Curiosity when playing!

[Rickcin]

As a newbie to the sport and have only played two times and we were the only ones on the course, I'm wondering what its like to play on a busy day?

Im thinking its like golf and you wait until the group before you completes the hole before driving?

Also, being a new player, it might take longer to complete a hole and I was wondering if those better players who might be behind us get annoyed, especially if we are searing in the tall grass or woods for a disc.
Do players wave them ahead or communicate with those who might be following us?

Just want to understand how to play as a beginner without being bothersome to others!

 

[jupiterboy]

Yes. Offer to let faster groups play through.

If you have a smaller group or solo player behind you, let them play through. If you lose a disc and want to look for it, let people play through.

If the course is really busy, and playing through simply puts your group behind another group, join in with other solo players or small groups and make a group so you are playing at the same general speed as everyone else.

 

[Sewer bill]

If I'm playing my local 9 hole with my wife and it's busy and I spot a group of new players I immediately try and adopt them into my group. New people are terrible at finding lost discs. It speeds up pace of play dramatically for everyone on the course and I don't mind helping new people with their game if they want it.

 

[Rickcin]

If I'm playing my local 9 hole with my wife and it's busy and I spot a group of new players I immediately try and adopt them into my group. New people are terrible at finding lost discs. It speeds up pace of play dramatically for everyone on the course and I don't mind helping new people with their game if they want it.

That's funny about newbie's not being good at finding discs, I will try to do that quickly.
I like you attitude about helping others and hope that other players that I come across when playing share your attitude, thanks.

 

[txmxer]

New players have no idea where to look.

Yes, people get annoyed by slow play. Read some of the course bagger posts. Some folks are running 18 holes in under an hour.

There's nothing wrong with playing at your pace, just be considerate of anyone coming up behind.

Avoid oversized groups. We see some large groups of 6-8 playing occasionally. It's a mess.

To minimize errant discs, don't try to be a hero. Don't try to throw hard. Pick a target in range and aim to hit it.

 

[Rickcin]

New players have no idea where to look.

Yes, people get annoyed by slow play. Read some of the course bagger posts. Some folks are running 18 holes in under an hour.

There's nothing wrong with playing at your pace, just be considerate of anyone coming up behind.

Avoid oversized groups. We see some large groups of 6-8 playing occasionally. It's a mess.

To minimize errant discs, don't try to be a hero. Don't try to throw hard. Pick a target in range and aim to hit it.

Must be really good to play 18 hours in an hour since the course closest to our house is wooded and very hilly but I do realize my limitations as an older guy.

I do try to practice in an open field so that when playing on a course, my discs don't fly into the taller grass and brush that is out of bounds. I'm certainly respectful of others and hope other players are as well.

I can imagine how large groups can significantly impact the time to play a round for anyone who might be following them. I'd be inclined to give them a healthy head start.

Thanks for your post!

 

[nothinbuttree]

Lost disc tips--obviously watch the disc (I see many get disgusted at their poor throw, and just start looking away), note the height it was when you lose track of it, whether it was fading left (RHBH), turning right, still full speed or sputtering to the ground. Try to figure out where it should be.
But also, listen. On woods shots, if you lose the flight, listen for tree, branch, or ground impact. We had one recently where we were fighting darkness, and saw it glance a tree but then lost track of it. We heard a very slight sound about 2 seconds later, which told us the disc had kept on flying a good distance, and we tracked it down pretty fast, but would not have found it without the sound tip.
On fields--try to find a landmark during flight--a tree, a tall weed in the field, something, and watch if disc goes in front of or behind that landmark into the field. Then try to gauge how far in the field it might be, and if it was still moving forward, or perpendicular to the weeds at entry. Look on edges first if it seems close. So many times we have found the disc just by walking the fairway. Especially if we lost track of the flight, or its low, or a roller.
Last thought--get solid color discs for general woods/grass fields. Red seems to work best for me, but others may have other opinions. It just seems to stand out the best. Clear discs will be someone else's pretty quick if you are new.

