I’m a master of unintentional disc golf.
And I bet I’m not the only amateur with this “talent,” either.
To attack a hole in disc golf unintentionally is to do so without any kind of strategy in place – or without much of one, at least. Sure, the basics are there, but that’s about it. There was some half-hearted thought given to disc-selection. And the line, too: flat, hyzer, anhyzer, etc.
Beyond that, though?
Throw it hard. Hope for the best.
That’s it.
This is frequently referred to as “poke-and-pray” disc golf. I fall into this routine when I’m frustrated. If I can’t get a disc to do what I want, why dedicate any brain power to strategy?
Seriously, one of the most impressive things I’ve seen in disc golf is the guy on YouTube who looks straight into the camera, gives his audience a detailed breakdown of what he plans to do with his upcoming shot and then proceeds to actually do it – this is ballsy beyond belief.
Remember: The internet is a sucky place.
Make a dumb mistake, and you’ll hear about it.
Like, forever.
However, on occasion …
Lightning strikes.
Here’s one of my TOP feelings in disc golf:
- Choosing a disc for what it does.
- Envisioning the line you want to take.
- Making it a reality like it’s standard stuff.
Here’s the BIG kicker, though …
State your plan of attack beforehand.
That way, there was clearly no luck involved – and everyone knows it. This is intentional disc golf. It’s the polar opposite of what most amateurs do. Naturally, it’s also what the best of the Pro Tour does with virtually every throw: There’s a plan. It’s executed. Then, it’s onto the next hole.
* Note: Mid-event, pro disc golfers aren’t verbalizing their play for future bragging rights.
Yes, unforeseen issues and bad breaks happen, but there’s almost always some level of control that’s maintained. This fact is frequently reflected in a top-tier pro’s end-of-tournament standing.
Here’s Chris Dickerson showing how it’s done:
It was only a practice round, but still …
Unreal.
Though not a frequent occurrence, when successful, intentional golf happens, it’s welcomed. I love disc golf for giving me the opportunity – for giving me a taste of what could be a common result as I improve. It’s the little wins I hope to use as momentum en route to ones that matter.
Tourney takedowns.
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: What I look for in a used-bin golf disc
- Perk No. 1: Disc golf is a slow game that plays quickly
- Disc golf: In defense of the phrase, ‘It’ll hold any line you put it on’
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.
