Does the headline make any sense to you? If you’re well-acquainted with disc golf culture, it undoubtedly will. And if you’re somewhat new to the sport, it might as well be Mandarin.
It’s a thing, though.
If X is any indication, it’s a thing.
Anyone: *stops
— obi bogey (@BogeyObi) September 13, 2023
Disc Golfers: pic.twitter.com/HyqhOZV3Uz
In disc golf, any time a golfer pauses a putt, approach or drive in the act, it’s a “stop.” And without fail, any time this takes place, the rest of the card chimes in with the following:
“Good stop.”
“Stop” is sometimes swapped out with “reset,” but the fact remains the same …
The phrase sees LOTS of action in disc golf.
This is where the “gripe” part of this post comes into focus: I submit that not every “stop” is of the “good” variety. And for more than one reason. For starters, in many instances, it’s a clear-cut sign of indecision. I’m not a generational talent on the disc golf course. However, you don’t need to be Paul McBeth to know that constantly second-guessing yourself leads to timid play …
That’s no way to carve up a course.
Second, even inadvertently, frequent stops quickly become part of a routine.
Case in point?
Granted, he doesn’t always do a hard-stop mid-routine, but the build-up to most of his throws is loaded with micro-stops along the way – and the occasional mega-stop, of course. Walk-up. Walk-back. Practice swing. Practice swing. Fan the disc. Chalk bag. Chalk bag again.
Stop.
And then?
Start over.
Do this enough and the brain convinces itself it’s necessary to throw the right shot.
And lastly, touching on a pain point leading nearly ALL disc golfers to an early grave …
Time-wasting.
Why else do you think I looped Brother Buhr into this post?
Incessant stops eat away at 30 seconds like none other – even just one big one. And if there’s blood on your hands, remember: Your propensity to reset on the regular doesn’t just affect you. Everyone else on the card pays a price when the natural flow of the round is hindered.
Just throw the dumb thing.
The good news?
Most stops are fine.
They’re hardly worthy of card-wide praise, but they’re fine. Naturally, if things feel off or your footing’s not quite right, rewind, control your breathing and take another stab at your lie.
Otherwise, move it or lose it.
Have anything to add? Take to X to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
Editor’s Suggestions:
- Disc golf: Why I love a good ‘rage putt’
- The hook thumber: What it is, what it’s for and how to throw one
- Disc golf: How to throw a one-finger forehand (and why it can help)
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.