 

[Rickcin]

Apparently, watching & searching techniques are a "must have" skill to develop when playing disc golf unless one get really proficient at pinpoint accuracy️

 

[BillFleming]

When you 'lose' a disc and are searching for it, look to see if anyone is waiting to throw, if so wave them through. BUT, get out of the way of where their disc may go, watch their throw (they might lose their disc and you may have seen where it went). Once all the players behind you have thrown, continue looking for your disc. Heck, they probably will stop and help.

Searching for a disc. #1 watch the disc until it comes to a stop or you can't see it anymore. "Remember" that spot. #2 search for it from different angles. Depending on where and how the disc came to a stop it could be almost 'invisible' from certain angles. Behind a rock/branch, sitting at an angle that only provides a small profile to be seen. #3 widen your search, it may have hit something and been deflected in a totally different direction or gone further than you think. #4 as a last case to help find a disc, go back to where you threw it from and look at the spot where you last saw it....go directly to that spot and search around there. Sometimes you think you are at the right spot when you aren't. This goes with if you are helping someone find their disc, have them go back to where they threw it from and direct to you the last place they saw it.

In sanctioned play, you only have 3 minutes to look for a disc.

 

[BillFleming]

As for being a new player....you can always ask to join a small group. Let them know you are new and trying to learn the sport better. Most, not all, will let you join them and even give you advise/tips while you play. I frequently have played with newbies just to help them learn the course.

 

[Rickcin]

When you 'lose' a disc and are searching for it, look to see if anyone is waiting to throw, if so wave them through. BUT, get out of the way of where their disc may go, watch their throw (they might lose their disc and you may have seen where it went). Once all the players behind you have thrown, continue looking for your disc. Heck, they probably will stop and help.

Searching for a disc. #1 watch the disc until it comes to a stop or you can't see it anymore. "Remember" that spot. #2 search for it from different angles. Depending on where and how the disc came to a stop it could be almost 'invisible' from certain angles. Behind a rock/branch, sitting at an angle that only provides a small profile to be seen. #3 widen your search, it may have hit something and been deflected in a totally different direction or gone further than you think. #4 as a last case to help find a disc, go back to where you threw it from and look at the spot where you last saw it....go directly to that spot and search around there. Sometimes you think you are at the right spot when you aren't. This goes with if you are helping someone find their disc, have them go back to where they threw it from and direct to you the last place they saw it.

In sanctioned play, you only have 3 minutes to look for a disc.

That makes a whole lot of sense especially the thought of signaling those behind you to proceed with that hole. I guess as long as you are watching them throw, you won't get hit unexpectedly with a disc. I would guess that has happened before and a flying disk could do some bodily harm with a direct hit. They are much different than a normal frisbee.

Interesting about the 3 minute rule, that must help manufactures to sell more discs.

 

[BillFleming]

That makes a whole lot of sense especially the thought of signaling those behind you to proceed with that hole. I guess as long as you are watching them throw, you won't get hit unexpectedly with a disc. I would guess that has happened before and a flying disk could do some bodily harm with a direct hit. They are much different than a normal frisbee.

Interesting about the 3 minute rule, that must help manufactures to sell more discs.

Yeah, but it is really to speed up the pace of play. Give players the option and they will spend hours looking for their disc. In sanctioned play, even the 3 minutes can back up the course. That's why most tournaments have spotters for holes where it is common for a disc to go astray. Regular play, take as much time as you want but let the following players play through. I've spent around a hour looking for a disc that I knew had to be right in front of me.....but that was just during a friendly round. Heck, just yesterday I was practicing on the course using just putters....hit a branch, my disc got deflected and I just could not find it. Saw a twosome getting to the tee pad....waved them on, watched where their discs landed and went back to searching. They helped me out with the search and were the ones that found the disc (it was only 'seeable' from one angle).

As for getting hit by a disc.....been there, luckily no injury. But I know a spotter who got hit in the face, at the Memorial, and needed stitches. There's a video of a tournament where Eagle threw one over the trees and hit a spotter in the top of their head....that spotter got stitches. So, yes, if others are throwing towards you.....keep an eye on the disc and do your best to stay out of the path of the disc. They hurt.

