If you’re at all like me, disc golf is a social activity – a very social activity. I’ll toss with anybody looking for company, but like most people, I’ve got my go-to group of guys. And when we get together, it’s nothing but laughter, micro-bets, trash talk, endless razzing and memory-making.
But when I first discovered the sport, it was something I did alone. I found a frisbee, figured out what it was and became well-acquainted with it at a local park. I would’ve loved for somebody to tag along, but nobody cared – so I made do by my lonesome. Years later, for as much fun as tag rounds and tournaments are, the occasional solo round is STILL a breath of fresh air …
Like, literally.
The biggest reason for this is obvious:
Mama Nature.
I don’t hunt or fish, but I imagine a good chunk of the appeal is the same: The outdoors is relaxing, refreshing and energizing – and incredibly, all at the same time. In my life, there is no more freeing feeling than turning off my smartphone and losing myself in the flight of a frisbee.
If I want to think, I’ve got time to do just that – or NOT do that. When it’s just me, myself and I, there’s nobody to help, entertain or answer to – it’s a selfish perk, but one I readily welcome.
My favorite variant of the solo round is far less introspective, though …
I prefer to pop a true-crime podcast and get comfy with an edge-of-your-seat whodunit. If that’s not your genre, go with something else – sports talk or music can get the job done, too. And as the activity can quickly turn your brain to mush, podcasts work well for practice putting.
Here’s a weird tidbit …
Some of the best rounds I’ve ever shot in my life took place with Serial buzzing in my ears. I tune-in and go through the motions. So while I don’t totally agree with Lucas that headphones should be banned from Pro Tour play, through personal experience, I understand the argument.
* Note: If you’re interested in trying this out, pick any podcast on this list – thank me later.
There’s a strategic benefit to solo disc golf, too.
Alone, you’re free to take your time on the course – you’ve got no need to account for anybody else’s schedule. Because of this no-rush mentality, should the mood strike you, throw three, four or five off the tee. And on the putting green, go ham until you’re consistently hitting from your lie. As long as you’re willing to let others play through without being a butt-face, you’re good.
Furthermore, if you’re trying to dial in a specific shot, mold or disc type, with nobody else around, go for it – leave the rest of your bag at home. Yes, you can do this during group play, but in my experience, if everybody’s playing with a full arsenal, the need to compete is hard to resist.
Lastly, golf is an introvert’s undertaking – and I mean ANY kind of golf. It’s a battle against self. It’s just you, your brain, your body and the course – everything else is mere noise and glitter.
If it’s been a good bit, try ridin’ your next round solo …
With any luck, you’ll smash an ace for an audience of one.
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Editor’s Suggestions:
- Disc golf: Building a new bag from scratch is brutal
- Discraft: What’s Jawbreaker plastic? (and what to expect from it)
- Disc golf: You need at least one comically flippy frisbee in your bag
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