My experience as a disc golf newb

[MrDarkHorse]

So... I've been playing disc golf seriously for about 3 months now. I think it's a great sport, and I'd like to see it grow. I thought I'd share some insight as a relative outsider with my experience and observations.

I'm sure many people have similar experiences, but it's easy to get friends hooked on disc golf. In just the 3 months I've been playing, I've taken about 15 friends out with me, 10 of which have ended up buying their own discs. My wife has her own, and my 6 year old son even saved up some money to buy himself a Shark recently. It's infectious, and easy to get started. I live in the Austin area, so there are plenty of courses nearby to play in.

I wish there was an easier way to spend time with experienced/skilled players and ask them for pointers and critique. That's one of the things that led me and many others to seek out this site. People here have been very helpful and willing to share videos and critique my own videos and I think that's been helpful.

On the course, my experience with other players has been somewhat mixed. I've met some pretty cool people on some random pickup rounds.

But trying to find some "better" players to rub shoulders with was more difficult. I eventually found a local disc golf club, which I went ahead and joined, but my reception there hasn't been as good as I was hoping. The first mini I played in, other players seemed reluctant to be around me. (one of the guys in my group confided that they probably thought I was a cop)

I was also hoping for a little more "let's help out the new guy" reception, but instead everybody kind of kept to their little groups. At one point on the course, my group and another group (I don't think they were ams, but I'm not sure, we were never introduced!) ended up throwing at the same basket from different tees. It was extremely windy, so when I picked up my putter I held it for about 10 seconds during a big gust cause I didn't want to try to putt into that. I turned to the other group waiting and said apologetically "sorry, I'm gonna wait out this gust" to which the guy in front responded sternly "watch your time".


In conclusion, the percentage of players I've run into seem to be about 25% guys who just want to drink and/or smoke pot, 30% guys who seem to be taking everything a little too seriously and are kind of douchebags, 20% casual players or newbs throwing Grooves on 150' holes, 24% good guys about on my level that seem like good guys I'd enjoy spending an afternoon with, 1% women.


So I guess I'll just keep grinding it out on my own. I'll probably eventually go back and play in one of the local club minis, but honestly I could probably use some more rounds in casual play before I need to go throw my money away at people who don't really care to make me feel welcome anyway.

What are other people's experiences? I know I'm not the only new guy around here.

 

[Reginald]

Just like anything else in life, there are going to be some douchebags in there somewhere. Don't let that deter you. You will find some cool people to play with eventually. Just keep playing and get good enough to beat those dbags in a tournament! Good luck

 

[dashiellx]

I've been playing for a bit over a year now. I think I've experienced the same as you. I have an advantage in that my neighbor introduced me to the game and while he's better than I, he's not so much better that I'm out of my league.

I attended the weekly Triples pretty regularly last season and meet some great people who are really fun to play with and some that were a bit on the douche side.

 

[davmer2303]

For the most part I've met some decent guys with a few bad ones sprinkled in. But, the longer I've played my home course (Limona) The more I start recognizing the guys there. So, at this point, after playing steadily over 5 months, I'm at a comfort zone there. However, it's been a slow process. I agree with what you said above. the sport is addictive. My son, and a few other friends are fully involved now. Good luck at your club. I know time, and your continued improving play can help.

 

[MrDarkHorse]

Yeah I guess my biggest problem is that I'm actually the best person I know. There are a couple friends I introduced that can mostly hang with me, but I don't have anyone to learn from.

 

[joegraham]

You have summed up pretty much everyone's experiences in most parts of the country! You have to keep showing up, be friendly, ask questions and make friends. Definitely help out on clean up days or at or before tournies to get yourself known more. There are these kind of people in all regions and in all activities/clubs. Your goal should always be to have fun, and learn when you get the opportunity!

 

[bfowler]

I've been playing exactly 9 months today and I've had similar experiences as the OP except I've found the weed smokers to be about 40-45%. For a while I wondered if I was the only one except for some close friends who didn't smoke.

I have not had that many rules nazis but the ones I've encountered are cruising for a bruising so to speak. I'm talking casual rounds here too. If I want to flip my disc instead of using a marker in a casual round I will. I don't care if that's how you play in a tournament. It's a casual round.

I've also found a lot of really good players to not be really good teachers. I've found few guys who have given me good pointers. I can't imagine how bad my game would be right now (not that it's great) if it wasn't for sites like this one and DGR. People online have been extremely helpful.

