Disc golf: 5 of the best things you can get in a player’s pack

I’m an amateur disc golfer.

And not a good one, at that.

My lack of ability has me resigned to the fact that I’ll never pocket any cash at a tournament. And unless everyone other than myself contracts a crippling stomach flu on the final day of an event, I’m unlikely to win any kind of meaningful prize, either. Realistically, come tourney time, it’s the player’s pack that gives me something tangible by which to remember my experience.

Here’s what I like to see in ‘em …

More of this, please.

1. Lunch

Starting this thing off with a bang …

It’s my favorite.

If an entry fee sets me back an extra buck or two, I’m fine with it, even if all I’m getting in return is a hot dog or pulled-pork sandwich. Besides, having lunch provided by a local club member or even a small business is still cheaper than dropping a Hamilton at McDonald’s between rounds.

Also, it’s more fun. You’ve just spent 18 holes throwing shots that mean something. Afterwards, on-site, it’s a blast to swap stories, complaints and if-only statements with your closest buddies.

Bring a bib.

2. Towels

Socks and underwear might not make for the most exciting of gifts, but I’ve never been one to scoff at them come Christmas morning. Truth be told, there’s rarely been a point in my life when I didn’t need more of them in my arsenal. Towels are the socks and underwear of disc golf.

• You use them.
• You abuse them.
• You then lose them.

As such, I can never get enough of them.

Also, seeing as how I’m not Martha Stewart, when they’re not wiping down discs out on the course, I leave them in the kitchen for dish and countertop duty. In a future day and age, I understand that marriage might eliminate this practice, but for now, I love the versatility.

Towels matter.

3. Chalk bags

Used for drawing moisture out of throwing hands, in theory, chalk bags are a must-have item for disc golfers, especially during the hot-weather months. In practice, however, they’re most often forgotten. They’re not commonplace within the amateur ranks. And when a disc golfer actually does bag one, give it 15 minutes, and that thing’s as good as forgotten on a random teepad.

Here’s the thing, though …

They work.

Minis, t-shirts, stickers and granola bars are all staples of the typical player’s pack, but with respect to a disc golfer’s game, don’t do much to move the needle. Chalk bags are cheap. Chalk bags are effective. Want to boost your player’s pack? Seriously, help a sweaty guy out …

Opt for the chalk bag.

4. Tournament-themed jerseys

The pros rock ‘em …

So why not you?

Everybody wants a disc golf jersey, but few go out and buy one. The best player’s packs equip disc golfers with the stuff they want, but never think to purchase for themselves – this is the disc golf jersey. If you’ve never owned one, their light, moisture-wicking material works well for unrestricted arm movement, but it’s also perfect for lazily bumming around the house.

And don’t forget the KEY detail here …

The tournament-themed design.

The envy of every disc golfer is the guy whose bag is filled to the brim with tournament-stamped frisbees from five, 10 and 15 years prior. Assuming you can keep the same body shape in that period of time, no matter how bad your game might be, people will know you mean business.

5. Gift cards to online retailers

I know this is a positive piece …

But care to know what I hate getting in a player’s pack?

Unfortunately, it’s the very thing 95% of player’s packs include: Discs I have ZERO interest in ever throwing. They’re merely future fodder for the Play-It-Again Sports right down the road from my house. And listen, I get tournament directors will often partner with manufacturers when putting on a gig, but at least grant me a say in what discs I’ve got coming my way.

Infinite Discs, Disc Golf United or Foundation Disc Golf gift cards are great, but limit the thing to manufacturer-specific sites, if you must. I know my bag; I know what lines are missing. If you really want any shot of me working a few RPM frisbees into the bag, let me pick and choose.

* Honorable Mention: Double-G Craft Jerky is a nice perk – maybe one of those hats, too.

We’ve all heard of those random disc golf events in which participants were given bags, stools, disc retrievers, all-inclusive trips to Hawaii, etc. Fortunately, I’ve intentionally built the above with items that are both awesome, as well as doable for cash-strapped tournament directors.

Obviously, what’s most important is an enjoyable, well-run tournament.

The player’s pack can help.

Have anything to add? Take to X to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

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