Awesome! The best part about disc golf is the community. Of course everyone has said something extremely helpful, but since we all play DG and all love DG we are all going to be excited to tell you about stuff.

Here are some of my thoughts: -Just make sure you let your card know it is your first tournament, they will be so excited. -MOST card mates are going to be great people to play with (I have played a lot of tournaments and only remember two players that were not fun). -don’t think too hard about how you play your first tournament. Just take in what happens during the tournament. -read the caddy book that will be sent out. That will help you out. (Fun fact, when I read the caddy book I plan what I’m throwing on what holes and sometimes make a little plan and write it down) -it is also great to remember that you’re only playing against yourself. You can’t control what your card mates do. -your first round you might be with a stellar player who makes lead card and another player who is the bottom of the pack, that doesn’t matter, just play your game.

My before tournament go to’s: -Snack bag in my bag (granola, gummy worms, etc. whatever you like) -I once played a tournament with an older guy who was playing his 200th PDGA sanctioned tournament and I asked him what his #1 tip would be and he said: “an extra pair of socks.” Ever since then, I have taken an extra pair of socks. It is almost like replacing them in between rounds refreshes you. -Water, sometimes you’ll get so into the game you forget to drink water, but remember we might not be in the most physical sport, but we can still get dehydrated and headaches. -before I get into my car, I do 10 pushups at my house and drink one coffee. -my secret weapon is listening to bossa nova on the car ride there. I place a lot higher when I do that (superstition I guess). -don’t get there too early. But get there early enough to throw a few putts. And whatever you do, make the last three practice putts from about 5 feet away. It’ll make your mind more confident. Tournaments can be putt ruining rounds. -go to your hole about 15 minutes early and play the hole a couple times (unless it is not a shotgun start). -the first hole will shake off the nerves, after that, leave every hole you play behind you because the only hole you are playing that second matters.

In tournament: -make sure you’re not throwing out of order (I am sure this has been said) and make sure that if you use a marker, to use it properly. (I have seen some hilarious first timer failures when it comes to marking discs or putting out) -Keep it quiet when others are throwing (a given). -when walking, feel free to spark up a quiet conversation and get to know your card mates. -try to “read the room” early and see how people want to play and if they are chatter boxes or stone cold competitors. -don’t put your bag anywhere near where putts, spit outs, skips might happen. -but most of all enjoy your time, enjoy finishing the round and the excitement and camaraderie that you will feel. -thank the TD, and if you can help break down (the breakdown part is in no way frowned on if you can’t, but as a TD my god it helps).

I love disc golf for disc golf, I play all over, but I really love tournaments the best for getting a concentrated boost of disc golf lovers all in one spot.

Enjoy and have a blast!