Disc golf: 5 ways to be a great cardmate

In disc golf, a cardmate is a person with whom you play during a tournament round. You’ll usually have between two and four of them. While the “cardmate” term is most commonly used during competitive play, you could also use it to refer to your buddy during a casual round.

There are good cardmates; there are bad cardmates.

Here’s how to be a not-so-sucky one:

1. You share snacks

Back in middle school, remember that kid who not only had a pack of gum on him at all times, but was happy to give you a piece whenever you asked? That dude might’ve been unbearably annoying, but the fact that he shared something on the verge of being food made him okay.

Food > Gum

To bring snacks and hog them makes you the envy of the card. To bring snacks and share them makes you the life of the card. Yes, it’s a bit of a soccer-mom move, but it’s true what they say:

“The most direct route to a person’s heart is through their stomach.”

Also, get beyond grub:

Minis
Towels
Sharpies
Bandages

Great cardmates share.

2. You know the rules

Somebody has to know what they’re doing, right?

Big-time brownie points if that person is YOU.

Seriously, how many people actually know how to play a provisional? And I’m not just talking about newbie disc golfers – most seasoned veterans have no earthly idea, either. To account for this, work your way through the PDGA Rulebook. Pay attention during players meetings.

That alone should cover most of your bases.

Lastly, don’t tell anyone …

Knowing the rules is an EASY competitive advantage.

3. You are overwhelmingly positive

This is especially needed in lower-tier amateur divisions. If you’re a novice- or recreational-level golfer, there’s a good chance at least one of your cardmates is playing in their first event. Think back to yours – this is hard. Truth be told, merely showing up is a victory in and of itself.

The nerves can be brutal.

When somebody throws a good shot, regardless of what it does for your chances of winning, let ‘em know about it. And when appropriate, should a bone-headed mistake be made, offer up a few words of encouragement. Here’s the real kicker, though – be genuine with your words.

Ask yourself, “How would Mr. Rogers behave as a disc golfer?”

Answer the question.

Then, do that.

4. You compete, but laugh at yourself

The point of a disc golf tournament is to compete.

The more balls-to-the-wall you can be out there, the better.

But if you’ve been at this “disc golf” thing for a good bit, you’ve probably shared a card or two with dudes who acted like a local C-tier was the Super Bowl. Take the round seriously. Treat every throw like it could be your last. And when the day’s done, be proud of your play.

Take that SAME energy, however, and direct it towards some light-hearted, self-deprecating humor every now and again. It’d be a dream come true to play with Paul McBeth. But there’s a reason nearly every Pro Tour disc golfer on Earth wants to share 18 holes with Nate Sexton …

He keeps it light.

He’s a joy to be around.

5. You know when to talk (and when to shut-up)

This could just be me …

But here’s what I like in a cardmate:

Be fun.
Be kind.
Be personable.
Be encouraging.

That whole “overwhelmingly positive” thing I mentioned earlier on, though?

Read the room.

There are exceptions to every rule. Sometimes, if somebody is having a WAY bad round, you bending their ear in-between shots about the best burger joint in the city might be a bad move. When the mood’s right, unleash your inner Chatty Cathy. Otherwise, keep to yourself.

It’s called “emotional intelligence,” people …

Get some.

The skinny of all this?

Be the cardmate with whom you hope to share a round.

It’s as simple as that.

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