So you’ve played a few rounds of Disc Golf and thinking about having a go at a tournament? Having played on the BDGA tour since 2007 I really recommend giving it a shot! Here’s a quick run down on how these events are run, with tips about preparation and kit.
Get familiar with the basic rules before you arrive. If you have the chance, practice the basic skills a little too. Don’t worry if you don’t feel ‘tournament ready’ – just go for it as you will get a warm welcome and this is the best place to learn and improve anyway!
PDGA Rule 802.03, B. A mini marker disc may be used to mark the lie by placing it on the playing surface, touching the front of the thrown disc on the line of play.
Disc Golf Tournaments take place on a weekend, with 3-4 rounds of 18 holes usually played. There will be a players meeting to start of the tournament to welcome people take registrations and entry fees. Then local rules, course directions, maps, scorecards are given out and groups are usually read out. Groups (3-4 players) are mixed divisions for the first round, by score on the second round, then by division for the last rounds as the competition element hots up.
Regarding kit, it’s a good idea to take comfortable clothes, plenty of layers outside of the summer season and some spare discs. Also a mini marker disc and some pencils/pens with a ziplock plastic bag to keep scorecards dry! You’ll need supportive footwear; studs or walking boots – even wellies for winter tournaments. Have some plasters, tape for patching yourself up and some sandpaper for patching your discs up! Take water and some snacks in your bag – plenty of water throughout and good nutrition is vital. Finally, don’t forget to pack your sun lotion and your brolly just in case!
2009 Croydon Cyclone, (from left) Derek Robins, Nate Doss, Jamie Wilson, Chris O’Brien
Each Disc Golf tournament will have a nominated Spirit of the Game with a prize. Other prizes may be for CTP (closest to the pin), longest drive & sometimes an ‘ace pot’ will be collected. BDGA tour events have a umber of divisions which offer prizes for placings in each. Depending on the size of the event the divisions will include some or all of the following:
- Men (Open, Advanced Amateur, Intermediate Amateur)
- Women
- Junior’s (under 19)
- Junior junior’s (under 12)
At most Disc Golf tournaments players hang out together on the evenings and there is sometimes a party or meal. Many players camp onsite or stay in local B&B’s or designated tournament accommodation.
Lunches and dinners are usually provided and summer Disc Golf tournaments will often have a BBQ or campfire and some Frisbee games like DDC, KanJam, night golf or putting games!
See you on the fairway!
Chris O’Brien BDGA #305, PDGA 34659
