Disc golf is a fun and exciting game that is slowly gaining in popularity around the world. It is also a sport that has tournaments – and you can even play it in a league if you want to.
If you’re planning on playing in a disc golf tournament, there are a few things you should know before you hit the course. These tips will help you optimize your performance, and give you a leg up on the competition.
1. Stay Focused And Practice Hard:
The first thing you need to do before hitting the course is to practice. It may seem counterintuitive, but practicing your game before a tournament is key to improving your game. Whether you’re trying to improve your distance, accuracy, or putting skills, practicing will help you become the best player that you can be.
2. Practice With Your Equipment:
Using the right gear is critical to success in any sport, but especially one like disc golf where you have to make adjustments on the fly. For example, you’ll need a good pair of shoes that can handle the rigors of the game.
3. Use Your Bag Correctly:
Your disc golf bag is a key part of your game, and you should choose the right bags for each course you play on. It should match the terrain of the course and include all of your discs that you think you’ll need on a given hole. If the baskets are near water, then it’s a good idea to pack extra approach discs.
4. Take Your Time:
Practicing the game before a tournament is critical to ensuring that you have a solid foundation. During the practice session, you’ll need to find your rhythm, generate power, and direct your body in order to throw a disc with precision.
5. Practice Putting:
The short game separates good disc golfers from great ones, and the more practice you get with your putter before a tournament, the better your chances of winning. Disc golf coach Dave Dunipace encourages his students to spend at least 10 to 15 minutes before every round practicing putting.
6. Be Prepared:
Having the right gear will make your tournament much easier. It will save you a lot of stress and hassle, and allow you to focus on the game instead of trying to figure out what disc to throw or how to carry your bag.
7. Keep Your Scorecard Clean:
Your scorecard is your most important tool in a disc golf tournament, and it should be clean and accurate. If you don’t keep track of your rounds and throws, you can easily lose a lot of points.
8. Do Your Research:
Choosing the right course is a crucial step in any tournament. Many courses offer reviews or photos online. Look for videos that have been posted by players who have played the course before.
9. Don’t Be a Sandbagger:
Some players try to get a jump on the competition by signing up in lower divisions than they are qualified for. While this might seem like a great way to make money and gain the attention of sponsors, it can have negative consequences. If a tournament organizer finds out that you’ve been sandbagging, they can ban you from the tournament.