     

    Depending on the course, it can cost up $20 to play a round, but in most places it's as little as $5 or free. The disc also are fairly cheap online, at sporting stores or Pro Disc shops (once again depending on where you go). 

    I was one of those people, during the pandemic, that got interested in the game even before I started playing. My boyfriend , who played a little previous to 2020, got obsessed with it and I mean OBSESSED! He was going almost 3-5 times a week with his friends , buying a disc golf bag, and amazon orders of discs after discs. It got me really curious and interested in what this sport was. 

    I remember in college hearing about the game, but it was called frolf. Anyone I knew who had played before or had experience going a couple times never made it sound glamorous. When I'd ask what frolf was, I got answers like, "eh, its like golfing but you're throwing a frisbee".  It was nothing special. All in all, I am so blessed and happy this game was reintroduced to me because it has opened so many doors for my mental and physical health.

    Disc golfing has so much more potential to bring community together. I always see groups of friends go  when I'm out on the course and I am always up for a round when I'm asked by any friends. I've gone many times after work with my one girlfriend and it's like a new version of a social hour for me. Mentally, it brings me closer with my community and while be outside, I get to enjoy the nature thats surrounding me. Physically, I'm walking and hiking a lot. It doesn't always feel like it, but I'm getting way more exercise than I was before. I have more energy in my daily life and I am more confident about my body and who I am as a person. With this in mind, I encourage you to reach out to me if you have more questions or even wanted to play round and talk. I am here and I'd love to create a relationship with everyone who reads this. 

    In my next post I will discuss what you will need when jumping onto the course. Trust me it varies, especially for different seasons and weather. I also will briefly discuss the different discs and why specific discs are important to be throwing at certain ranges. Signing off for now. 

Rebecca 

ps. Below I have two websites you can look at that goes more in depth on the history and how the pandemic increased the games popularity. (If you have a better source, please don't hesitate to correct me and send them)

https://www.pdga.com/history

https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2021/11/12/disc-golf-has-taken-off-since-the-pandemic-and-the-pros-can-explain-why/?outputType=amp

The adventures of Disc golfing and blogging

    Hello Everyone! My name is Rebecca. I live in Vermont and I love to disc golf. I average at least four days a week playing 9 hole courses and when I'm feeling energized, with extra time to spare, I will end up doing an 18 hole course. However, I have only been disc golfing for a little over a year.

    You're probably thinking, "Only a year? And you're already going to write about the game?". Yes, I agree it may seem as though I am getting a little ahead of myself, but I also know I will never be a Paige Pierce (A pro woman disc golfer. Watch her play on youtube. She's amazing, but we will get to that later.). My goal with writing these weekly blogs is to help those out there who have heard of the game, are interested but aren't sure what to expect. With questions like what will I need for playing other than discs or will it be worth learning. I also want teach you using my experiences as a new player in the world of disc golfing. This blog is driven towards all new players but mostly women.

    Last week, my boyfriend and I decided to take a week long trip through New England playing 18 holes of disc golfing a day. We called it our "New England Disc Golf Tour". After seven days of consistently throwing discs, I noticed I was the only girl on the course. I believe it was my last day playing when I saw two girls playing. It dawned on me. More women need to know and join this sport. Even when traveling through the week we would mention that we were disc golfing and I started to notice the reactions men would give us verse women. 

    Most of the time the men would find it cool and interesting, whereas the women were interested, but the responses would be, "what is that?" or "sounds fun but I don't play and wouldn't be good at it". 

    Disc golfing is a very male dominant sport. As much as I love playing with my boyfriend and the male friends around town, I simply only have one female friend who has disc golfed with me and its very difficult to convince the rest of my girlfriends how much fun it is to play. It's not just about the sport, but its also a bonding time to socialize and have fun with your friends in a way you may not have done before. 

    So with that being said, I invite all of you to read my blog, weekly, and reach out to me with questions and comments. 

    I love disc golfing, but being a Male favored sport I hope I can inspired more women to get out there and play. Because it truly is a great and empowering game (especially when you are around other women playing). 

    As for now, I will be logging back on at the end of the week to start this great adventure with you all. But if you want to get started before that, the first things you'll need are a set of discs, water bottle, and course to play in your local area.