The 5 best disc golf gifts I’ve ever received on Christmas

First thing’s first …

Merry Christmas.

Have you yet made sense of the post-unwrapping madness that engulfs most living rooms on Christmas morning? Has someone started on the mega-breakfast that’ll soon have everyone in a comatose state? There’s a solid slate of NBA hoops on today, too – you won’t want to miss it.

Should you need a break from the excitement of it all, this article should be just the buzzkill your holiday mood needs: Some rando disc golfer bragging about the best disc golf-themed Christmas gifts he’s received over the years. Truth be told, this is bottom-of-the-barrel editorial work …

And yet, I can’t help myself.

Don’t fight the impending jealousy …

Embrace it.

1. My Upper Park Shift

This isn’t much of a secret …

I’m BIG on the Upper Park Shift.

As I see it, whether for a casual round with friends or a full-blown, weekend-long tournament, it’s the best bag on the market for my minimalistic needs. Admittedly, part of my infatuation with the Shift comes from the fact that it was the first disc golf backpack I ever owned. Before Santa swung by my house with one back in 2016, all I knew was the old, over-the-shoulder satchel.

Two words:

Back. Pain.

So while I love the specifics of the bag, more than anything, seemingly overnight, this Christmas gift made disc golf without nagging back pain possible – and without having to resort to cart use. These days, I have bags sent to me on the regular by disc golf retailers and manufacturers.

And you know what?

The Shift is still the best.

* Note #1: I’ve reviewed this bag in great detail. To read that review, click here.

2. My Champion Classic Roc

These are three of my favorite throwing putters:

• The Colt
• The Stud
• The Tomb

Though similar, they are NOT the Classic Roc.

If you’re unaware, the Classic Roc is an out-of-production (OOP) mold. Why Innova chose to remove it from the assembly line, I’ll never know. It’s my opinion the Classic Roc is the epitome of a throwing putter for disc golfers who feel they can’t successfully bomb throwing putters. Other people feel this way, too, because used Classic Rocs sell for three-figures on eBay.

This one, though?

She’s new.

Talk about a Christmas miracle.

3. My Wilson Microfiber Golf Towel

I already know what you’re thinking …

“What’s the deal with this dumb thing?”

It’s sentimental.

After a six-year hiatus from disc golf for two years of missionary service in Argentina, collegiate studies and marriage, I came back with all the enthusiasm in the world in 2015. My wife knew I was gung-ho on disc golf, but had no earthly idea what the sport was or even how it was played. Trying to be a good wife, come Christmastime, she pulled the trigger on this ball-golf towel.

There’s literally zero difference between this thing and a towel with a disc golf logo smacked across the face of it. White’s not the best of colors, as it requires regular washing. But this towel has become a bit of a good-luck charm for me. Granted, it doesn’t work, as my game’s still in the gutter, but it’s an undeniable symbol of the love my best friend has for me – that’s real value.

Some guys go with a DyeMax mini with their cat’s face on it …

I have this.

I win.

4. My Vans UltraRange EXO MTE-1s

I’m anti-trend.

As such, for the longest time, I hated Vans.

Get to know me for five minutes in real life, and it’s abundantly clear I don’t fit the whole “skateboard” vibe. But skateboarders shred shoes. And thanks to my chronic toe-dragging, I do, as well. So, last Christmas, I gave into the hype, and hit mom up for a pair of Vans UltraRange EXO MTE-1s. I’m glad I did, though, because these are the best disc golf shoes on Earth.

To date, my UltraRanges have exactly one year of use. The toe is great. The sole is solid. One of the shoelaces is in need of a replacement, but that’s about the extent of the damage. What’s more, I don’t only disc golf in these shoes – I wear them around town, too. The color scheme is totally atrocious, but they were marked down and available in my size, which is why I went with it.

No, they might not work for you …

They have my vote, though.

* Note #2: To see first-hand evidence of my gosh-awful toe-drag, click here.

5. My 2018 Scott Withers Color Glow Champion Gator

The Innova Gator is a game-changing mold.

You might disagree …

But you’re wrong.

If you know anything about Gators, you know the 2018 Scott Withers Color Glow Champion Gator is the crème de la crème of the mold. Its flight plate is so pancake-flat, it’s practically puddle-topped. The level of beef this Gator provides is off-the-charts wild. Also, though vehemently opposed to the all-blue disc golf bag, this is the most coveted color …

She’s purdy.

And she’s ALL mine.

There’s no bigger proponent of the buy-it, throw-it mentality, but I’m sitting on this disc for a few years. I won’t flip it; I won’t trade it. I’m just waiting for my current Color Glow Champion Gator to bite the dust. I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a part of me that wants it to happen, too.

Admission is the first step to recovery.

* Honorable Mention: This is stupid, but I wanted a Towch for forever – thanks, honey.

Each of the above was either acquired via a Christmas list I shared with friends and family members who asked what I wanted, or I simply used Christmas cash to acquire the stuff I coveted most – the only exception to this would be the microfiber towel, of course.

Yes, it’s better to give than receive …

But getting is nice, too.

Don’t forget it.

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

Editor’s Suggestions:

• The MVP Glitch is a wildly misunderstood disc
• PSA: Golf discs needs more than a penned PDGA number
• 5 free, meaningful gifts disc golfers can give this Christmas

Real quick, if you happen to buy something through a link in this article, there’s a chance we’ll get a small share of the sale. It’s how we keep the lights on. To learn more, click here.