I realized as I was writing the next couple of articles on building the perfect bag that there was a post that needed to be written first. It’s just a bit of housekeeping, but a very important one at that. If I am going to be able to communicate my ideas effectively, we have to lay down some basic definitions. We have to define the terms we’ll be using when talking about those little round pieces of plastic in your bag.
2015 was a banner year for disc golf. 2016 looks to be even bigger. It’s been fun to watch our sport grow up and really start to mature.
As with anything or anyone that matures, a big part of that process is going from thinking only about one’s self to starting to really think and care about others. What we realize as we get older is that things we take for granted are things that others can only dream of. We start to see just how fortunate we are.
Over the next several months, I’ll be conducting a deep dive into disc selection. I want to dissect how, in my opinion, to put together the perfect bag for you. One of the biggest weaknesses I see with most amateur and casual players is that their bag is in a constant state of flux.
For me, the single best thing about playing disc golf at night is that it’s fun. To be specific, it is 1.7 metric tons of fun. If you’ve never done it, you are seriously missing out.
There are two types of understable disc in the world. Those that start their life as a stable or overstable disc and then lovingly beat in to buttery smooth turnover goodness. And those that are understable out of the box… Kind of like a few people I know.
My two addictions in this world are disc golf and photography. As my love of disc golf has grown, I’ve accumulated many discs, bags, and other equipment. As my love for photography has grown, I’ve done the same thing with cameras, lenses, filters, and other gear. My photo habit has grown far beyond whipping out my iPhone to snap a pic every now and then.
That means that when I hit the course, I not only need a good way to carry my discs, I also need a place to safely carry my camera, lens, tripod, and other various equipment. Sometimes I feel like I’m packing for a small vacation just to go play a round of disc golf.
I talk about it obsessively. The pros insist on it. Everywhere you look, anyone that gives advice about getting better at anything, disc golf included, extols the virtues of diligent practice. That’s great advice. But to be honest, it’s also severely lacking. Those of us advising consistent practice often leave important details out. In many cases our advice to go practice can even do more harm than good.
I wish I was a better putter.
I wish I could drive farther.
I wish I could put my approaches closer to the basket.
I wish I could keep a better attitude on the course.
