Jeff Spring: How important is ‘standardization’ in pro disc golf?

You’re familiar with the term “buzzword,” right?

The concept, I mean …

I come from the entrepreneurial world, and let me tell you – they’re everywhere.

Here are just a few of my favorite:

Example No. 1 – Nobody knows what “big data” is, but they know it’s key.
Example No. 2 – Fifteen seconds into 2021, I knew I’d hate the “new normal.”
Example No. 3 – Every startup on the planet claims to “disrupt” something vital.
Example No. 4 – Speaking of startups, if yours isn’t a “unicorn,” what are you doing?
Example No. 5 – If you should ever get an email requesting to “bend your ear,” delete it.

That’s business, though …

This is disc golf.

In 2022, if I had to assign a buzzword to our sport, I’m confident it’d be “standardization.” From teepads giving way to baskets with putters falling out the underside, fans have wasted no time in crying for more “standardization” from the PDGA, DGPT and, specifically, Jeff Spring …

So, I asked him about it:

* Question: How important is ‘standardization’ in disc golf?

His answer can be found below:

“I think ‘standardization’ is an interesting term for our sport …

“Take the PGA Tour, for example. While it’s not perfect, it gives us the blueprint of a like-minded sports league that’s been doing what we’d like to do – and for a long time.

“They don’t have a standard grass that must be on every green. They don’t have a standard length at which all grass must be cut, either. There’s no standard incline on which greens are required to be built or anything like that. They don’t even have a standard watering procedure for them. As a result, every green is different on the PGA Tour. Part of the players’ challenge is to read the green, understand the speed of it and adjust their putting stroke accordingly.

“Similar to what disc golf does with the tech-specs that guide basket-manufacturing, in addition to a uniform hole size, the PGA Tour does, however, have a standard level of quality. ‘Quality’ means more than just nice greens, obviously. Tee boxes, fairways and bunkers are all included in that, as well. If a course is going to play a meaningful part of the PGA Tour, it needs to meet their quality standards.

“The point here is that not EVERY element can or should be standardized.

“There are standards in play, but not all are ‘precisely this’ or ‘precisely that.’ In some aspects of professional golf, things can be quantified, but that’s not always the case. The PGA Tour’s idea of ‘quality’ is often a set standard that’s not confined to numeric parameters …

“The DGPT sees a similar application of those concepts as the future of disc golf.”

Why course (and equipment) fixes aren’t immediate

“We’re looking for a standard level of quality. I feel that the events the DGPT puts on are of the highest quality, in terms of standards for baskets, standards for teepads and everything else that goes into a course. Naturally, we’re pushing ourselves to elevate what we consider ‘quality.’

“However, there are several reasons there aren’t immediate fixes for issues fans point out …

“Courses and event teams are crucial elements folks can forget about. Organized locally, players, spectators and fans often fail to realize the importance of the event teams in place that maintain courses year-round. The event teams that put together tournaments only have a certain amount of resources. They stretch their budgets. They go the extra mile. They do all they can to deliver.

“They can only do so much, though …

“Once they’ve exhausted their resources, we do our best to step in to help continue elevating events and courses. We help them get things done at events they’re unable to do on their own.

“For example, we have a revenue-sharing system that puts aside some money from the spectator purse that can be earmarked for future infrastructure improvements. Whether it’s new grandstands at the MVP Open or $15,00 for new turf teepads at the Portland Open, there is always something to do to improve courses that costs a significant amount of money.

“People sometimes think tournaments consist of the DGPT and the players. In reality, our biggest stakeholders at events are the local teams who put them on. Their ability to improve their courses is based around the growth of the sport. As the sport continues to grow, courses will improve. We’re seeing that already, but getting to where we ultimately want to be will take time.

“Most course-management teams can’t snap their fingers and stumble upon $25,000 to put in brand new teepads every time they’re needed. Because of this, when we implement a new standard or level of quality, we help our event teams inch closer to what we’re looking for …

“It can’t happen perfectly, though — we’re not there.

“I would add that we’re progressing quickly. And we’re doing it without saying, ‘Here’s our standard — meet it or else.’ The funds aren’t often there. Or, if they are there, they’re not yet sufficient for everything that’s needed for courses to meet everybody’s expectations.”

