Definitive Guide to Disc Golf

by Justin Menickelli, Ryan Pickens

Overview

For people just starting to play, disc golf can become an exciting and addictive sport to play for a lifetime. Avid disc golfers often find playing a challenging test of both physical skill and mental determination. Disc golf is a "greener" sport than most, and has fewer barriers to entry than traditional golf and other recreational sports. It is also one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. The Definitive Guide to Disc Golf provides readers all the essential information they need to get started playing disc golf, but it is much more than just a basic "how to" manual – it is a thoughtful, fascinating, and thoroughly enjoyable exploration into the history, nature, science, and skills of disc golf. Featuring more than 80 instructional photos, this is a comprehensive book about disc golf that would be enjoyed by all players, from beginners to aspiring professionals.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781633194748
Publisher:	Triumph Books
Publication date:	04/01/2016
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
Sales rank:	1,548,498
File size:	31 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Justin Menickelli is an Associate Professor at Western Carolina University where he teaches courses in motor behavior, sport psychology, research methods and beginning disc golf. He earned a Ph.D. in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University, a MA.Ed. in Education from Western Carolina University, and a B.S. in Exercise Science from S.U.N.Y. Cortland. He has published numerous articles about disc golf, received several grants to fund disc golf workshops, and designed courses for college campuses and K-12 schools. He has a wife, Kristin, two sons, Aidan and Noah, and a daughter Addison. Ryan Pickens earned an M.A. in Organizational Development and Transformation from the California Institute of Integral Studies and a B.S. in Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University. In 2012, he was one of the top-25 master's disc golfers in the world. Ryan has taught a disc golf course for academic credit at Mars Hill University for over a decade. He has published several articles about disc golf, created the Western North Carolina Intercollegiate Disc Golf League, and designed two permanent courses in Western North Carolina. Ryan lives in Asheville, North Carolina with his wife, Kelly, and daughter, Ellora Don.

Read an Excerpt

The Definitive Guide to Disc Golf

---

By Justin Menickelli, Ryan "Slim" Pickens

Triumph Books LLC

Copyright © 2016 Justin Menickelli and Ryan Pickens
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-63319-474-8

---

CHAPTER 1

Getting Started

Technically, the proper name of the sport is disc golf, although some people call it Frisbee golf or, oftentimes in jest, frolf. The primary goal of disc golf is a simple one: to complete the course in the fewest number of throws possible. The basic rules, strategies, and lingo in disc golf are similar to those of traditional golf. In fact, we have lengthy conversations with colleagues who are avid traditional golfers, and if you were to eavesdrop on our dialogue, you would have no idea we were talking about different sports. Terms like course, hole, par, bogey, birdie, putt, drive, fairway, and green are common to both.

Players may choose to compete against other people, but in the end they really just total their number of throws and compare it to the number of throws other players needed to complete the same course. There is a great deal of strategy involved, but very little of it has to do with what fellow competitors are doing, except during the last few holes of tournament play. Some engaging competition can bring out your best possible game, but strategizing your way around a disc golf course is primarily about personal shot selection, which we will talk about in upcoming chapters.

Disc golf is considered a lifetime sport because people often play well into their seventies. It is an individual lifetime sport and differs from dual lifetime sports in the basic cognitive strategies used during play. Dual lifetime sports are those you perform with just one other person (the person against whom you are competing) or with a partner against another pair. Dual lifetime sports include racket sports (e.g., tennis, badminton, squash, and racquetball) and combat sports (e.g., judo and fencing). When playing dual lifetime sports, your opponent may dictate your skill execution, especially if you are getting beaten badly. While playing disc golf, your next shot is almost never dictated by anyone other than yourself, as your thoughts and behaviors are all that really matter.

In disc golf, spectacular shots are often rewarded. Sure, you may get a bad or good skip off a tree, but consistently good throws often translate to better scores, particularly on well-designed courses. When playing dual sports, great execution is rewarded, but because you are facing an opponent capable of defensive tactics, it is just not the same. When playing disc golf, great shots can be stored in your memory for years and retrieved when you need a good image to get you excited about playing. As our friend Boomer once said, "You hold on to the great ones." Someone once told us that both traditional and disc golfers play against the same opponent every time: themselves. We like to think we play against par every time, but it is pretty much you against the course.