 

[doctor professor]

When I started playing disc golf almost 12 years ago it was great. Everyone on the course was really helpful and accepting. I took a few years of and when I came back I was really disappointed at how much things had changed. I throw better than at least 60% of the people out there so I'm not looking for tips but the general attitude of folks is pretty bad. We're talking no calling four on an errant shot, not waiting for the other players to finish out holes, playing in big groups and not letting smaller groups play through. You name it. Guess that's why people at one of my courses are called the shady folks from shady oaks. Hell, I have friends that live up the hill and won't come down to play cause of this kinda scene. So my solution has been to get to the courses first thing in the morning, enjoy my nice peaceful round with a couple buds and head home un frustrated (unless I threw like crap).
Stick with it and I guarantee you'll find cool people to play with but disc golf is getting popular and with popularity comes douchebagery.

 

[tbird888]

...The first mini I played in, other players seemed reluctant to be around me. (one of the guys in my group confided that they probably thought I was a cop)...

At one of the weekly doubles around here, I actually had someone ask me if I was a cop. Mind you, he had a joint in his hand. I asked him "If I was, wouldn't it be better to keep your illegals hidden until after I answer the question?" Dumbass!

Hang in there. It'll get better. If you're looking for help improving, I'd look for a handicap league in your area. The one in my area is great because it allows you to compete against everyone, not just who's at your same skill level. It's also more casual so you won't have to worry so much about people keeping time on your putts, and people will help you learn the rules (and help you improve) instead of chiding you for not knowing them.

For the record, you will face wind a lot while on the course. Handling it off the tee and during putts is a skill you will have to develop if you want to play competitively on any level unfortunately. Once you learn it, you'll start enjoying it though. It's fun draining putts while others are being blown around all over the course!

 

[The Hammer]

FYI...many of the better players usually won't offer you help, because some people get offended by it. Someone told me the other day, that they thought we were kind of *******s because we have our own "pro clique" and keep to ourselves. The reality is that we have been playing together for a long time and become good friends. There is always wave after wave of new guys that we just don't know or play with. Unless the new guys actually approach us and ask for help, we have no idea that they are looking for help, or even know who they are. However, when someone put them self out there, we are always welcoming and helpful. Most guys I know take it as a compliment to be asked for pointers.

 

[BennettUA]

In conclusion, the percentage of players I've run into seem to be about 25% guys who just want to drink and/or smoke pot, 30% guys who seem to be taking everything a little too seriously and are kind of douchebags, 20% casual players or newbs throwing Grooves on 150' holes, 24% good guys about on my level that seem like good guys I'd enjoy spending an afternoon with, 1% women.

Sounds about right.

I'd suggest finding some random draw doubles to get into. You'll get paired with a variety of people to play with, and you'll see better players and be able to ask them questions. You'll also see different lines on holes you're familiar with, different throwing styles that might end up becoming part of your game, and since it's doubles, it should be much more relaxed and fun for everyone anyway.

Everyone is different, but you'll find the people that are more receptive to offering help eventually. I know recently some people in my former club ran an instructional clinic. They were willing to help answer questions, critique form, and offer advice. Keep your eyes peeled for things like this, and remember, it NEVER hurts to ask. If you see someone you think you could learn from, find a way to spend some time in the field with them, or throw a round with them. Might take a little bribery, but you gotta break the ice somehow, in disc golf as well as everything else in life.

Good luck, and stay thirsty my friend. :thmbup:

 

[ScottyLove]

Guess it just depends on the personalities of different folks. A brand new guy without any discs showed up for our jungle round Wednesday night. We only had 5 so we played doubles. He got paired with our best player, so it was really even. All 5 of us show him pointers throughout the whole round and let him throw 3-4 times per hole if needed. Some may say we touch him inappropriately by lining up his hips and shoulders and such... but he was receptive. Sure... walked in front of folks putting, but we knew what we were getting into. We had to teach course etiquette as well.

At the end, I gave him a ride home and 5 discs from my trunk full. I hope we have a new disciple. I've only been playing a year myself now, but I have an addictive personality and was an avid ball golfer and tossed a frisbee a lot as kid.. so I picked up the concepts easily and now I play tournaments every weekend. The locals here have helped me tremendously.

So... come on over to Jefferson City, MO and meet folks eager to help out the newbies. Our club has exploded from 30+ members to nearly 100 this past year!

 

[Pwingles]

Op-

Lots of good advice in here.

Id suggest, figure out what you want out of the game, and go from there.

If your goal is to get better and compete, then youre right about playing with better players. It will help you. Watching, asking questions and getting feedback from players who do something better than you will almost never be a waste of time.

If youre mostly aiming to have it be a R and R activity, treat it that way. Seek out others who are easy going and try to play with them when you can.

