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?

Keep Your Putting Fresh With The Winter Marksman League

For so many of us, the winter months force us to take time off from one of our passions. Not only is it frustrating to choose between shivering throughout 18 holes or sitting at home, but our skills can certainly start to decline. After spending months perfecting your putting routine and or getting used to a new set of putters, wouldn’t you like to keep up your momentum all year long?

It’s with this sentiment in mind that we’ve developed the Winter Marksman League, a way for players across the world to stay sharp on the putting green and have some fun with their friends. With the ability to win prizes and a way to bring your disc golf community closer together, we’ve developed an easy to follow system for groups to enjoy.

How It Works

Running your own Winter Marksman League is pretty simple, and since registration just opened up on November 1st, you’ll want to make sure you submit all of your information sooner rather than later. Depending on the size of your league, you can choose from a range of packages, with varying quantities of Marksman baskets and 6 Winter Marksman League stamped Moonshine Maidens for each week’s winner. We also have Prime and Classic putter packs available to help offset the registration costs.

Leagues can begin as early as December 1st, with time to register until January 12th. All league play must conclude by March 3rd, giving people plenty of time to get a space secured and put the word out to their community!

Keeping Score

The Winter Marksman League has grown by leaps and bounds, and we are so excited to have partnered with UDisc in order to make statistic tracking available for all of our leagues. By implementing a global leaderboard system, you can see how your putting skills compare with your friends and family anywhere else in the world.

Not only do these stats help League Directors run their event smoothly and efficiently, but numbers generated from the 2017/2018 Winter Marksman League gave us some pretty exciting insight. Across the six week league, the results show that people not only maintained their putting ability but actually grew their skills.

Exciting News For This Season

Those who have participated in the Winter Marksman League in the past probably know how much fun it is, but the thought of competing against some of the best putters in the area may have been a little offputting for newer disc golf fans. This year we’ve changed that, as League Directors now have the opportunity to host multiple divisions!

Interested in running a Winter Marksman League of your own? Curious if there’s already one in your area? Visit our information section that details exactly how it works, allows you to look up currently registered leagues, and gives you the opportunity to register your own Winter Marksman League. There’s no reason that colder weather should keep you from improving upon your putting skills, so get some friends together and sign up today!

Preparing For Winter Weather - How To Stay On Top Of Your Game

Some parts of the country have already been met with wintry conditions and tons of snow, while others are still basking in the last few days of warmth that’s left this year. No matter where you live (except maybe in Florida), it’s inevitable that colder temperatures and winter weather will be approaching soon. Die-hard disc golfers aren’t afraid to play in nearly any conditions, yet this seasonal change brings about some elements to consider before heading out the door to play a round.

How can you stay on top of your game when you’re out in the cold or if it’s too dreary to even go outside? We’ve got some tips that will help players of all skill levels make the most out of their off-season.

Changing Up Your Gear

From discs to clothing to your favorite water bottle you always bring, disc golfers have a routine that they stick to when they head out for a casual round or a tournament. In the winter months, it’s essential to adjust accordingly so that you’re prepared for whatever weather comes your way.

Make sure you dress in layers all over your body, with shirts, jackets, pants, and even thermals underneath if it’s warranted. As you begin to move out on the course, you’ll no doubt warm up and will want to strip off some of the clothing you have on. Ensuring you’re properly dressed will go a long way toward a better performance and having more fun.

Despite the fact that it might be frigid with snow on the ground, you’ll still need to bring plenty of water with you to the course. While most people think they only need fluids when it’s hot out, the fact is that you’re still sweating underneath your layers while you play.

One of the most important considerations to make during winter weather is your disc selection. If you have specific plastic that you keep just for colder temperatures, now’s the time to change up your bag and put those discs in. It might also be wise to add some extra backups to your bag as well in case you lose a disc in the snow.

Think About Your Course

We’d bet there’s a good chance that your home course looks a bit different in the winter than it does in spring or summer. Leaves are gone from many of the trees, some branches might even be down from a recent storm, and the ground is definitely harder due to the colder temperatures.

With all of that in mind, how does this affect your game and your ability to enjoy your round? It’s probably more advantageous than you think, as changing course conditions requires you to think on your feet and potentially rely on a variety of shots that you may not be used to taking. Even if you know your home course like the back of your hand, it’s a safe bet that playing it in the winter will provide some additional challenges.

Be mindful of safety considerations while you’re out in the wild as well, as the hunt for a lost disc may not be worth the injury you could sustain. Ice may often seem thicker than it actually is, and holes that are close to rivers and streams will probably pose more of a threat due to increased rainfall and stronger currents.

Keeping Your Game Sharp

Let’s say you live in a part of the country where it’s nearly impossible to get out and play a round of disc golf, let alone practice putt in the front yard. If the conditions are just too extreme, that doesn’t mean your game has to suffer for several months. There are plenty of activities that you can engage in to keep your focus sharp and your skills on point:

• Buy a practice basket for indoor use so you can keep your putting on point. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on one - both the Dynamic Discs Recruit Basket and the Westside Weekend Basket both come in under $200.
• Use a baseball net in your garage or basement and launch some drives into it. While you may not be able to go at it with your full power, it’s at least better than having to stand outside in the freezing cold or trying to dodge the keepsakes in your living room.
• Find an indoor putting league to join, or start one of your own! Many local businesses are open to letting groups use their space, so call around, ask a friend, and see what you can come up with.

Before you know it the sun will be shining again and we’ll be playing in the heat, wishing it was cold once more. Until then, make the most of wintertime disc golf and keep playing as often as you can!