Choosing the Best Equipment, Footwear, and Clothing

We will discuss disc selection as it relates to the physics of disc flight later, but first we want to mention where to buy discs and the basic equipment needed to play. When feasible, we encourage people to buy from local, mom-and-pop disc golf shops, but there are several reputable online retailers. Some brick-and-mortar disc golf specialty shops even let you test-throw before you purchase. Specialty disc golf stores are typically great places to shop because of their varied selection and knowledgeable sales staff. For the price of the average traditional golf driver, you can purchase around 20 disc golf drivers. Because discs are relatively inexpensive, typically from $9 to around $18, trying new discs (particularly drivers) is a fun part of the sport. Manufacturers know this and release new drivers every few months that promise greater distance off the tee with less effort.

Let us state what seems obvious to avid players: you are going to want to play with discs designed specifically for disc golf. We remember our friends Andrew and Eric claiming they wanted to start playing disc golf, but that they wanted to keep things simple and play with a single disc designed for throwing and catching. We all laugh about it now, because they each have hundreds of golf discs.

If you are an avid Ultimate player, then you are accustomed to throwing discs designed to throw and catch. Golf discs are different, in part because they tend to fly much farther, and most are not easy or safe to catch. There is a bit of a learning curve when transitioning from one type of disc to another, but trust us — it will not take long to learn the basic technique and begin enjoying disc golf. Folks new to disc sports are often intrigued by how throwing different discs the same way results in unique flight patterns.

How many discs do players typically carry during a round? The average is around 20. Some people, like our friend Vinny, play with many different sets of discs. Sometimes he plays with discs from a single manufacturer, and he even has sets organized solely by color. Most players have a primary set of discs and may swap out a few depending on the type of course they are playing. In addition to different flight patterns, some discs take on sentimental value, especially those that seem to find their target in glorious ways.

Of course, to carry all of those discs, every player needs a good bag. We strongly recommend a bag that is specifically designed to carry golf discs and is at least one size larger than you think you will need. Why not simply use an old backpack? You could do that, but disc golf–specific ones just seem to work better, largely because you can easily see and retrieve a disc for a particular shot.

Disc golf bags come in a wide variety of sizes and colors, and prices range from around $30 to more than $300. Some bags resemble backpacks and some look more like big nylon boxes. Either way, we strongly recommend getting one with two back straps. You will end up carrying other items in your bag, and that is why we think larger is better. Upon completely emptying one of our bags, we unearthed 23 discs, 2 water bottles, 2 towels for disc drying, a lightweight jacket, a chalk bag (for better grip when it gets hot outside), an old pair of sunglasses, insect repellent, sunscreen, 2 mini discs (for marking our lie), a permanent black marker, a small bag of sunflower seeds, a half-eaten granola bar, a pair of nail clippers, a very old deck of playing cards, two bag tags, a rule book, five used scorecards from three different courses, three small pencils, and $1.78 in change.

If you dress for a sturdy walk outdoors, then you are more than 90 percent ready to play disc golf. It is essential to wear loose-fitting, comfortable shirts and shorts or pants that allow for full range of motion when walking and throwing. In the summer, many players choose to wear a visor or hat to shade the sun from their eyes, and in the winter, they opt for a warm hat. Most players prefer to wear some type of synthetic wicking fiber shirt when it is hot outside. Some players wear knee-high socks to guard against poison ivy. When we see people playing disc golf in jeans, we shake our heads and wonder how they can possibly be comfortable. We suspect really baggy jeans might be fine when it is cold outside. When the weather turns cold or rainy, it's a good idea to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket or vest. A warm, synthetic base layer and a windproof fleece vest are great for winter play. These are some popular choices among disc golfers, but during casual play, you can basically wear whatever you want.

