Tuesday, December 31, 2019

This is the end - Disc Golf Answer Man Episode 296



We close out 2019 with Bobby, Anthony, and Danny on Disc Golf Answer Man episode 296.

Monday, December 30, 2019

What Are Your Disc Golf Goals In The New Year?


It’s hard to believe that 2019 came and went so quickly, and with each new year, we have another opportunity to set some goals around our disc golf game. While we can certainly challenge ourselves any time of the year, there’s just something about January that helps us to get into the spirit of reaching new heights. Whether you’re a player who is still fairly new to the sport or you’ve been active in the scene for years, there are always ways to improve your game - but what will you focus on?

The Number One Objective

Perhaps more than any other type of goal related to disc golf, we hear about people’s ratings and the desire for them to go up. If you consider yourself to be a rather competitive person and want to see how you compare to others in your division, then this is a great way to do so. Since your rating is directly related to your performance on the course, it makes sense that it would be the ideal way to improve. But is “raise my rating by 20 points” the only way to challenge yourself? We don’t think so.

Improving Your Performance

There are tons of other ways to measure your success in disc golf that have nothing to do with your ratings and instead focus on various aspects of your game. For those who love doing fieldwork, set a new goal for yourself when it comes to max distance - even adding an extra 20 or 30 feet can make a big difference on the course. Spend some time around the practice basket as well, and see if you can challenge yourself in 2020. Maybe your circle two putts need some work or you can simply focus on putting a certain number of times per week.

Tournament rounds can also be a great way of improving one’s game even if you aren’t looking at your rating. Consider playing in some of the same events as last year and set a goal for yourself to finish higher on the leaderboards than you did before, even if it’s only by one spot. If you’re not too terribly interested in where you land, why not set a goal to simply have more fun?

Infinite Options

Your disc golf goals in 2020 don’t have to be meaningful to anyone but yourself and they can be as varied as you want. Maybe you want to play three more events this year than you did last year, or perhaps you want to volunteer your time at the local course - any type of effort that you put toward the sport and your own personal development within it is a worthy goal, so don’t feel pressured to make it based upon your skillset.

We want to hear from you! Even if 2020 is your first year playing the game, what goals do you have set for yourself over the next 12 months? No goal is too large or small, so be sure to let us know below!
Thursday, December 26, 2019

The Veterans for Vets Events - A Realtime Recap


This winter, disc golfers around the nation can make a difference in the lives of many by simply running a tournament. Through our Veterans for Vets events, players can enjoy a lighthearted round or two while benefiting local veterans groups and showing their support to the many servicemen and women who enjoy the game right alongside us. Yet if you’ve never run a tournament before, you might be wondering if it’s easy to do - we spoke with two players who ran their own Veterans for Vets event and got to hear just how amazing it was!

A Close Connection

Jesie Kohl is an avid disc golfer, and when he found out about the chance to help veterans through the sport he loves, his next step was a no-brainer:

“I myself am a veteran. I was in the army for four years as an infantry paratrooper. I was listening to the Disc Golf Answer Man podcast at work one day when the Veterans for Vets was announced. Immediately I knew it was something I wanted to do. I was super excited to tie my love of disc golf into helping local veterans. I knew right away that the VFW in my city would be my charity because they do so many great things for our local vets.”

While Kohl has played in tournaments before, this was his first time running one, yet he found that it couldn’t have been easier. “It was a fun challenge that I took head-on. The community really came together donating prizes, money, and time. The event really would not have been possible without my wife, her best friend, and a few guys from our local disc golf club stepping up to help.”

Held at Skyview Park in Norfolk, Nebraska, Jesie had 45 golfers show up to play and everyone had a great time. The mood in the air was laid back instead of competitive, and in the end, they raised $550 for charity!

A Tournament In A Box

Also finding success with her own local event, Sarah Pettengill was instantly attracted to the idea of helping local veterans. “I am captain of a winter team for Winter Team Challenge & nearly half my team are veterans so this is something that means a lot to them and in turn me as well. I think it's for a great cause and I wanted to do something to help such a great cause!”

