Nearly all disc golf courses could be improved with this one change

I’ve included the word “nearly” in the headline on purpose.

Not all disc golf courses have neglected this painfully simple task …

Just the vast majority of them.

Real quick, let’s review what makes for a quality disc golf course. By no means is this a comprehensive analysis of what goes into it, but if designing a new track, it’s a place to start.

Baskets should be built to last – and catch. Right from the get-go, teepads might not be in the budget. But once the funds come together, get going on some (textured) concrete slabs. Each tee box should be equipped with an overview of the hole: obstacles, distances, pin placements, etc. And while not required on every tee, it’s never a bad idea to sprinkle in a few benches, too.

Lastly, there’s the layout.

I’m not a course designer – I don’t pretend to be one, either. But a quality course calls for a good mix of shots, as well as disc types to card a respectable score. If yours is not (yet) a permanent layout, see how many of the discs in your bag you use to get through it – the more, the better.

Some courses are awesome. Some courses flat-out suck.

And some simply make due with what they have to offer.

I play ‘em all.

Because I go out of my way to play new courses, I’ve noticed something – something nearly ALL courses lack. Worse, it’s something that takes virtually no time (or money) to implement …

The “Next Tee” sign.

Complete with an arrow, naturally.

New to a disc golf course?

See if you can relate to the following:

• You play the first hole without issue.
• After that, you struggle to find the next tee.
• Confused, you ask the closest person for help.
• The process repeats, but you (accidentally) skip a few holes.

So instead of 18 holes, you’ve played 14 or 15 …

And you have no idea why.

UDisc can help, but cell service isn’t always what it should be on a course. And even if reception is strong, for many, the joy of disc golf is getting outdoors and leaving behind the very noose that binds you to responsibility. Also, don’t forget about the newbies – they don’t have UDisc.

To fix this, slap a “Next Tee” sign on the band of the basket. Frequently, these are large magnets that can be adjusted, should the course’s layout change in the future. I’m not as big of a fan of the “Next Tee” sign that’s laminated and zip-tied to the side of the cage, but that works, as well. Even a stake or painted rock with an obvious, oversized arrow on it can get the job done.

And again …

NO time. NO money.

If your local course is lacking, be the superhero that takes charge of this …

You’ll be a legend for it.

This is what doing the Lord’s work looks like.

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

Editor’s Suggestions:

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• This ball-golf term has no place in disc golf (and yet it’s used)

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