Disc golf has exploded in popularity in recent years, with more and more players joining local leagues and participating in weekend tournaments. If you’ve developed your skills and are ready to take the next step into competitive disc golf, tournaments are a great way to challenge yourself and measure your abilities against other players. Getting involved in tournaments as a beginner can seem daunting, but with the right preparation and knowledge, any amateur can learn how to break into the competitive disc golf scene.
Research Local Tournaments
The first step is finding out what tournaments are happening in your area. Check the websites and social media pages of local disc golf clubs and your city’s parks department to see if they host or sponsor any events. There are also national tournament listing websites like PDGA.com where you can search for upcoming accredited tournaments by location. Create a calendar of the tournaments you’d like to participate in over the next few months to help plan and prepare.
| Tournament Name | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Club Classic | June 12 | Johnson Park |
| Amateur Championship | July 24 | Ridgeview DGC |
| Fall Brawl | October 1 | Elmwood DGC |
Pay Attention to Divisions and Ratings
When you start looking at tournament listings, you’ll notice they break down into different divisions and ratings criteria. Divisions separate players by gender, age, and skill level. Ratings refer to a player’s PDGA rating, which is like a handicap based on tournament results. Make sure to enter divisions and ratings brackets that fit your demographic and skill level as a beginner. Playing against pros or very advanced amateurs as a new tournament player will be frustrating and not very fun.
Register Early
Popular local tournaments can fill up registration weeks or months in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute to sign-up and risk missing out on spots. Pay your entry fee early and block off the tournament dates on your calendar. When registration is open, sign-up for 1-2 divisions like Novice or Recreational to start out.
Upgrade Your Gear
You don’t need the most high-tech expensive equipment to play disc golf, but you’ll want to make sure your discs and other gear meet PDGA standards for tournament play. Things like mini markers for marking disc lies and a portable stool can also be helpful on long tournament days. A few weeks before the tournament, do an inventory of your bag and order any necessary new discs and accessories online.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Once you know which tournaments you plan to enter, structure your practice regimen accordingly 2-3 months in advance. Play multiple practice rounds on the actual tournament course if possible to learn the layout. Focus practice on sharpening driving accuracy, disposal shots, and putting. Work through different scenarios and weather conditions. Track scores and weaknesses to know what to improve before tournament day.
Learn the Rules
Make sure you thoroughly study up on the official PDGA rules before competing. Not knowing the intricate rules around marking lies, OBs, penalties and more can lead to frustrating mistakes and disqualifications. Read the rule book and watch instructional videos online for clear explanations. Attend a rules clinic or ask experienced player friends for a tournament rules crash course.
Prepare Your Body
Take extra care to eat healthy, hydrate, stretch, and get plenty of rest leading up to a tourney. Being physically ready will give you more stamina and mental focus for long courses and multiple rounds spanning several hours and days. Pack healthy snacks, meals, water, backup clothes, first aid, and essentials to stay fueled and comfortable for on-site tournament play.
Stay Calm and Have Fun
It’s natural to feel nervousness and competitive pressure during your first disc golf tournaments. Just remember the fundamentals you’ve practiced, focus on playing your best, and don’t dwell on every errant throw or early mistake. Follow rules and etiquette, be polite to fellow competitors, and do your best to enjoy the experience. The more tournaments you play, the more comfortable and less intimidated you’ll feel. So, playing disc golf competitively adds a whole new dynamic and level of challenge to the sport. With the right planning and mindset, new players can successfully break into tournaments. Follow these tips on finding local events, gearing up, rules knowledge, physical preparation, and mental focus. With practice, experience and persistence, you’ll be ready to hit the tourney circuit and take your disc golf game to the next level. Good luck!