Her Veterans for Vets event was the second tournament she’s directed and noted that it was by far the easier of the two! “Dynamic Discs made it so easy to run this event; it's a great starter event! The best way I can describe it is essentially you sign up to run the event and Dynamic Discs sends you a tournament in a box! All you have to do is promote the event and that's easy. Definitely a great way to get your toes wet for TDing an event!”

Sarah’s event saw 25 players at Pin High in Monmouth, Maine and similarly to Jesie, said that everyone was in a great mood and left their competitive nature at home. “The goal was to raise money for a great cause, not take home trophies and/or money and that makes for a better mood every time,” she said.

If you’re interested in running your own Veterans for Vets event this winter or want to find one near you, click here!
Monday, December 23, 2019

Using The Winter Months To Dial In Your Disc Golf Diet


By and large, when we talk about getting in shape for disc golf, we often think about ways we can exercise or things we can practice on the course. Much of the preparation that players undergo during the offseason has to do with their physical bodies in terms of how fit or flexible they might be, but not as much attention seems to be given to what we’re putting into these bodies of ours.

While there’s, of course, no specific disc golf diet, it’s common knowledge that what you put into your body has a direct result in how you feel - essentially, you truly are what you eat. Rather than thinking of the word “diet” in the sense of calorie restriction, try instead framing it in the sense of your dietary habits. Having healthy snacks while on the course is one thing, but committing to a whole new way of eating can make a noticeable difference.

“Eating Clean”

Nutritionists will tell you time and time again that counting calories isn’t always the best thing for your body, and as we are all built so differently, it’s almost impossible to base one’s diet off of these numbers alone. Instead, the concept that’s rapidly growing in popularity is “eating clean.” You may have heard of it before but have you wondered what it can do for your game?

Take a quick scroll through your Instagram feed and you’ll see many pro players talking about this type of eating as it offers them an immense amount of nutrients, helps them to stay energized, and aids in their focus on the course. Simply put, “eating clean” refers to incorporating as much whole food into your diet as you can. Meals should be made up of fruits and vegetables along with healthy proteins in their most natural state - meaning that snacking on an apple is likely better for you than processed dried apple chips.

Some call “eating clean” a fad as it can sometimes incorporate the elimination of some foods like grain or dairy, although each person should make their own choices regarding what foods they want to stay away from. The ultimate goal is to consume as few packaged and processed foods as you can.

A Clear Difference

If you’re already a healthy eater, making the jump to a clean diet might not be so difficult, but for others, it’s a radically new way to think about food. A multitude of studies show that clean eating can reduce brain fog (allowing you to stay focused on your shots), increase energy levels (keeping you motivated through all 18 holes), and may even help you to lose a few pounds if you so desire (imagine your stamina on the course if you felt more fit!).

Rather than trying to make this dietary change while in the middle of the disc golf season, consider taking these dark and cold winter months to ease your way into a healthier diet. We’d be shocked if you didn’t see a benefit both on and off the course. Let us know in the comments below - what kind of diet works best for you and your disc golf game?
Wednesday, December 18, 2019

When is the right time to tour?

By Courtney Elder

4x Professional World Champion Valarie Jenkins
Pursuing disc golf professionally looks quite different now than it did when the sport was first becoming popular. Until recently, the typical story of a disc golf player looked something like the following: grow up playing other sports, go to college, discover disc golf sometime in your adult life, and from there decide if you’re going to turn it into a career or not. While there are certainly variations to this narrative, it was more often the case than not.

However, with such a push to grow the sport and get kids involved from a young age, the role of disc golf in one’s life is now very different. Some of the sport’s top players were seen on the course decades ago in their early youth, and upon turning 18, many of them faced a difficult crossroads: to go on tour full-time or to pursue a college education.

Depending on one’s priorities, sometimes that decision can be pretty clear, and there are definitely multiple ways to look at the question. On one hand, college will always be there, and there’s nothing wrong with hitting the road first and then studying for a degree in your late 20’s or early 30’s. Yet many might argue that actually “making it” as a professional disc golfer is like finding a needle in a haystack and that a more practical approach to one’s career should be considered instead of briefly cashing in on youthful energy and talent.

