You remember it, right?
Your first-ever round of disc golf.
My guess is a close friend or family member introduced you to the sport. And if your experience was at all like mine, there’s a good chance you walked away having played bogey golf at best.
And one more thing …
You were hooked.
Maybe it was the way your Discraft Buzzz or Innova Spider (my first love) flew through the air. Perhaps it was the slap-happy fun you had with your buddies out on the course. Or, and this is a long shot, could it have been the birdie you somehow nabbed in the midst of all those bogeys?
Whatever it was, you’re now a plastic junkie. The only feeling that beats the high of discovering disc golf for yourself is helping those you care about most do the EXACT same thing – and fast.
To ensure all amigos become obsessed for life, the following three tips are crucial:
1. Pick the right course
This might be the biggest decision you make with a newbie. You’re looking for balance. The course should be easy enough that they don’t feel overwhelmed – don’t embarrass anybody. At the same time, though, it needs to be challenging enough, so they still have to work for their par.
A course with these parameters is ideal:
- Factor No. 1 – Holes between 150 and 350 feet are best.
- Factor No. 2 – You want a good mix of open and wooded shots.
- Factor No. 3 – The more obvious the course designer’s lines, the better.
Should a course meet the above, it gives a beginner the opportunity to experience a standard round. Additionally, it provides them with the chance to card some pars – and maybe even a bird.
More importantly, though, your buddy leaves the course feeling like he can improve on his game. It’s the possibility of progress that plays a HUGE role in bringing somebody back for round two.
2. Give them some discs (but not too many)
I get it …
It’s tempting to launch into a lengthy explanation of what each disc does, when to use a specific frisbee and how your entire bag would fly on the surface of Mars. At this stage, though, you’d be wasting your breath – that’s about it. Seriously, it’s breaking news to most first-time golfers that different types of discs even exist, much less that they’re used for distinct, shot-shaping needs.
Keep things simple.
Limit their first “bag” to four or five discs.
Here’s a sample setup:
- Putter – Consider going with a Gateway Wizard – it’s a workhorse putter.
- Midrange – It’s hard to go wrong with a Discmania Origin or a Discraft Meteor.
- Fairway Driver No. 1 – An Innova Leopard or Dynamic Discs Escape will work.
- Fairway Driver No. 2 – The Latitude 64 Diamond is a MUST for every beginner.
That’s it.
* Note #1: It’s not a crime to offer two fairway drivers – give the guy some options.
* Note #2: Stay away from distance drivers. Initially, they’ll do more harm than good.
* Note #3: If you’re not sure what a beginner bag looks like, check out some starter sets.
It goes without saying, but please – nothing even remotely overstable. No matter how flippy the disc, given your friend’s developing arm speed, everything should fade at the end of its flight.
Giving too many options to a newcomer is overwhelming. Frankly, even for an average player, having a number of different molds with too much overlap can prove challenging. Again, keep things simple. Explain the basics. Focus on the feel of throwing – not WHAT they’re throwing.
3. Create a mega-relaxed environment
At the end of the day, you’re just outside slingin’ some frisbees …
Make sure THAT is the impression your friend has after their first round.
Stay calm. If you’re having a rough go at things, keep your emotions in check. Brush off the bad throws. You will have another day out on the course. If you make for too bad of company, your first-time disc golf compadre might very well not – and that will be on you, Mr. Locastro.
Also, be patient. Teach the basics, but don’t try too hard to correct form – it’s going to be terrible. Give some pointers, but otherwise, let them feel out the mechanics of throwing for themselves.
If they have questions, they’ll ask.
Disc golf is supposed to be fun. Providing the greenhorn in your life with a stress-free, relaxing round will play a pivotal role in 1) how they view the culture of our sport, and 2) if they decide to accompany you back out to the course the next time you send a last-minute text invite.
Love somebody?
Give the gift of disc golf.
It’s a gift that keeps on giving.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
Editor’s Suggestions:
- Chandler Kramer: The forehand man with a plan
- Innova: Why you should buy more ‘Factory Second’ discs
- Jeff Spring: Do trans disc golfers have an FPO advantage?
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