Why You Should Play in a Tournament

Every disc golfer should play at least one tournament. Tournaments are a wonderful medium for testing your skills in a competitive yet friendly environment. Tournaments come in all shapes and sizes. You are sure to find one that fits your skill level and intention. Tournaments are not all about winning. Quite the opposite for many players. Tournaments have a jovial and friendly vibe where old friends (and new ones!) meet and compete. The majority of people play tournaments to challenge themselves and socialize in a welcoming community. Let’s take a look at the reasons you should play in your first tournament.

Community

Playing in a tournament introduces you to a community dedicated to disc golf. Typically there will be a local club that contributes lots of help to put on an event. This goodwill for the sport infuses the tournament with passion for the game. These are people it would be difficult to meet while playing solo or with your friends at local courses. Playing in a tournament gives you more access to the inner core of your local scene and allows friendships to blossom based on a commitment to the sport.

Growing Your Game

Tournaments will help your game progress. Due to the added pressure of a tournament, you will see holes in your game and places where you lack confidence. This allows you to clearly see skills you want to attain and you will be able to layout a road map for where to focus your energy in practice. One tournament can lead to months worth of practice if you treat the round with honesty. Make mental notes throughout your round and do some research after the tournament. You probably already know where you lack skills, however, a tournament will put this under a magnifying glass. Be easy on yourself and enjoy your progression through the game.

Watch some of the best players in the Open Division and see how they conduct themselves. Specifically, check their form and their pre-shot routine, and their general demeanor around the course. These are players you would not have access to if you did not enter a tournament. No matter where you live there are quality players in your area that you will encounter at tournaments. Sure, it is wonderful to watch Simon Lizotte and Paul McBeth on Youtube, but there is so much more information to glean from watching players in person.

We’re All (Mostly) Just Everyday Joe’s

I do not know you but chances are you are not a professional athlete. However, you may have an urge to compete. How many sports allow you to compete at a high level for the rest of your life? Disc golf gives everyday folks the opportunity to compete in a sport for a lifetime. The vast majority of us work jobs or are in school and enjoy disc golf as a hobby. This camaraderie allows for healthy competition amongst everyday people. Disc golf tournaments foster a rare and gratifying competitive environment amongst like-minded folks.

The Sooner The Better

There is never a perfect time for your first tournament. Many folks think that they must get to a certain level of skill to play in a tournament. Quite the opposite. Tournaments have multiple divisions so that no matter your skill level you will be competitive. Whether you are new to the sport or have played for years but never entered a tournament, there is a distinct division for you to play in and compete. The PDGA has this to say about player classifications and divisions;

“The PDGA Tour Player system is based on Professional, Amateur, and Junior Divisions with both Mixed divisions (Male & Female) and female-only divisions. Professionals compete for money, Amateurs and Juniors for trophies and prizes…Professional Divisions are based on gender and year of birth, while Amateur Divisions are based on gender, year of birth, and in some cases, skill level.”

Tournament As Teacher

Tournaments are a mirror. What I mean by this is they reveal character in ways that your everyday life never could. A tournament can be a rollercoaster of ups and downs and you are left to your own inner devices to work your way through the ride. Tournaments truly are a microcosm of life. You experience great highs and painful lows while most of the time there is a general lack of high drama. If you are able to stay open and learn from your dealings with the inevitable ebbs and flows of a tournament round, you may just bring more confidence back into your everyday life regardless of how your round turns out.

No matter your skill level or division you enter, you will feel “uncomfortable” at times during a tournament round. This discomfort presents itself in a multitude of ways but it is how we deal with this energy that matters most. I have played awful tournament rounds and felt wonderful throughout and upon their conclusion based solely on the fact that I allowed myself to play poorly. I did not beat myself up and wish for things to be different and sulk in the heaviness of the situation. On the contrary, I have played great tournament rounds and felt horrible upon their conclusion. These were based solely on the fact that I was hard on myself and nit-picked aspects of my game that could have been more efficient. The bottom line is to enjoy yourself and learn something. No matter how your round ends up there are always lessons to be gleaned from the tournament. Just pay attention.

Finding A Tournament

Every state and region has tournaments and they may be closer to home than you might think. Check out The Disc Golf Scene for a list of tournaments broken down by state. They also have various filters for more specific results. This site also allows you to sign up and monitor information for your tournament.

Conclusion

You should play in a tournament. Tournaments have many aspects that allow you to progress your game and learn about yourself in the process. If you don’t enjoy yourself then do not enter another tournament. What’s there to lose? However, if you happen to enjoy yourself, an entire world may open before you.

I am sure I left out many reasons that you should play in a tournament. Some general reasons and some that may be specific to your situation. Tell us your reasons in the comments. Just remember, there is never a perfect time to enter your first tournament so enjoy the process and let the game be your teacher.