It’s an interesting enough quandary that we thought it was worth diving into just a bit deeper, so we talked with four of the sport’s well-known players to get their take on the matter. Along with learning more about them, we asked the all-important question - to tour or not to tour? Keep reading, because their answers may surprise you.

When The Road Calls

There are certainly some players that haven’t even given college a second thought, much less a first, knowing that disc golf is their true path in life. Touring the country with gusto, they are confident that they can ride the wave of their talents and make something of themselves without having to go to school. However, others opt for a more traditional post-high school route only to realize that may not have been the right move for them after all.

One player who did just that is our current World Champion Paige Bjerkaas. After high school, she attended college for Elementary Education with the hopes of someday being a teacher. As she progressed through school and cultivated her disc golf skills, it became clear to her that things just weren’t adding up. When asked why she decided to leave for the open road, she mentioned a number of aspects:

2018 Professional World Champion Paige Bjerkaas
“There were a few factors that went into my decision to do so. First was how well I was playing disc golf. I had been touring since May and I had been getting better and better each weekend. So I figured if I kept going, I was bound to win something. Second was how much fun I was having. I started to make good friends and was enjoying the tour life that didn’t have to do with disc golf: the exploring, the traveling, the new sites, new food, etc. And third was my loss of passion for what I was studying. The further along in school I got, the less I really wanted to teach. I knew I wouldn’t be happy staying in school working toward something I wasn’t sure I wanted to do. So ultimately, all those things led to my decision to stay on the road.”

Before simply throwing in the college towel, Paige did consider taking online courses in order to fulfill both of her objectives, but she was simply too far along in her degree to make it work. Along with the support of her friends and Dynamic Discs family, the decision to go on the road became an easier one as time went on. Who knows - if she had been focused on schoolwork, maybe she wouldn’t have come out on top at Worlds! While leaving school was clearly the right move for her, Bjerkaas does offer some advice for those who aren’t quite sure which path to take. Other than making sure to think about all aspects of both tour and college in the long run, making sure to stay committed to your decision is key. If you still can’t choose, she offers a wise suggestion:

“My advice for people who are on the fence about touring and college is to tour! Looking back on my experience, I regret not hitting the road ASAP. I definitely enjoyed college and made some lifetime friends, but now I have college debt for something I didn’t even end up wanting to do. However, if you are really passionate about a certain field and you do want to go to college, I would suggest summer tours. Save up money and during the summer you can tour for about three months, then get back to the grind in the fall. Plus, all the best events are during summertime in my opinion, except GBO. Also, if you do go to school, go somewhere where there are disc golf courses and other people who play.”

Multitasking To The Max

Paige’s suggestion to try out both college and touring certainly is a tall order to fill, but if you are passionate about getting an education while playing disc golf, it’s definitely possible - just look at Valarie Jenkins. A major player in the sport, Valarie has certainly seen an immense amount of success within her disc golf career. But did you know that she also has a degree and worked exceptionally hard to earn it?

Jenkins initially took a year off after high school to travel and figure out what life had in store for her, and then was enticed to go to college with the option of being roommates with five of her best friends. Although this year was quite memorable, she found herself really missing out on all of the tournaments across the world. While Valarie was able to take down win after win after rejoining her fellow players, she saw that the sport needed much more from a business perspective and it really got her wheels turning about how she could contribute:

“I wanted to learn more about the business and marketing world and I realized that taking some college classes might help. At that time, University of Phoenix was the only reputable online college out there. I filled out a form online and I think within that day someone called me. I started chatting and instantly realized that this could be a really great option for me. So I went for it. The advisors that I talked to at the school were very helpful and supportive. They checked in with me every now and then and helped me create a program that would work for my travel schedule and keep me on track to get my degree.”