Footwear is a critical part of playing many sports, and this is true of disc golf. A lot of players choose to wear hiking shoes. Waterproof versions are, of course, best to wear when precipitation is an issue, but some of the heavier versions can feel a bit clunky. One issue unique to disc golf is that the very best shoes to wear for driving from tee pads are not the best for trouncing through the woods or walking on slick grass. Tee pads are used to designate the area from which players must drive and are often made of concrete. Some players prefer to wear soccer-type cleats when playing on natural tee pads. Cleats on concrete tee pads can be slippery and dangerous. Some players, like our friend James, choose to wear high-top hiking boots, and since James is a big, strong guy who always throws from a standstill, we can reason why. Court shoes designed for tennis or basketball work well on concrete tee pads but not as well on the trail. Sandals with open toes are risky because, in addition to the lack of lateral support, many players drag their non-plant foot and thus risk a toe injury when wearing them. Some companies do sell disc golf–specific footwear, but to us they look and perform similar to most lightweight hiking shoes. Sturdy, sweat-wicking synthetic socks are a must. Some players prefer to wear two thin pairs with some cornstarch powder in between layers. Again, the choice is ultimately up to you.

This last piece of equipment falls in the nonessential category, but if you really want to improve your game, owning one is critical. Every aspiring disc golfer should acquire a portable target (also called a basket) to practice putting and upshots. There is no greater bang for the buck in the disc golf world, perhaps even the entire sporting world. A very nice target designed for temporary holes and practice costs just less than $200. If you have a 40'x40' parcel of land and a disc golf target, then you have a worthy putting green. One of our oldest friends, an avid traditional golfer, has a modest golf putting green in his backyard. It took 100 or more hours of construction, more than a ton of materials (rock, sand, sod, drainage pipes, and wood for the border), and about $8,000 to devise this roughly 25'x25' putting green. The special mower he uses to cut the grass cost him another $2,000, and he is constantly running his kids off the green.

Types of Golf and Tournament Play

Rounds of disc golf are inherently different. Some days you might simply want to play a casual round with friends. Many players use casual rounds to practice different throwing techniques or focus on aspects of their game that need improvement. During tournament play, players take their games more seriously in an effort to score well. Understanding that there are inherently different types of disc golf may enhance your own golf experience and your respect for other golfers. Rick Kapalko may have described this experience best when he cleverly defined four types of disc golf: soul, practice, fun, and tournament golf.

Kapalko's description of soul golf sounds like what we refer to as disc golf Zen. There are indeed days, rounds, holes, throws, and moments in time that seem to transcend disc golf reality. For example, during a mystical round of glow golf (a game played at night with illuminated plastic discs or ones with glowing sticks affixed to their tops), our friend Drew once reached disc golf Zen. It was a chilly night, there was a full moon in the sky, and a frosty mist seemed to permeate the evening air. The weather conditions did not warrant low scores, but Drew holed out every throw inside 80 feet. He seemed to be in a soulful state of deep flow or Zen. All he could do was chuckle in bewilderment, and we all laughed as well. By definition, deeply soulful rounds of disc golf are rare and difficult to define. They are often played with friends, but playing by yourself can also elicit such experiences.

Practice golf is just that: good practice. You might throw a new disc, try new throwing styles, or focus on improving your technique. Some people like to go to an open field to practice throws, and that is a great idea. During practice rounds, a person might throw two putts from every lie and may not keep score. We suppose that having fun during practice golf is not essential, but if you are not a disc golf professional, you have the luxury of quitting a practice round when you are simply not having fun. Many players never practice, but as you will learn in upcoming chapters, practice golf is the best way to develop consistency in your game.

Fun golf includes games like Wolf (more about Wolf in appendix A) or Ript Revenge, an amusing disc golf / card game where you may have to throw with your non-dominant arm or from another player's lie. During fun golf, you might heckle other players, and your score probably matters very little. We think both target and safari golf are part of fun golf. In target golf, targets such as trees or signs are used in lieu of formal targets. If you hit the intended tree, then you have holed out. Mapping out a course though a college campus, urban area, neighborhood, or some woods can be really adventurous, provided safety is paramount. A lot of people began playing target golf before a formal course was built in their area. Safari golf can be played on either a target or permanent course. During safari golf, impromptu holes are often chosen by the group. For example, you might drive from the tee pad on hole 3 to the target on hole 6. Playing safari golf can be quite adventurous, much like you are on a safari.