To me it sounds like youre interested in being better, and learning faster. I think youve taken the right steps by joining a local club, getting outto leagues, minis and other events. The more youre there the faster you can establish relationships with the other players. Make contacts, and try and play regularly with people that share your passion. You'll weed out the people you dont wanna be around. As stated earlier, DG is just like any other aspect of life, its a mixed bag.

 

[chain_ape7]

Yup - just about the same experience for me and my son. Started playing with friends and then joined the local club and started playing dubs. About a month later, started playing tournaments. The intensity level with the local pros can take some of the fun out of round but that is the level that they want to compete at. Ask questions, follow the advice or at least try it and see if each tip works for you and your game. We've learned a TON from the better players and have improved rapidly. Stick with it man, do lots of field work, and try every shot and technique that you can. The internet is a huge help also with the advice on this site and clinics that the pros hold. Also just watch more disc golf at the higher levels. Disc Golf Monthly, The Clash videos, Disc Golf Planet TV etc. Good luck man!

 

[The Hammer]

As far as the local pros taking things too seriously; you have to remember that most of us invest a lot of time and energy into our game. Many of us treat it like a second job. It's not an excuse to be an a-hole to anyone, but try to keep that in mind. Not a lot of people have that uber-competitive spirit, so I can see that turning some people off. These types exist in all sports, though.

 

[Alcuin]

Hang in there. There are a lot of reasons more seasoned players are maybe a bit cliqueish and might not readily offer help. For one, a lot of guys have been playing together for a long time, so it's just natural that they are friends and gravitate toward one another. Also, many people might feel uncomfortable dishing out suggestions either because they don't feel like they themselves are good enough to hold forth on the subject. Some do offer good advice spontaneously, but I've found that most just play their own game.

The answer to both these things is to keep playing leagues and minis and hang out with the golfers you think are fun to hang out with. Most of them will probably be better than you at this point (I've been playing for almost 2 years and most of the people I play with are probably better than me), so you can see which shots they throw and what discs they use. Also, just ask them specific questions about what they'd do, and they'll probably answer.

Just play with people who are fun to play with, and ask them questions. Really though, in the end you can learn from any golfer, good or bad. You'll also most likely just get better with time if you're even only partially focused on how best to learn and play the game.

 

[Hartley444]

I would suggest playing doubles if any local courses have them. Also, if there is a FB page for local clubs, to join. I have met a few people from the FB page for random rounds and they have all been friendly and helpful. They usually play with other people so I started to meet more people. I've been playing about a year and I agree there are some a holes but about what I would expect. Most have been friendly and helpful.

 

[Tmart]

My tip: Don't stereotype the stoners or consider them bad people just because they smoke pot. Most of the people i've met on the course were stoners and they have all been very friendly and helpful. And no, they aren't only there just to smoke weed, they are there to enjoy the same sport that we all enjoy for the same reasons we enjoy it. The other thing is I'll bet the stoners are 50% or higher you just don't know who they all are yet because they haven't done it in front of you.

 

[Rockwell]

The best way I've made friends out of strangers while playing disc golf is playing local doubles. You'll become friends with those in your group and you'll likely learn from the better players you get partnered with. (Even in a town where there were established cliques that were hard to break into, partnering with someone almost always was a good experience.)

Also, if you are really interested in learning the game, find out who the best player in your town is and invite them to play a round with you. Tell them you are learning the game and heard they were the best around (which will make them feel great). You can ask for pointers along the way, and observe them on a course you likely play often. Offer to buy them a drink/meal or whatever for their help.

Sidenote: during tournaments many players aren't at thier friendliest, because golf is a game that requires focus and often an internal battle. I've found people to be cooler during casual play.

 

[MrDarkHorse]

As far as the local pros taking things too seriously; you have to remember that most of us invest a lot of time and energy into our game. Many of us treat it like a second job. It's not an excuse to be an a-hole to anyone, but try to keep that in mind. Not a lot of people have that uber-competitive spirit, so I can see that turning some people off. These types exist in all sports, though.

Yeah I totally understand being super competitive and working on your game. I throw or play a round pretty much every day, and that's why I'm here so much.

It's not the competitiveness that turns me off, it's the exclusion and/or the rudeness.

It's the same way with the pot guys. I don't necessarily mind that you're smoking on the course, but I do think it's unfortunate that it means that people feel like they have to hide from unknown players for fear of being narced on. (not to mention the fact that outsiders are going to have a hard time taking a sport seriously that such a significant portion of the population likes to do it while under the influence and/or intoxicated... like darts or bowling)

I guess this was more of a rambling commentary about the pluses and minuses of the culture of the sport. It's a great sport, but I think some of these issues are probably barriers to growing the sport even further.

Personally it's not going to deter me, but I do think it's a little disappointing.