While completing her BA in Marketing online, Valarie and husband Nate Doss traveled the world playing disc golf. Sometimes they had to get very creative in order for her to complete her schoolwork, especially when they camped across Australia for two months. “I always remember many moments where everyone would be celebrating the tournament weekend, and I’d have my computer out writing a paper or responding to the discussion forums,” she explained. “One great memory is when Nate helped me with some math homework after my 2009 Worlds win! I did what I had to do to complete the courses regardless of where I was in the world, or what tournaments I just played. It was my responsibility that I signed on for, and I knew that it would better me in the long run.”

For Valarie, she saw that playing competitively and going to college weren’t mutually exclusive, and in 2011 she finished her coursework and received her degree. Not only does her BA prove that you can truly put your mind to anything that you want to accomplish, but it’s given her a jumpstart in the business world as it relates to the sport. She’s gone on to start DiscGolf4Women, used her skills as the Chairwoman of the PDGA Women’s Committee, and so much more.

If you’re unsure about what to do after high school, Jenkins offers some great advice: “As we all know, being a professional athlete as a career can end in a split second with injuries. Having a backup plan and continuing to build on your passion through higher education is a great idea. If you decide to go back to school, make sure you’re willing to put in the time and energy regardless of what happens. I’d highly recommend to anyone who is on the fence to take some online classes. You’ll not only better yourself, but you could use that education to help grow the sport we all love.”

Going In Order

Both Paige and Valarie bring great points to the table when it comes to college and touring. While they both saw that hitting the road sooner rather than later was invaluable, others have taken a very different approach. Making a huge name for himself as of late on the professional circuit is Calvin Heimburg, a player who brings a lot more to the table than just a great game. Many may not know that he graduated from University of Florida in 2017 with a chemical engineering degree, and his thought process in doing so before touring certainly makes sense.
2019 National Tour Points Champion Calvin Heimburg

While he began enjoying disc golf around 2008 after receiving a starter pack for his birthday, Calvin only played infrequently with his dad. After discovering that a close friend was also involved in the sport, his interested grew quickly and at the end of 2010, he competed in his first sanctioned event. By 2014, he was playing in Open and knew that disc golf was in his life to stay.

Although he’s now a proud degree holder, Heimburg isn’t quite sure what he wants to do with his career, which is in part why he’s on the road now. While that uncertainty may now be present, he was always steadfast in his plans:

“I can't really say that I ever thought about ditching college for the road. There was always a plethora of tournaments in the Southeast to play throughout the year that I could travel to for the weekend. Getting my degree was always the primary objective and the decision process on whether or not to hit the road didn't start until after I had already graduated. I am sure that there were some classes that I could have taken online. However, it is definitely easier to keep up with schoolwork when that is what you are focused on doing.”

Not everyone can be as sure as Calvin was when it comes to touring or not, but he does suggest that if people are unclear, they should attempt a mix of both until it becomes apparent which path will be right for them. Again as we heard from Valarie, sticking with your decision seems to be key. “If you decide to tour full time, you have to make sure that you have a good support structure behind you because living expenses on the road add up quickly,” Calvin explained. “Both options have their pros and their cons. You just have to choose the lifestyle that you think is better for you and commit to it.”

School, Then Disc Golf, Then More School?

There is no right way to go about one’s career path, and what may seem like a firm decision in a certain direction can absolutely change at a moment’s notice. For Madison Walker, that became apparent in 2014. Holding a degree in Marine Biology with a minor in Chemistry, she worked for roughly three years post-college with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response as an onsite biologist and natural resource advisor. After getting laid off and waiting tables to make ends meet, she realized that playing disc golf could be a viable career option.

Madison played local events in Florida and Georgia, and although she was in the process of applying to graduate school, she decided to attend 2014 Worlds in Portland, Oregon. There she reunited with Paige Pierce whom she’d met at a tournament earlier in the year. Together the two of them embarked upon the 2015 season with intensity, and it was in many ways a crash course for Madison into what “tour life” is all about:

“I figured I could get a [Master’s] degree at any point in my life, but getting the opportunity to be Paige Pierce's wingman wasn't going to come around again later in life. I had a decent savings account and was sponsored during my first touring year, but funds ran out quickly and I found myself broke and one stroke out of cash pretty quickly. That's where Paige came in - she was my biggest supporter financially. She liked to call it ‘mentoring.’