During tournament golf, all the official rules of disc golf apply. There are no mulligans, no gimme putts, and you must keep score meticulously. We have no data to support the notion that playing in tournaments leads to consistently better scores, but nearly everyone we spoke with claimed that it makes you a better disc golfer. Some people think weekly club-sponsored events are under the umbrella of tournament play, and they are probably right. Clubs typically host weekly singles and doubles events, and in larger clubs they can be as competitive as sanctioned tournaments. There are a few sanctioned doubles tournaments in which you often bring your own partner. More about tournament play later.

The types of disc golf are not mutually exclusive. For example, tournament golf can be soulful, fun, and just plain good practice. For people new to playing disc golf, all rounds might be casual and fun. If you are just starting to play disc golf, the thought of playing in a tournament may be overwhelming, but rest assured it can be exciting and challenging in a competitive but nonthreatening way.

Tournament Tiers and Player Divisions

Playing in tournaments is a great way to improve your game, meet up with old friends, and make new friends who share your passion for disc golf. Tournament tiers and player divisions, as established by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), are pretty easy to comprehend, even for someone who knows little about the organizational structure. Of course, you can find all the details at www.pdga.com.

Local tournaments tend to have a mellow vibe, and the competition, particularly in the recreational divisions, may be less intense than larger events. They are a great place for large numbers of local club players to represent the club. One of our favorite tournaments is the Mountain Disc Golf Experience, which takes place annually in Asheville, North Carolina. It is a great tournament, at least in part, because of its unique events. On Saturday, the top amateur players play nine holes around the site of the popular Mountain Sports Festival. On Sunday, the best professionals play a skins event through crowded downtown streets. Players often tee off from the tops of buildings and throw over hundreds of spectators to precarious target placements.

Membership in the PDGA

To play in most tournaments, you do not have to be a member of the PDGA. If you choose to play more than a handful of tournaments a year, it makes financial sense to join, because you very often pay a discounted entry fee for being a member. In addition to discounts, members are assigned an official player number and earn a player rating. Basically, your PDGA Player Rating is a number that represents how close your average round scores are compared to the course ratings, called the Scratch Scoring Average, of the courses you have played during officially sanctioned tournaments. Players rated exactly 1,000 are considered scratch players. Scratch players are almost always highly skilled professionals.

A lot of people prefer to play casual rounds and local doubles events instead of sanctioned tournaments. Many of the million or so avid players cannot name more than one touring professional and many are not members of the PDGA. For us, being part of an organization means more than the bottom line, and being active members makes us feel like we are part of something bigger. If you are serious about improving your game or want to contribute to making the sport better, we strongly encourage you to become an active member of a local club and the PDGA.

(Continues...)

---

Excerpted from The Definitive Guide to Disc Golf by Justin Menickelli, Ryan "Slim" Pickens. Copyright © 2016 Justin Menickelli and Ryan Pickens. Excerpted by permission of Triumph Books LLC.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

---

Table of Contents

Contents

Preface,
Acknowledgments,
Part I. The Nature of the Game,
1. Getting Started,
2. The History, Present, and Possible Future of Disc Golf,
3. Disc Golf Course Design,
4. Rules and Etiquette Every Player Should Know,
Part II. The Science of the Game,
5. Mental Training,
6. Disc Golf Fitness,
7. The Dynamics of Disc Flight,
Part III. The Skills of the Game,
8. Backhand Throws,
9. Forehand Throws,
10. Overhand Throws,
11. Rollers,
12. Putting,
13. Before Every Throw,
14. Approach Throw Fundamentals,
Appendix A. Great Playing Formats,
Appendix B. Manufacturers' Information,
Glossary,
Notes,
Sources,
About the Authors,