Easy, keyboard warriors: Ian Anderson is good at his job

If ever there was a “tired take” in disc golf, it’s bagging on Ian Anderson’s commentary.

And trust me – I know a bad disc golf take when I see it: I make at least one a week.

Some criticism’s justified, though – the guy gets plenty wrong behind the mic. For example, to kick off the 2022 Texas State Disc Golf Championship, it hurt when Anderson literally started off the first hole of MPO coverage making a call on Jeremy’s Koling’s “awesome forehand.”

Koling then proceed to throw a thumber – see it (and hear it) for yourself:

Stylish shirt, stylish throw. Jeremy Koling breaks out the thumber on hole 1. #TXStateChampionship pic.twitter.com/6mOS1MeDGM

— Disc Golf Pro Tour (@DiscGolfProTour) March 25, 2022

It was a curveball, but man – watch what plays out before you go “all in,” right?

Also, off the tee or from the fairway, Ian’s big on identifying the disc a player’s about to throw. Unlike Hunter and Trevor over at Foundation Disc Golf, I really like this. What’s in a player’s bag is such a massive part of disc golf – I like knowing what these guys are working with.

Same song, different verse: Anderson’s wrong with this so frequently, it’s horrifying. I’ve never met Calvin Heimburg in my life, but even from 1,000 miles away, I know a Draco, from an Eagle from a Firebird – it’s not quantum physics. And if I was uncertain, I’d – you know …

Just not say anything.

No matter where you stand on the saying the disc name argument, can we at least agree it gets confusing / frustrating when they don’t get it right?

— Hunter Thomas (@FDG_Hunter_T) February 26, 2022

If I had to guess, however, I’d venture to say most of Ian’s fiery Twitter detractors probably don’t have too much of an issue with his post-produced commentary for Central Coast Disc Golf.

Therein lies Ian’s saving grace: Live disc golf is (really) hard.

It’s not always the case, but the guy often follows both MPO and FPO action in one weekend. That’s a lot of players to keep track of – and even more discs. Toss the “live” element in the mix, and just knowing what’s happening on-screen isn’t enough – you have to provide context, too.

And fast. And without notice. And don’t make mistakes – you’ll get blasted for ‘em.

But don’t misunderstand me – I’m not saying Ian’s greatest strength is a built-in excuse. I think he’s a talented commentator. He didn’t go to school for this. He has no formal training, either.

Still, in spite of all that, Anderson’s voice has plenty going for it:

• It’s familiar.
• It’s experienced.
• It’s professional.
• It’s conversational.
• It’s knowledgeable.

While Big Jerm, Nate Sexton and Paul Ulibarri crack inside jokes and dress up as cowboys over on JomezPro, Anderson continues to improve as a live, throw-by-throw commentator. His skills aren’t perfect, but he and the Disc Golf Network are only in year three of this “live” thing …

This ain’t ABC, CBS or ESPN – sorry, you’re just going to have to be a bit more patient.

Give the dude another few tourneys to fine-tune things: He’ll get there.

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

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