No matter what it's called, I am so thankful she took me under her wing and helped me get through the most financially unsuccessful year of my life. She encouraged me to stick with it for another year at least, and my unwillingness to back down from a challenge has kept me on the road ever since. And a challenge it has been!”

Touring Professional Madison Walker
Although Walker has become one of disc golf’s more notable female players in the last few years and she truly loves the sport with all of her heart, touring full-time may not be in the cards for her in the coming years. She shared that natural sciences are her true passion and she will be returning to them soon. As far as what that looks like is anyone’s guess at this point, but flexibility in today’s workforce may allow her to mold both disc golf and her career into something unique that works for her.

“You can literally do anything you set your mind to if you're willing to work hard, and maybe have a bit of natural talent to boot,” she said. “I think the decision is situational, but I am very happy I decided to stick with college, as having a solid back-up plan while grinding away on tour makes the risky lifestyle a little easier to accept.” Madison is right in that touring is certainly a risk, but isn’t going to college equally as ambitious?

Doing What’s Right For You

We’ve learned just a little bit from some of disc golf’s more notable players and without question, each competitor on tour likely has their own similar story to share. Whether it’s an injury that will sideline someone and encourage them to go back to school or it’s a pure and natural talent that simply has to be expressed on the road right away, there’s no one right way to handle this major decision. Even with the best-made plans, anything can happen, and having a backup option is always smart no matter what road you choose to travel down. As these pros have shared, what’s most important is to follow your heart, because if your decision brings you true happiness, then in a sense, you’ve already won.
Monday, December 16, 2019

Paige Shue on Episode 293 Disc Golf Answer Man


Paige Shue (formerly Bjerkaas) is spending some of her off-season in Emporia, Kansas working at the retail store. We invite her on the show to help answer your disc golf questions.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

What Are Sponsors Looking for? - Jeff Casalina


As a “sponsored player”, the question that I’m most often asked is not, “What discs do you throw?” but rather, “How do I get sponsored?”  It’s a tough subject to try and answer, but who am I to say that it is unattainable? It isn't! Now that we’re at the time of year where players are getting picked up or possibly switching companies, it’s a good time to go over what manufacturers are looking for in sponsored players.

Just a little background information about me...I’m not a touring professional. I’m not a 1000-rated disc golfer. I have a family of 6 and work 2 jobs, so like most of you, I’m just living the American Dream! I am, however, heading into my 3rd season as a member of Team Dynamic Discs, so as you can see, your dream is not far from your grasp!

So what are these companies looking for in a player? They’re looking for overall “good” people that are in their respective communities making a difference on the disc golf scene! Yes, you can say that you’re active in your local club, but what are you doing to stand out amongst the others? A dozen people will show up to the scheduled workday at your course, but are you the one that orchestrated it? Players will sign up for your club’s events, but are you the Tournament Director? If you come from an area that has a good problem of having a large scene, then you will have to think of ways that help you stand out. Now, don’t go astray from your moral compass either, because that will take you out of the “good people” category for sure! Be yourself, be a great mentor, and be a great ambassador to not only your club and disc golf but also your own family!

You’re probably asking, “How am I supposed to get noticed?” Social media is the best tool, but it can also be the biggest demise in trying to gain sponsorship! Unless you’ve been recommended by someone already on the teams, you probably filled out an application for sponsorship. Don’t think that the Team Managers aren’t checking your social media sites. They want to know what kind of life you live or what brands you are throwing. Do you make genuine posts about what you’re passionate about? Also, how well do you express your opinions on social media? Will you be able to advertise their brand in an effective way that benefits the company? Being an Ambassador to their company and products from anywhere is crucial. All of this is factored in when they’re selecting their future team members.

