I was successful in getting my wife (girlfriend at the time) to love disc golf a few years ago. I learned a few lessons along the way that I will try to impart with you. These are in no way laws, just my own experience, your mileage may vary.
Thought I could build on this outstanding post. My wife has been playing for nearly 20 years now. It was a slow process, but the driving force was her urge to share one of my passions.
1. Don't try to get her using perfect form right away. Just let her throw and enjoy. If she winds up continuing, you can gradually introduce good form tips and show her some stuff, but don't overload her on this, keep it to 1 thing at a time.
Great idea, "telling" my wife what to do, or how to do it, is generally a bad plan anyway.
2. This may be unique to my case, but my wife did not want to play when it was crowded, or when we had a large group. This is okay, she doesn't need to play every time. Don't grief her or guilt her into playing, eventually she'll work up confidence.
For sure. My wife came and just walked the course with us for a couple years. Slowly, she decided to give it a shot. She was self conscience and did not like to be watched at first.
3. Again, maybe this is just my experience, but in the beginning she did not want to play full courses (especially some of the 24 hole courses around). Start out with some short, 9 hole courses. You are already on the right track here.
Mrs. ru4por loved the big courses. She like the hike. Often picking a spot down the fairway for her own personal tee, or using the short tees. I would have to think shorter, open courses would build confidence though.
4. She probably won't want to play as often as you, and that's okay. Invite her, make her feel welcome, but at the same time don't make her feel guilty for not wanting to play. Just talk about how much fun you had when you get home and let the seed grow on its own.
Truth. But now, she is upset if she cannot come along.
5. Buy her her own discs, don't just pawn off your old ones. This will help her establish a sense of ownership in the sport. Make sure they are aesthetically pleasing to her (pink works great) and are 150 class or lower.
Lol, this was a big deal to her. X Xpress (Pinks and reds), Diamonds (Pink), Leopards (White with pink hearts), Breeze (Red) and a purple swirly APX (Now a Pink Soft Magnet) Having her own discs, bag, towel, water bottle was a big milestone. I think it was her statement that she was now a disc golfer. She proudly displays a Discraft window decal on her Mustang's back window.
6. Don't play too fast. Part of the allure for her will be getting out on the course, taking a nice walk through some light nature with her man. Don't take this away from her. Obviously you don't want to be holding up a crowded course, but if you're able, just take your time and talk about non disc golf stuff while you play. Think of it as a really awesome romantic walk, rather than a round of disc golf.
My wife does not play over water (fear of losing discs), has certain holes she just does not like, gets tired, hungry, cold....she plays when she wants and gets zero grief from me or my friends. Getting her comfortable with peeing in the woods, was another very big step. Opened up the world of traveling and playing.
7. Don't play your best. In fact, tank on purpose. Miss puts, drive with mids, don't out throw her by more than 100'. This will help with the pressure. If you are playing well, she will just feel more conscientious of being a beginner.
Great suggestion, would not work in my world. She is athletic and competitive.
These are just mild observations. I'm not claiming that they will be a road map to success, but my wife now loves coming to play disc golf with not only me, but my friends as well. Just remember that the more casual you make it, the more fun it will be.