 

[autocrosscrx]

I definitely prefer non-crowded courses. But for the most part, I accept it as part of the game. However, certain things definitely annoy me....

1) Massive groups.
2) Groups that let me play through and then throw into me.
3) Groups that finish a hole, then put in their scores at the basket, often with sidebar conversations. You are making me wait and also not allowing for me to catch up to you. It is the equivalent of sitting at a stoplight and waiting for it to turn yellow before you start to go.
4) Groups that signal me to play through but don't get out of the way. If I have a low ceiling 20 foot gap, I effectively can't play the hole if you stand in the middle of that gap.

 

[ChrisinFL]

When you 'lose' a disc and are searching for it, look to see if anyone is waiting to throw, if so wave them through. BUT, get out of the way of where their disc may go, watch their throw (they might lose their disc and you may have seen where it went). Once all the players behind you have thrown, continue looking for your disc. Heck, they probably will stop and help.

Searching for a disc. #1 watch the disc until it comes to a stop or you can't see it anymore. "Remember" that spot. #2 search for it from different angles. Depending on where and how the disc came to a stop it could be almost 'invisible' from certain angles. Behind a rock/branch, sitting at an angle that only provides a small profile to be seen. #3 widen your search, it may have hit something and been deflected in a totally different direction or gone further than you think. #4 as a last case to help find a disc, go back to where you threw it from and look at the spot where you last saw it....go directly to that spot and search around there. Sometimes you think you are at the right spot when you aren't. This goes with if you are helping someone find their disc, have them go back to where they threw it from and direct to you the last place they saw it.

In sanctioned play, you only have 3 minutes to look for a disc.

Also, if playing with others, be considerate of them. If you have a high risk shot, use a disc you don't care much about - maybe an old, nearly worthless disc, so if you lose it, you can search quick, give up quick, and let the group move on. Don't make everybody search or wait for 30 minutes while you hunt for a favorite disc. I often play a course where only one hole carries high risk of losing discs, in high, dense bushes, and I throw an old, cheap disc there that I have multiples of. If I sail it deep in those bushes, I don't even stop to search. I just say goodbye old friend, and don't slow down play. I would improve birdie chances if I threw a distance driver there, but I would be more likely to lose it, and it would likely be a disc I would care more about.

 

[Rickcin]

Also, if playing with others, be considerate of them. If you have a high risk shot, use a disc you don't care much about - maybe an old, nearly worthless disc, so if you lose it, you can search quick, give up quick, and let the group move on. Don't make everybody search or wait for 30 minutes while you hunt for a favorite disc. I often play a course where only one hole carries high risk of losing discs, in high, dense bushes, and I throw an old, cheap disc there that I have multiples of. If I sail it deep in those bushes, I don't even stop to search. I just say goodbye old friend, and don't slow down play. I would improve birdie chances if I threw a distance driver there, but I would be more likely to lose it, and it would likely be a disc I would care more about.

Guess I just disliked losing a disc this early on but have to accept it as part of the game. I should probably purchase a few sport cones and practice throwing on a grass field.
I did not delay anyone when searching for my disc as there was only 1 other fellow on the 18 hole course. I searched for over 30 minutes in the really high grass and thicket and when I was done and leaving the course, I spent another 30 minutes pulling tiny green burs off of my pants that were attached like Velcro.
Point well taken about buying a few cheaper discs ($11 - $14?) to use when throwing conditions are questionable but then again, being a newbie, all of my throws are questionable.
From all that I've seen so far online, I'd say that most name brand disc's range from $16 to about $25 being at the very high end and of course shipping has to be included when ordering only one or two discs.

 

[Sewer bill]

A

Guess I just disliked losing a disc this early on but have to accept it as part of the game. I should probably purchase a few sport cones and practice throwing on a grass field.
I did not delay anyone when searching for my disc as there was only 1 other fellow on the 18 hole course. I searched for over 30 minutes in the really high grass and thicket and when I was done and leaving the course, I spent another 30 minutes pulling tiny green burs off of my pants that were attached like Velcro.
Point well taken about buying a few cheaper discs ($11 - $14?) to use when throwing conditions are questionable but then again, being a newbie, all of my throws are questionable.
From all that I've seen so far online, I'd say that most name brand disc's range from $16 to about $25 being at the very high end and of course shipping has to be included when ordering only one or two discs.