Now you’ve applied for a sponsorship, and you know that your social media is getting checked. How much actual playing experience is factored in? Does your rating matter? As I said, I have never been 1000-rated, so not necessarily. Some companies think rating isn't the only thing that helps players to be able to teach others correctly, and players of all levels can have the knowledge to promote their products. However, having a decent rating would indicate that you’ve had some experience in tournaments and have been performing well during competition, so continue playing and running events in your area. Trust me, the more you’re willing to do for your sponsors will only benefit you in the long run!

Let’s talk about something that some may not think about, and that’s brand loyalty. I know most players that do not have a sponsor carry a “mixed bag”.  Some have bags full of their favorite manufacturer's discs. Having some knowledge of a company’s product doesn’t hurt in the process of selection. People on the local or regional scenes are some of the best product promoters for companies, so once you find what you like to throw, stick with it, and learn its full potential.

I hope that this helps you have an understanding of what companies are looking for in their players.  Don’t get caught up only in playing to get sponsored though, because you will put unwanted stress on your game. Play because you love the game of disc golf, and if you work hard enough, you’ll be finding sponsors that are willing to give you a shot.  Make the most of it, enjoy the perks, and be a great ambassador!
Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Dynamic Discs Month In Review - November 2019

Dynamic Discs employees and fans are often asked, “Which of your discs are the most popular?” We tend to think that we know the answers, but some of our ideas may or may not be biased depending on our personal favorites. It’s time to put all that speculation to rest with some COLD, HARD FACTS. It’s time for the Dynamic Discs Month In Review.

Some discs may appear twice or more because of different plastic types. Here are November's top sellers:

  1. Lucid-X Chameleon Judge
  2. Lucid Raider
  3. Zero Medium Moonshine Keystone
  4. Opto Air Jade
  5. Opto River
  6. Opto Diamond
  7. Lucid-X Suspect
  8. Classic Soft Burst Judge
  9. Classic Blend Judge
  10. Classic Blend Burst Judge
  11. Gold Diamond
  12. Classic Burst Judge
  13. Lucid EMAC Truth
  14. Lucid Patrol
  15. Classic Warden
  16. Prime Judge
  17. Lucid-X Maverick
  18. VIP-X Glimmer Underworld
  19. Classic Deputy
  20. Zero Medium Burst Pure


Black Friday has come and gone, and it gave us one of the coolest products we’ve seen - the Lucid-X Chameleon Judge. The Lucid-X Chameleon version is joined by FIVE other Judge variants for November. Putters certainly won the month as the Judge was joined by the Keystone, Warden, Deputy, and Pure to claim nine of the top seller positions. It seems that everyone is gearing up for Winter Marksman Leagues! The Raider is still atop the list of drivers, but newcomer Air Jade claimed the fourth spot and joins the Opto and Gold Diamond for newer players and slower arm speeds. The River has remained one of our most thrown and sold discs, and it’s joined by a Lucid-X Maverick restock as well as the VIP-X Glimmer Underworld release. As 2020 nears, be on the lookout for more special plastic from Westside Discs for Nikko Locastro on this list. Now get out there, brave the cold, and play some disc golf!

Thanks for joining us in looking at a snapshot of our best sellers. Which discs are you surprised to see off the list? Leave a comment below, and let us know why your favorite disc should make December’s Month in Review!
Monday, December 9, 2019

Our 2019 Holiday Gift Guide


The months seem to go by more and more quickly each year, and before you know it, it’s already time to start thinking about holiday shopping. If you’ve been waiting for great prices before making your purchases or simply haven’t gotten around to doing any of your shopping quite yet, that’s ok - we’ve got you covered with some great ideas for the whole family. Let’s take a look at some of the items that made the cut this year in our holiday gift guide!

For The Kiddos

As much as disc golf, in general, promotes spreading the sport to younger generations, it can sometimes be difficult to find them gear that’s appropriately sized. If you have a child, or even a niece, nephew, or family friend, who’s obsessed with the game but isn't quite an adult just yet, consider picking them up the Cadet Backpack. It’s one of the smaller backpack style bags that we have available, and while it still holds at least 17 discs, it won’t be so large that a 10-year old couldn’t wear it. While you’re at it, pick them up a dri-fit, hat, or polo from our youth apparel section.

