5 Tips for Your First Tournament

You’ve done it, you’ve really done it! You signed up for your first disc golf tournament! Congratulations to you. Soak in the excitement and feel the energy flowing. This is a momentous occasion for a disc golfer taking their skills to the next level. Then, at some point a thought will enter, “Am I ready for this?” Good question. The answer is not yet, but you will be.

To start, I wish to instill one overarching theme into all of your preparation and play: don’t overthink. Yes, there are some aspects of preparation and play you need to do correctly. However overthinking brings the critical mind into play and we don’t want to be critical of ourselves leading into our first tournament. So stay loose and use these tips to have an unforgettable first tournament.

Be More Than Just a “Disc Golfer”

You are a much more complete person than just a disc golfer. Remember this when showing up for your first tournament. Soak in the atmosphere and the energy that surrounds the event. Notice the foliage and all the natural elements of the season you are in. Appreciate that you are healthy enough to play in a competitive athletic event. Get to know people around you and not just what discs they like to throw. Appreciate this moment. You will remember it the rest of your life. We all remember our first tournament!

Then, when you are at your first hole and the shots start flying, you will feel comfortable with the people around you. You will have perspective and not live in a confining disc golf cocoon. Trust me from experience, the disc golf cocoon can have harmful side effects. Things get serious in a hurry and perspective and concentration get lost into a “I must throw the best shot in the world” attitude. Trust yourself and do what is necessary.

Prepare Your Body, Mind, and Bag

It is the day before your first tournament and all sights are set on the big day. What to do? Start with light exercise to allow yourself a chance at a good night’s sleep. Do some putting to dial in the short game. Eat a healthy meal at least three hours before bed to allow for proper digestion. After dinner prepare your disc golf bag with all the essentials; water, snacks, bug spray, rain gear, mini’s, chalk bag, DISCS, clothes, towels, hat, sunglasses, etc. You will certainly wake up with excitement and you do not want to have to run around looking for items. Have all the items you need lined up so there is no thought as to what needs to go with you.

Use the morning to calm the mind and stretch the body. Use “Disc Golf Strong” (best disc golf strengthening/stretching app) stretching routine or any of your own to get your body prepared. Use YouTube for a settling meditation or use one of your own methods. The idea is to show up to the course with a loose body and settled mind so that you can perform at your highest capacity.

Set Realistic Goals

Goals can make or break a round. Set goals that can be accomplished. Realistic goals pertain to your approach to your game and not to your score. A helpful goal to set is that you want to stay positive throughout the round. That you want to putt well. That you want to keep your drives in bounds. An unhelpful goal is setting an exact score that you want to shoot. For instance, if you shot a hot round at the course you are playing, do not use that score as your goal. That is an unrealistic goal and will leave you feeling like you have to play “catch up” to match the score.

Remember, this is your first tournament. You have no idea how you will react to the circumstances surrounding the tournament. I promise you it will be less serious than you think it will be. And who knows, maybe you will shoot better than you could ever imagine! Always leave this possibility open.

Ideally you will have played the course before (hopefully multiple times!) and you will have a game plan for every tee shot. This will take the guesswork and headgames out of decision making and leave you to trust your game plan to reach your goals. Settle in and let those discs fly like you know how!

Understand the Rules

In disc golf competition, there are many rules we all must play by. Our particular activity is a game of inches and therefore rules come into play frequently. While in practice you may throw from out of bounds (OB) or fall forward on your putt inside 10 meters, this is a no-go in tournaments. You will most likely have empathetic card mates (i.e., people you play your round with) who give you a warning the first time. However, after multiple infractions you are gaining an unfair competitive edge on the rest of the players and you will have to take a stroke penalty.

Do your research and if you are unsure of a certain situation talk to your cardmates. They will certainly be willing and able to let you know the subtleties of rules you are unsure of. There are bound to be situations that you are unclear on so do yourself a favor and just ask. You may feel like a newbie or a greenhorn but set your pride aside and ask the question. You and your score will be better for it. You can also check out the most common misunderstood rules in disc golf.

Concentrate for 15 Seconds at a Time….Then Breathe

Think about this; throughout a three-hour disc golf round, you are only engaged in throwing a disc for 10 minutes. 10 minutes! Use those minutes wisely. The majority of the time you get to walk around soaking in nature’s bounty and chatting with cardmates. Then, when it comes time to perform, do so.

Visualize your line and pick your disc. Take your time to picture the way you want the disc to fly as well as finish. See it land in the exact spot you want it to. Your positivity and confidence levels will be high as you prepare to take your shot. Take an inhale……then time your exhale with your approach and release of the shot. This allows for a loose body and muscle memory to perform as it should. Tightness leads to misthrows. Remember, slow is smooth and smooth is far.

Conclusion

Your first tournament is a cause for celebration. You have already put in the hard work so make sure to ready your body and mind. Do yourself a favor and use these tips to maximize your enjoyment of this occasion. Remember, it is not about how highly you finish but rather about your approach. If you need discs or other accessories for your next tournament, we have you covered. Now get out there and enjoy yourself!