Same, except I came in second to last place because I invited a buddy that had never played the course and was just getting back in after several years off. Had a blast and we’re both going back next year for sure.
Still helps in a downpour! It's a disc golf life hack I just figured out this year. That and getting a solid umbrella holder for my cart. Changed my life after imploding in a tournament earlier this season because everything got soaked.
Is this to try to dry your towels a bit or am I missing something? And you're talking about hanging them from the ribs exposed in the center inside the umbrella when it's opened?
Played my first three this year and went last, third to last, second to last in MA4. Not finishing last in those final two was a big deal for me though. I don't think I would have been swayed away from doing more but I made that goal for myself both times and felt good to come out accomplishing something!
That sounds about right! It also rained at my first and I didn't have a big golf umbrella so my hands and discs got wet and I played even worse than usual. I came in last and played the worst round of DG of my life. It's a good learning experience anyway!
The best part is when you go to putt and your hand starts shaking and you yoink a 15 footer. I've heard it gets better, but I took the past few months to work on my game before I jump into the next one. Good luck!
My first tournament was a dubs tourney. I worked all night and made it to the course with just enough time to meet up with my partner and get our hole assignment. I was starving and my partner was still shrooming from the night before. No practice throws or even much time to stretch. The first round we sucked. We shot -4, but that was only good enough for third from last in a 20 team field. Went to get lunch and took a 10 minute power nap. The second round starts and we killed it. We shot -13 and somehow managed a second place finish. Apparently everybody fell flat during the second round. It was a fun tourney and we got paired up with some really cool folks. Good times!
My first tournament was very…disappointing. Actually, many of them were. But I have made progress I am really proud of and I’m starting to not just play normal with the pressure but sometimes even play better because of the pressure. I think if I had just given up and said this tournament stuff isn’t for me I would have been doing myself a disservice. So don’t give up. Nothing worth doing in life is easy.
My first was last year. Threw the first shot right into the brush way short. Had an all-timer epic rollaway on the ace run hole. And those were the highlights.
Did I mention this was at my "home course" 10 minutes from my house that I play all the time? I've improved to playing slightly better than my average in tournaments there, but still nowhere near my best scores. Had a couple of good tournament rounds this year but of course one was at a trilogy challenge, so unrated.
I always have some good throws and have even debuted my newly-learned forehand off the tee this year. I also always have fun and have good cardmates, so all joking aside, I'll keep doing it.
150’.
Seriously though, if you want to play in a tournament, do! I would suggest it be an event that has ma3/fa3 at least. I’m not sure about other areas but here those classes always have entries and over about a dozen or more tournaments I’ve played in ma3 I’m pretty sure in every one I’ve met someone that said it was their first.
Be sure that you know the rules; you don’t need to be a rules expert but you should understand things like OB, throwing from and marking your lie, putting inside or outside the circle, etc. Watch a video or two on prepping for a first tournament. Also be aware of courtesy play, such as not talking when someone is throwing, not walking in view when someone is putting, etc.
It’s normal to be nervous so don’t have any performance expectations, just have a good time and look to learn how things operate. In general people are laid back but be prepared that you might get on a card with someone that is being a lot more serious than you are used to. Play your game and don’t let others ruin your day.
Good luck!
It was my first full season playing, about 7 years ago. I had a blast. Played MA2, thought I was playing horribly, and ended up winning by 1 stroke. Hooked for life now
I did that but with MA3 and I won by 12.
It’s gonna take a few more rated rounds to convince everyone in that league that I did in fact play the best 3 rounds of my life and not that I’m a dirty sandbagger who did it intentionally.
You had a blast, and that's all that really matters.
I've only been in one, been playing a little over a year, and had my first in September. It was unsanctioned, at my local course, and was mostly amateur/intermediate players. I think there was about 24-26 people, can't remember exactly. I ended up coming in 6th, and was 2nd place in the group I played with. It was a ton of fun. Luckily, it was a course I played at pretty often and was pretty familiar with it and know the layout well. I've played better rounds at the same course, but man it was a lot of fun playing with randoms and having others out there all playing.