The reality of putting on a DGPT event

“There are so many details that go into putting on Silver Series and Elite Series events. As I see it, what’s lacking in social commentary is an understanding of everything that’s needed to reach a PGA Tour-level experience.

“Maybe fans and players think our resources are sufficient enough to make that experience happen, but they aren’t — not yet, at least. The PGA Tour has standards that guide what they do. Right now, we’re looking to do the same thing. Given where we’re at, I like what I’m seeing.”

Standardization and disc golf baskets

“Let’s talk baskets — that’s been a hot topic this season.

“Right now, we are working with a number of our stakeholders and manufacturers to refine the list of baskets that are acceptable at DGPT events. In the future, there’s a possibility that we pick one basket for all Pro Tour events. Or, we could consider manufacturing our own …

“We’re still open to different ideas.

“Similar to the quality standards at events, this will also be a longer-term issue. Right now, we don’t have $250,000 at our disposal to outfit every stop along the DGPT with the same basket. In fact, at this point, even attempting to do so would prove a disservice to our stakeholders. In this case, the manufacturers of baskets that already produce quality disc golf equipment.

DGPT: The 2022 TruBank Des Moines Challenge

“Right now, I’m confident in the baskets we feature on tour. Generally speaking, there are four or five baskets that most of the pro field considers to be the best. Of course, I understand certain players like some baskets more than others. So, standardizing things down to one basket wouldn’t be a win for everybody.

“Also, it would remove the element of, ‘I’m putting on X-basket this week, so I need to adjust my putt to account for it.’ This is a part of traditional golf and we’re not opposed to it being a part of disc golf, either. There are lots of questions; we’re working on the answers.

“Ultimately, we want to hear MORE from the players. We are currently engaged in these discussions with our newly formed DGPT Player Council. The council represents all Tour Card holders and touring professionals. It will have a great deal of influence on the decisions we make going forward. Of course, we will also incorporate feedback from our many stakeholders.”

Standardization and disc golf teepads

“Baskets are just one issue. Don’t forget that there’s been plenty of talk about teepads. Some pros like turf teepads. Others think textured concrete is the way to go. Another group, however, might think pavers are best.

“And even if we were to identify the consensus ‘best teepad in the world,’ it won’t remain that way without constant upkeep. I keep going back to it, but the PGA Tour is incredible because of the teams they have working around the clock to keep their courses pristine. Keeping turf teepads the way they need to be requires one kind of treatment. For concrete and pavers, it’s two different methods. The details of a course are what make it brilliant — there are LOTS of them.

“I can share, however, that I expect the DGPT to give approval on official turf teepads in the near future. We will expect our events to adopt them in a similar way to the installation of approved baskets. On both fronts, we will update all ‘DGPT-approved’ lists this off-season.”

‘Standardization’ might not be the term for it …

“The more factors you consider, the tougher reaching the desired result becomes. Fortunately, we’re working with our players. Like I said, we want to hear from them. And most of them are happy to offer up their opinions. What they like, what they dislike and what they flat-out can’t stand — I want to know it all.

“Standardization isn’t going to be an immediate thing, especially considering the size of our community, stakeholders and resources, never mind what’s actually the ‘best’ option for each aspect of a course. So, yes, standardization could be a thing …

“As I see it, though, elevating and refining our quality standards is one of the DGPT’s most worthwhile pursuits. It’s also one we’re actively engaged in right now. As this process evolves, we may end up with one official teepad and one official basket.

“For now, though, we’re paring things down to a standard level of quality.”

My $0.02 on the matter …

Everybody with an opinion, semi-functioning brain and a podcast mic or WordPress account (wink, wink) is more than willing to diagnose professional disc golf’s problems. And if they’re mega-bold, they might offer up a half-baked solution or two – nothing with much substance.

Two truths for disc golf fans to consider:

Truth No. 1 – It’s really hard to be in charge.
Truth No. 2 – It’s really easy to criticize those in charge.

Sports, politics, religion, parenting, education, etc.

Add disc golf to the list.

I’m not near intelligent enough to run any kind of Pro Tour. And while I enjoy poking fun just as much as the next guy, I genuinely DO believe that those within the DGPT have the game’s best interest at heart – its growth. If mass standardization is the thing to get it there, great …

And if not, that’s fine, too.

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

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