How To Deal With Disc Golf Addiction

Disc golf addiction comes in many forms. But it always garners a similar result; loads of disc golf consumption. Whether it is playing or practicing or putting or viewing, the itch is real. It is about this time of year that I feel the addiction. Ahhhh Springtime. The forecasts of snow slowly fade as visions of discs in flight take full formation. This is an addiction of positive circumstance if we treat it right. Make sure other aspects of your life are in order and then it’s off to the course for 18 holes, or maybe 72.

Accepting Addiction

To understand our addiction let’s first look at how Miriam Webster defines addiction; “A strong inclination to do, use, or indulge in something repeatedly.”

With disc golf in today’s world, the ability to “indulge in something repeatedly” is amplified due to technology. We are able to engage in disc golf from a myriad of angles. This comes in the form of playing, practicing, putting, watching, reading, buying, reviewing, etc. For me, it all starts with the inner yearning. A deep compulsion to throw or interact with disc golf media. When this feeling presents itself, it’s time to make a decision. How shall I engage?

There is no right answer to this question. Personally, it is a blend of putting at my basket, playing rounds with friends, and watching rounds on YouTube. No one aspect is more important than the other. However, they all contribute the greater goal; get as much disc golf into my being as possible!

Let’s Be Clear

First things first; let’s staple this to the wall so it does not create problems at home. DISC GOLF ADDICTION IS REAL!! Let’s not beat around the bush or call it something it is not. Let’s give this feeling all the credit it deserves. I have had conversations with many players about this addiction and all the stories followed a similar arc. This is a full-fledged addiction with all of its accouterments; peaks and valleys, avoidance of responsibility, irrational decisions, and incredible amounts of enjoyment. How could this be true for so many people?

Personally, when I am on a disc golf bender, other important aspects of my life are ignored. I put off chores, work, family time, hygiene, eating, etc. so I can hit the course one more time. Just one more time! While this is not necessarily a bad thing, It is good to know this is happening. When your husband or wife or friend let you know, “You seem to be playing a lot of disc golf these days,” it may be time to slow it down. Focus on the atrophied parts of your life so you can get back out to the course.

In all honesty, disc golf addiction can have harmful side effects. The main aspect is playing too much. You know the ramifications; sore back, tender elbow, shoulder pain, and questions at home. But this doesn’t need to be the case. With a bit of foresight and some execution, you can healthily work your way through your disc golf addiction. Remember to stretch and take care of your home life so you are able to spend more time on the course.

Dealing With Addiction

This pre-round warm-up routine video may just save your disc golf season. It is a Disc Golf Strong warm-up demonstrating a five-minute routine by Seth Munsey. I highly recommend implementing this into your pre-round routine as it will contribute to your longevity in the game. This is especially true when the addiction takes grip. I sometimes find myself playing upwards of 72 holes a day. If I do not stretch I cannot play, simple as that.

On the other hand, sometimes your addiction leads you into a dark room in your home with comfort food and post-produced tournament footage on your favorite screen. After the first nine holes you think,” Well, that was awesome. I gotta see the back 9.” And so it goes. It’s incessant. Then, through YouTube coverage, you feel you are on a first-name basis with the players on each video, “What was THAT Simon? Is that even possible Eagle? A scoober from there Brodie?”

The addiction has reached new levels at this point. But then you head out to the course and realize that, though your shirt has chip crumbs and chocolate stains on it, you actually learned something. All of your viewing was not done in vain. The question of “What would Eagle do here” or “How would Paul approach this” helps you view shot selection in new and fresh ways. Watching pros play a course brings creative ideas to your game.

Bringing It All Together

After playing WAY too much and watching WAY too much it’s time to relax away from disc golf, kind of. You are physically removed from the sport, however, the mind never wanders far. The disc golf mantra is held steady and it’s off to your favorite disc golf website to consume news and buy discs. You learned about new runs of your favorite plastic and this new disc that was released that is the most overstable disc ever produced, I must buy it!! Somehow a couple hours roll by and your inbox has confirmations of five new discs on the way. Ohhh addiction.

To thoroughly take care of your addiction you need a support group. Now that you have all these new discs, make sure your meetings occur on the first tee of your favorite course and continue playing until all parties are satiated. This support group is necessary as it will also slow down your rounds. When playing solo, your rounds are very quick. This leads to many more shots and the possibility of injuries. On the other hand, your support group will keep a sustainable pace and keep your throws in check.

When your addiction meets critical mass, it’s time to buy a basket and 10 of your favorite putters. This will give you the necessary means for a quick fix close to home. Trust me, your family will appreciate this. When you are short on time or YouTube rounds aren’t cutting it, a quick round of putting may be just what you need. Also, putting is the most important part of the game. The 10 putters you purchased will allow you to find consistency in your game and scratch that itch.

Conclusion

Disc golf addiction is real, though it need not be a hindrance in your life. Try to prioritize your life so that you may play disc golf to your heart’s content. Just make sure to take care of what matters most before picking up your discs. Stretch before you play and be sure to include friends in your rounds. These aspects of addiction will ensure a sound body and mind once you are satiated. Enjoy yourself and appreciate your addiction to a sport that has such positive benefits.