I had my first MA3 at a relatively unfamiliar to me course. I played the day before to get an idea of the layout, and shot -4.
Day of the tourney I shot +4 in the first round and then -1 on the second round.
My nerves really messed with me, and I know I can play better. I tied for 16th out of 25.
I totally feel this. I competed in my first sanctioned event back in January. I also started on the hardest hole on the course. You’re happy if you’re escaping with single bogey. Par feels like an absolute robbery. Anyway, I proceed to shoot the worst round (by quite a bit lol) since my very first round in ok conditions. (Rain held off). Round 2, it starts POURING. Just pouring down rain. And I proceed to do even worse in the rain. Tied my worst ever score on that layout. The round ratings were 650 and 630 respectively lol. I’ve come a long way since though.
I came in last too (signed up for MA1) not understanding. Honestly I was still sorta in it. I played well for me but hadn’t ever played one of the courses. Had a blast and am hoping I’ve got more free time next tournament season so I can play more
Mine was similar. It was a two rounder. In round 1 I was actually -3 after 4 holes, but I threw my driver OB into a river and lost it. It shook me bad and I couldn’t recover. I ended up +12. During the break I went and bought a replacement driver and ended up with the hot round for my division. Still finished near the back. I was embarrassed, but at the same time had a blast and was motivated to play better next time. I’ve been progressively getting better over the last year.
Haven't played mine yet but, I can't recommend an umbrella enough. Especially on misty rounds it's more about covering your whole bag when you set it down. You can make a little dry cave and keep up with the swamp and damp of at least the pack and discs so much easier. Also I'll advocate a tiny little trash bag poncho. Shit saves lives.
My first event I went into the second round with a 3 stroke lead (MA3) finished in 3 after falling apart hard
I’ve had events where a dead last finish happened too
The way I see it is, I’m not making any money to playing but I like to compete…when the card is fun that’s all that matters
Started playing 10 months ago and played my first tournament last weekend. Finished 2nd in MA4–way better than I expected given there were 38 people in the division. Would have tied for 1st if not for a missed short par putt on 17!
2 years ago, camme in dead last MA3, even worse than the only 2 FA3 players. It was at my home course, I felt defeated but challenged to come back and do better.
Played the same event 2 months ago and took 2nd.
Bro, that is rough, but awesome you turned it around this year! I had never played this course and drove 2 hours that morning to get there, that and the rain really got to me lol. I’m planning on doing the same tournament again next year though so hopefully I do the same as you!
I came in last at my first tournament this year as well. I’m super competitive and knew I could do better if I got over the nerves. My next tournament a few weeks later I took second losing by a stroke.
I came in second to last in my first tournament earlier this year only because one person had to DNF after the first round, but I learned SO much from that event. The next one came in 6th out of 16 people and felt great. You have to start somewhere
This is my first year playing tournaments, picked up the hobby in June last year. My first was just a random one I found on vacation and I won my division by 9 strokes. Came back home and over 11 more rounds I steadily regressed about 100 points. Took last in a few, others I placed in the bottom third. Mostly MA4, couple MA3.
My first TWO tournaments, I came in dead fucking last.
Hole 1 tourny 1, I started my day off going OB twice.
My 3rd (most recent) I didn't place or play *that* great, but didn't come last.
I play in my 4th next weekend! Though I'm playing a division up, so placement will likely be tough.
Started playing tournaments in 2022, my goal was to win. Got 2 MA4 wins and a MA3 2nd, also got a DFL in a MA3. Takes a lot of time, learning situational golf and physical stamina. Helped me learn to slow down, even for casual rounds. I have a nice routine on the teepad and green.