Improving Your Game

Even casual players are typically pretty dedicated to disc golf and are often working on specific skills when they’re not on the course. If you have the room, or even if you don’t, consider picking yourself up a practice basket for your own holiday gift. The Recruit Basket is portable, easy to put together, and made from high-quality materials at an affordable price.

Make sure to pair your new target with discs that we’ve bundled together to support your efforts in the field. Our Field Work Packs contain four discs in your favorite mold with different plastics for you to explore. Both drivers and mids can be found, allowing you to dedicate more time to perfecting your shots. These packs make great gifts for all players as they take the struggle out of disc selection for those who aren’t sure what to buy their friends.

Stay Comfortable

Unless you live in a select handful of states across the US, you’re probably going to be experiencing some cold temperatures on the course for the next several months. Make sure to layer up with the Handeye Supply Co Utility Jacket or stay dry as can be with our Dynamic Discs Monsoon Seam-Sealed Rain Jacket. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to stay inside - with the right gear, you can enjoy disc golf all year long!

Keeping one’s body comfortable has to do with more than just clothes, and if your friends or family are obsessed with their Backpack Cart LG or Transit Cart, why not give them a little bit of relief while they sit? Priced at only $25, this cart seat cushion will provide them hours of rest during long backups.

A Disc Golf Holiday

Whether you celebrate a specific holiday in December or you simply want to give your loved ones gifts for no reason at all, head over to Dynamic Discs and check out even more options - the disc golf lovers in your life will thank you!
Friday, December 6, 2019

What To Do When Telling Your Family You're A Disc Golfer Over The Holidays


For most people, the holidays mean a number of things - playing less disc golf as it gets darker so much earlier outside, getting to take time off of work, and spending more days with your extended family than you do any other time of the year. If you’re lucky, you’re super close with your aunts and uncles, cousins and in-laws, but not everyone has the chance to enjoy heartfelt communication and shared activities with those they’re related to.

If you’ve recently been bitten by the disc golf bug and want to tell your family all about it during a holiday get together, you might be feeling a bit nervous. There are a ton of stereotypes that come along with the sport, and people who you only see a few times a year might not understand what it’s all about, especially if you aren’t super close with them. Let’s explore a few of the common concerns you might hear and how you can overcome them.

“It’s not a real sport”

We all know that’s not true, but for so many people across the world, disc golf doesn’t seem as real as basketball, baseball, or football. Perhaps it has to do with the lack of money in the sport or its’ still very narrow reach, but nonetheless, you’ll likely hear this phrase when you share about your love of the game.

According to Wikipedia, a sport “includes all forms of competitive physical activity or games which, through casual or organized participation, at least in part aim to use, maintain or improve physical ability and skills while providing enjoyment to participants, and in some cases, entertainment for spectators.” It couldn’t be any more clear - disc golf is, in fact, a sport.

“You’ll never get any good”

This might ring in the ears of players who are more casual when it comes to disc golf and instead of attempting to hit the road and make a living out of it, realize that it’s more of a hobby. So, when your least favorite aunt decides to rag on you for your lack of skills and tell you that you won’t get good, you can tell her that that’s not what disc golf is about.

We love this game because it offers a way to challenge yourself every time you play, and rather than “getting good,” the goal instead is to have fun and see if you can do better than you did last time. Disc golf is great for making new friends, spending time with the ones you have, and incorporating exercise into your life.

“Disc golf is a waste of money”

In reality, playing disc golf is probably cheaper than the gym membership that all of your family members don’t use, as most courses are completely free to play. A set of discs for a beginner isn’t costly at all, and it’s a sport that’s flexible enough to let you choose how much involvement, and therefore money, you put into it. Imagine saying that over the holiday dinner table, huh?

All kidding aside, we realize that some people do have a difficult time when it comes to their family giving them a hard time about disc golf. If you haven’t already shared the above information with them, consider educating them about the game and even taking them out to play a few holes. You never know who you’ll turn from a hater into a lover of the game.