Disc golf tournaments are a great way to promote your course and get new players out. You can host a single-round event or even a multi-day tournament that can draw players from a variety of areas and skill levels.
The most popular disc golf tournaments are sanctioned by the Professional Disc Golf Association, but there are also many other tournaments and competitions that are not PDGA-sanctioned. These events usually offer a lower cost and are more accessible for first-time players.
If you’re thinking of hosting your own disc golf tournament, here are some tips that can help make the experience as successful as possible.
Start Your Tournament Early
One of the most important things to remember is that you should begin throwing and putting as soon as you arrive at the course. Ideally, this should be at least two minutes before the start of your round. This gives you time to practice your throws and putts before the real thing begins.
Play It Safe
Whether you’re throwing or putting, always be aware of pedestrians and other park users. Disc golf is a great way to spend quality time with family and friends, but it’s important to play responsibly.
Watch For OB Zones And Mandatories
If your disc lands in an area that is out of bounds (OB), you’ll need to add a penalty throw to your score and restart from where you last threw. In addition, some courses have Mandatories (also called “drop zones”), which require that your disc must land near a specific line or that it be on a certain path.
Don’t Alter The Terrain
Disc golf courses are usually laid out in and around wooded areas with diverse terrain to provide natural obstacles to the flight of the disc. These areas are often used by walkers, runners and other recreational park users, but they are not allowed to be altered in any way that will decrease the difficulty of the course.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions
Having a good understanding of the rules is critical to making sure your disc golf tournament is a success. This can be done by studying the disc golf rules available online or by asking other members of the disc golf community for advice.
Know Your Teeing Location
Typically, a disc golf course will have tee times throughout the day. These can be found on the course’s website or at the entrance to the course.
The teeing locations can also be listed on the scorecards of previous rounds. Getting to know these can make it much easier to pick your starting hole and know where to find it when you arrive at the course.
Be Prepared For a Bad Weather Situation
When your event takes place outside, it’s important to be prepared for the weather. Having a birdie bag, stool, cart or umbrella with a poncho can be helpful to keep your gear dry and protect you from the elements.