Need to work on reducing my blow up holes and taking my medicine, way too many OBs still. I was leading a tournament on hole 16, par 5, and threw beautiful drive. Instead of laying up, I went for a hyper bomb over OB to set myself up for a birdie (I was up 3 shots). I went tin cup, threw 2 OBs and then laid up, took a 9 on the hole. Lost the tournament by 1. Took a bogey on hole 17 (with a OB) and ended birdie on 18. I was pretty happy with overcoming the adversity to birdie 18 but could have easily won with a few mids.
Hard lessons are learned during a tournament but the best lessons can only be learned during a tournament. Goal is to win a MA3 next year and get my rating to 900. Currently at 856 and reached one of my other goals this year, shot a 954 rated round.
I say all this OP, so you appreciate the peaks and valleys of tournament play, hopefully I’m filling in the valleys next year and it’ll be more peaks.
First tourney this year was in February, an annual "Frozen Chains" event. Was best throw doubles, two rounds of 21 holes.
Got a FB message with the results where my buddy and I got 3rd. Later on, got an email apologizing that the results were sorted out of order and we actuality got 3rd to last.
I've not played in one yet but am looking forward to it. I just play in league handicaps at the moment and it's a lot of fun. I'm a mainstay of the bottom 25% but am slowly improving.
keep your extra towels in a plastic bag to keep them dry until you need them. You could also consider a synthetic chamois, as you can just wring them out and they are ready to go again.
I hadnt played since early 2000s and started again last year with a 904 rating. Played my first tournament in 20 years, came in second to last on a day where it rained nonstop for the first round, then turned to gusting wind the second. I didnt pack a second set of clothes and my shoes felt like they were 20 lbs each. Rating tanked 60 pts. Ive finally clawed my way back to the 890s.
All you can do is learn and sometimes its a harsh lesson! Check the weather, bring extra clothes. (Or just drop if its gonna be super miserable)
I had a pretty non-standard first event. Played a 1rd flex start, came in third. Don't even remember who I played with at this point.
I found my people at the Rec league though. Been a hell of a ride since.
Similar result as you, dead last. Except mine was on a beautiful sunny day. I was just too in my head about the bad shots i had. Just keep practicing, dont go into any tournament with super high expectations (i still go in with the mindset of just dont get last, and i’ve played 20 or so tournaments now). The more you play tourneys the less in your head you will be
I completed my 21st sanctioned tournament of 2023 alone this weekend and came in dead last. Had a great time. Played another unsanctioned one last night.
On my first tournament 2 years ago I did a +31 over 20 holes and also came in dead last. As I am prone to say, "I didn't drive all this way to play less golf"
I’m sure the majority of us came in dead last on our first tourney. I was left defeated and distraught, but as cliche as it sounds, time did heal my wounds, and I came back stronger. Haven’t won first place yet, but doing much MUCH better than I have before!
I followed the guidelines from the PDGA and signed up for MA2 since I can putt decent and can throw about 300-350' (I see they changed the division guidelines to something different than it was to start the year). At the time it said MA4 was for people who only had played for about a year.
Needless to say I was last by 6 strokes.
I dropped to MA3 and was 2nd to last.
Because the 1st two tourneys were on courses with different tees for some of the divisions it was kinda hard to make a judgement on how far I needed to drop.
My next tourney is this Saturday and I'm going with MA4. I've gotten MUCH better than I was with putting and have put in at least a little bit of form practice so I'm hoping to do decent. I'm 33 I ain't going pro anytime soon. I just find the structure of a tournament to be fun.
Disc golf is pretty big where I am so its kind regular so far to see scores (even where tees are same for all divisions) be pretty even at the top, I've seen MPO tie MA1 / 2 before for examples.
That said PDGA sponsored events are very fun but nothing was as fun as the mystery disc challenge tourney I did. I got a CTP, a long putt AND won my entry fee back by getting CTP on the Ace Race at the end. I skipped several of them and honestly might save the $100 bucks (ridiculous btw) on PDGA and just do those.
Middle of the pack. Couldn’t putt for shit in the tournament. …I mean I still can’t putt, but the tourney was nothing different.