As you get more comfortable throwing you'll rarely lose a disc once you know your range and the type of shot shape and then once you start throwing further if you stick with it and develop better form you'll start losing discs again.

Also disc color can drastically increase your odds of finding it in the woods or bushes.

When I started playing they didn't make very many brown leaf color discs or muted colors, I still prefer to throw neon colors that contrast with the vegetation. Neon yellow and orange are the two easiest colors to find in the woods and open fields and during fall neon green and bright blue stands out as well.

 

[Rickcin]

Yes, I was thinking blue since nature's colors are normally greens, browns and sometimes yellows and even reds when the leaves turn.
I never thought of neons but after losing my first disc, I was surprised that it had enough force at flights end to bury itself in the thick tall grass.

 

[DumfriesLizzie]

It's not just the newbies who have trouble finding their discs. We all do at some point. Many of us have an emotional/financial attachment to these golf discs and go into something of a mini panic when it looks like we have lost them. Said panic just makes it even harder to find the disc. And you're also likely rushing your search to not hold up folks behind you.

Oftentimes, another person can find my disc better than I can and vice versa. If the person or group behind me offers to help look for my disc, I most assuredly accept that offer! And I make the offer if the person in front of me is the one who's lost his or her disc. Multiple pairs of eyes are better than one.

As for safety, when letting someone play through, the best time to do that is at the next tee box. Finish your hole play and switch places at that next box. Don't stand ahead of the thrower. You might indeed get smacked!

This works if you are playing too slowly for the people behind you. If you have lost your disc and they are not going to help you look for it or they want to move on after they have helped you look for it, it's best to give them a super wide berth. Oftentimes, I will walk back to the tee box with them (or wherever their last lie is) and get *behind* them as they throw.

Behind the thrower is the safest position to be in.

 

[Rickcin]

It's not just the newbies who have trouble finding their discs. We all do at some point. Many of us have an emotional/financial attachment to these golf discs and go into something of a mini panic when it looks like we have lost them. Said panic just makes it even harder to find the disc. And you're also likely rushing your search to not hold up folks behind you.

Oftentimes, another person can find my disc better than I can and vice versa. If the person or group behind me offers to help look for my disc, I most assuredly accept that offer! And I make the offer if the person in front of me is the one who's lost his or her disc. Multiple pairs of eyes are better than one.

As for safety, when letting someone play through, the best time to do that is at the next tee box. Finish your hole play and switch places at that next box. Don't stand ahead of the thrower. You might indeed get smacked!

This works if you are playing too slowly for the people behind you. If you have lost your disc and they are not going to help you look for it or they want to move on after they have helped you look for it, it's best to give them a super wide berth. Oftentimes, I will walk back to the tee box with them (or wherever their last lie is) and get *behind* them as they throw.

Behind the thrower is the safest position to be in.

Excellent information about switching at tee box, it make's perfect sense and that thought probably would have never occurred it me.
Yes, it's more than the cost when losing a disc and perhaps I feel so badly since I've only played several times. When back there again, I will instinctively look for my disc again but it's probably my fault for trying to throw a 9 speed as a total newbie

 

[txmxer]

Must be really good to play 18 hours in an hour since the course closest to our house is wooded and very hilly but I do realize my limitations as an older guy.

I do try to practice in an open field so that when playing on a course, my discs don't fly into the taller grass and brush that is out of bounds. I'm certainly respectful of others and hope other players are as well.

I can imagine how large groups can significantly impact the time to play a round for anyone who might be following them. I'd be inclined to give them a healthy head start.

Thanks for your post!

I'm with you...one 18 hole round is about all I've got in me, and I'm not moving too fast doing it. The heat this summer was killing me, but felt pretty good today with much more mild weather.

And yes, go read the bagger posts...these people kill it. They'll hit a half dozen courses in one day (or more if they can).