Why Disc Golf Doesn't Suck

What Made Me Unexpectedly Fall In Love With A Sport That Looks Ridiculous From The Outside

I never thought I was ever going to like disc golf as much as I do, but here we are, I’m writing an article about it.

Maybe it’s the long flying, S-turning, magical flight of a perfectly thrown disc. It could be the afternoons spent with friends laughing over the complexities of life. It could be the personal discipline it creates in taking the good with the bad all while focusing on what’s ahead, not what’s already been done.

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There are so many things that I like about the sport and I never thought I would like it as much as I do. It has given me a lot in the short few years I’ve been playing, but I’m actually surprised at how much I have gotten from such a simple game.

Why I Love Disc Golf:

Friendships and Community

I never thought that friendships would evolve and get strengthened while throwing plastic plates through the air in the woods (aka disc golfing). I’ve met a ton of new people. There is this common interest in disc golf amongst players and when you go to a league night or tournament, you’re already plugged in just by being there.

Not only that, it has given me the ability to spend time with old friends. There are friends that I would not otherwise get to hang out with as much if it wasn’t for this game. I get to see friends from high school and college when we meet up to go play. Most of the courses by me are free and as long as you have gear, you can just hit up your friends and schedule a time to meet. Rounds are usually quick, so it’s actually a great way to hang out.

I never realized how social this sport was until I got involved.

Outdoor Exercise

Most disc golf courses are either in parks or other natural settings, at least the ones that I’ve seen or played. Even if you’re not playing particularly well, at least you still get to play in these outdoor environments.

There have been times where it’s just me out there. I’m living my life enjoying the sun shining through the trees while I sneak a quick round in, always trying to be better than yesterday. It’s an easy and fun way to get out there and get some exercise, all while taking in the calming effects of being in a pretty place.

By the time you get done with a round you’ve already walked a mile or two, at least at our local course. Point is, you feel like you did something. With the average round of disc golf lasting about 2 hours for a group of 4, you can usually find the time to sneak in a round, especially when you’re going alone. I’ve managed to play 18 holes by myself in a little over an hour. So it’s a good way to get out and get some “vitamin-tree”, whether alone or with friends.

It’s relaxing out there. Our local course is wooded and part of the allure is simply going to hang out in the woods for a couple hours, away from the traffic and hustle of modern day living.

Focus

Perhaps one of the reasons I became addicted to disc golf is the personal challenge of staying focused on the next shot. Yes, it can be physically demanding at times, but one of the things I like so much about disc golf is what it demands of you mentally.

There is always something out there nagging for your attention. Just today, I left all of my putters by my backdoor after a back yard putting session. Or another time, when my friend was playing his music too loud. Or when someone else brought their dog who’s wandering dangerously close to the tee box.

All I’m saying is that there is always something trying to steal your attention away, and I love what that teaches me. It teaches me to stay focused on the task at hand. To remind myself to focus on the next shot. In real life, there is always something vying for our attention. I feel like disc golf teaches you how to temper your focus so that you can execute on the next task.

It doesn’t matter what may be going on around you, your next attempt requires your full attention.

I love how disc golf can actually train me to be more mindful in life, outside of the game.

So this is my thank you letter to the most unexpected partner in my physical and mental health. I never thought I would like disc golf as much as I do.