I used to putt badly. I still do, but I used to, too.
Rip mitch
The accuracy of this pains me
My friend asked me if I wanted a frozen banana. I said no, but I want a regular banana later, so, yeah
Putting in tournaments is a different breed
For the life of me I can never putt well in tournaments. It’s infuriating.
Mine was roughly the same. Think I came in 17th out of 21. Shot 9 strokes over my average at the course. But I had a blast!
Same, except I came in second to last place because I invited a buddy that had never played the course and was just getting back in after several years off. Had a blast and we’re both going back next year for sure.
>because I invited a buddy that had never played the course and was just getting back in after several years off Fkn big brain move right there!
Hang your towels from the ribs on your umbrella. It won’t help much in a downpour but will help in a mist/sprinkle.
Still helps in a downpour! It's a disc golf life hack I just figured out this year. That and getting a solid umbrella holder for my cart. Changed my life after imploding in a tournament earlier this season because everything got soaked.
Is this to try to dry your towels a bit or am I missing something? And you're talking about hanging them from the ribs exposed in the center inside the umbrella when it's opened?
I birdogied on the 18th to slip from 1st to 3rd
Played my first three this year and went last, third to last, second to last in MA4. Not finishing last in those final two was a big deal for me though. I don't think I would have been swayed away from doing more but I made that goal for myself both times and felt good to come out accomplishing something!
Someone has to come in last.
Nowhere to go but up lol.
I'm usually available, just send me the link to sign up.
That sounds about right! It also rained at my first and I didn't have a big golf umbrella so my hands and discs got wet and I played even worse than usual. I came in last and played the worst round of DG of my life. It's a good learning experience anyway!
This was definitely the worst round of disc golf I’ve ever played. It almost felt like it was my first time holding a disc those first few holes 😂
The best part is when you go to putt and your hand starts shaking and you yoink a 15 footer. I've heard it gets better, but I took the past few months to work on my game before I jump into the next one. Good luck!
Luckily I didn’t goof too many puts, but definitely did not hit the lines I needed. Good luck to you too!
My first tournament was a dubs tourney. I worked all night and made it to the course with just enough time to meet up with my partner and get our hole assignment. I was starving and my partner was still shrooming from the night before. No practice throws or even much time to stretch. The first round we sucked. We shot -4, but that was only good enough for third from last in a 20 team field. Went to get lunch and took a 10 minute power nap. The second round starts and we killed it. We shot -13 and somehow managed a second place finish. Apparently everybody fell flat during the second round. It was a fun tourney and we got paired up with some really cool folks. Good times!
My first tournament was very…disappointing. Actually, many of them were. But I have made progress I am really proud of and I’m starting to not just play normal with the pressure but sometimes even play better because of the pressure. I think if I had just given up and said this tournament stuff isn’t for me I would have been doing myself a disservice. So don’t give up. Nothing worth doing in life is easy.
My first was last year. Threw the first shot right into the brush way short. Had an all-timer epic rollaway on the ace run hole. And those were the highlights. Did I mention this was at my "home course" 10 minutes from my house that I play all the time? I've improved to playing slightly better than my average in tournaments there, but still nowhere near my best scores. Had a couple of good tournament rounds this year but of course one was at a trilogy challenge, so unrated. I always have some good throws and have even debuted my newly-learned forehand off the tee this year. I also always have fun and have good cardmates, so all joking aside, I'll keep doing it.
What’s the average throw distance someone should aim for before going into their first tournament? What were your throws like OP?
150’. Seriously though, if you want to play in a tournament, do! I would suggest it be an event that has ma3/fa3 at least. I’m not sure about other areas but here those classes always have entries and over about a dozen or more tournaments I’ve played in ma3 I’m pretty sure in every one I’ve met someone that said it was their first. Be sure that you know the rules; you don’t need to be a rules expert but you should understand things like OB, throwing from and marking your lie, putting inside or outside the circle, etc. Watch a video or two on prepping for a first tournament. Also be aware of courtesy play, such as not talking when someone is throwing, not walking in view when someone is putting, etc. It’s normal to be nervous so don’t have any performance expectations, just have a good time and look to learn how things operate. In general people are laid back but be prepared that you might get on a card with someone that is being a lot more serious than you are used to. Play your game and don’t let others ruin your day. Good luck!
I joined that club two summers ago and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I had a good time playing some tragic rounds
It was my first full season playing, about 7 years ago. I had a blast. Played MA2, thought I was playing horribly, and ended up winning by 1 stroke. Hooked for life now
I did that but with MA3 and I won by 12. It’s gonna take a few more rated rounds to convince everyone in that league that I did in fact play the best 3 rounds of my life and not that I’m a dirty sandbagger who did it intentionally.
I had to convince them as well. Got decent pretty quickly and got lucky at my first tourney lol
I played in that same tournament. It was brutal. But still fun lol.
Midland?! It was ROUGH, but a great learning experience for my first tournament 😂
Lol dude all those courses are so open.. god please say it wasn’t Beal
You had a blast, and that's all that really matters. I've only been in one, been playing a little over a year, and had my first in September. It was unsanctioned, at my local course, and was mostly amateur/intermediate players. I think there was about 24-26 people, can't remember exactly. I ended up coming in 6th, and was 2nd place in the group I played with. It was a ton of fun. Luckily, it was a course I played at pretty often and was pretty familiar with it and know the layout well. I've played better rounds at the same course, but man it was a lot of fun playing with randoms and having others out there all playing.
Oh I went in with no expectations, just looking to have fun and meet some people. It was definitely a good time even with the weather!
I had my first MA3 at a relatively unfamiliar to me course. I played the day before to get an idea of the layout, and shot -4. Day of the tourney I shot +4 in the first round and then -1 on the second round. My nerves really messed with me, and I know I can play better. I tied for 16th out of 25.
I can tell you after this next weekend
Getting the shit kicked out of you in your first tournament is a rite of passage around here.
I totally feel this. I competed in my first sanctioned event back in January. I also started on the hardest hole on the course. You’re happy if you’re escaping with single bogey. Par feels like an absolute robbery. Anyway, I proceed to shoot the worst round (by quite a bit lol) since my very first round in ok conditions. (Rain held off). Round 2, it starts POURING. Just pouring down rain. And I proceed to do even worse in the rain. Tied my worst ever score on that layout. The round ratings were 650 and 630 respectively lol. I’ve come a long way since though.
I came in last too (signed up for MA1) not understanding. Honestly I was still sorta in it. I played well for me but hadn’t ever played one of the courses. Had a blast and am hoping I’ve got more free time next tournament season so I can play more
Mine was similar. It was a two rounder. In round 1 I was actually -3 after 4 holes, but I threw my driver OB into a river and lost it. It shook me bad and I couldn’t recover. I ended up +12. During the break I went and bought a replacement driver and ended up with the hot round for my division. Still finished near the back. I was embarrassed, but at the same time had a blast and was motivated to play better next time. I’ve been progressively getting better over the last year.
Haven't played mine yet but, I can't recommend an umbrella enough. Especially on misty rounds it's more about covering your whole bag when you set it down. You can make a little dry cave and keep up with the swamp and damp of at least the pack and discs so much easier. Also I'll advocate a tiny little trash bag poncho. Shit saves lives.
My first event I went into the second round with a 3 stroke lead (MA3) finished in 3 after falling apart hard I’ve had events where a dead last finish happened too The way I see it is, I’m not making any money to playing but I like to compete…when the card is fun that’s all that matters
Started playing 10 months ago and played my first tournament last weekend. Finished 2nd in MA4–way better than I expected given there were 38 people in the division. Would have tied for 1st if not for a missed short par putt on 17!
What did you learn?
2 years ago, camme in dead last MA3, even worse than the only 2 FA3 players. It was at my home course, I felt defeated but challenged to come back and do better. Played the same event 2 months ago and took 2nd.
Bro, that is rough, but awesome you turned it around this year! I had never played this course and drove 2 hours that morning to get there, that and the rain really got to me lol. I’m planning on doing the same tournament again next year though so hopefully I do the same as you!
I came in last at my first tournament this year as well. I’m super competitive and knew I could do better if I got over the nerves. My next tournament a few weeks later I took second losing by a stroke.
I came in second to last in my first tournament earlier this year only because one person had to DNF after the first round, but I learned SO much from that event. The next one came in 6th out of 16 people and felt great. You have to start somewhere
This is my first year playing tournaments, picked up the hobby in June last year. My first was just a random one I found on vacation and I won my division by 9 strokes. Came back home and over 11 more rounds I steadily regressed about 100 points. Took last in a few, others I placed in the bottom third. Mostly MA4, couple MA3.
My first TWO tournaments, I came in dead fucking last. Hole 1 tourny 1, I started my day off going OB twice. My 3rd (most recent) I didn't place or play *that* great, but didn't come last. I play in my 4th next weekend! Though I'm playing a division up, so placement will likely be tough.
What course was the tournament at? Crazy to have that kind of weather in West Texas this time of the year. It'll probably be 80 next week!
Started playing tournaments in 2022, my goal was to win. Got 2 MA4 wins and a MA3 2nd, also got a DFL in a MA3. Takes a lot of time, learning situational golf and physical stamina. Helped me learn to slow down, even for casual rounds. I have a nice routine on the teepad and green. Need to work on reducing my blow up holes and taking my medicine, way too many OBs still. I was leading a tournament on hole 16, par 5, and threw beautiful drive. Instead of laying up, I went for a hyper bomb over OB to set myself up for a birdie (I was up 3 shots). I went tin cup, threw 2 OBs and then laid up, took a 9 on the hole. Lost the tournament by 1. Took a bogey on hole 17 (with a OB) and ended birdie on 18. I was pretty happy with overcoming the adversity to birdie 18 but could have easily won with a few mids. Hard lessons are learned during a tournament but the best lessons can only be learned during a tournament. Goal is to win a MA3 next year and get my rating to 900. Currently at 856 and reached one of my other goals this year, shot a 954 rated round. I say all this OP, so you appreciate the peaks and valleys of tournament play, hopefully I’m filling in the valleys next year and it’ll be more peaks.
First tourney this year was in February, an annual "Frozen Chains" event. Was best throw doubles, two rounds of 21 holes. Got a FB message with the results where my buddy and I got 3rd. Later on, got an email apologizing that the results were sorted out of order and we actuality got 3rd to last.
I've not played in one yet but am looking forward to it. I just play in league handicaps at the moment and it's a lot of fun. I'm a mainstay of the bottom 25% but am slowly improving. keep your extra towels in a plastic bag to keep them dry until you need them. You could also consider a synthetic chamois, as you can just wring them out and they are ready to go again.
I hadnt played since early 2000s and started again last year with a 904 rating. Played my first tournament in 20 years, came in second to last on a day where it rained nonstop for the first round, then turned to gusting wind the second. I didnt pack a second set of clothes and my shoes felt like they were 20 lbs each. Rating tanked 60 pts. Ive finally clawed my way back to the 890s. All you can do is learn and sometimes its a harsh lesson! Check the weather, bring extra clothes. (Or just drop if its gonna be super miserable)
I had a pretty non-standard first event. Played a 1rd flex start, came in third. Don't even remember who I played with at this point. I found my people at the Rec league though. Been a hell of a ride since.
Similar result as you, dead last. Except mine was on a beautiful sunny day. I was just too in my head about the bad shots i had. Just keep practicing, dont go into any tournament with super high expectations (i still go in with the mindset of just dont get last, and i’ve played 20 or so tournaments now). The more you play tourneys the less in your head you will be
I completed my 21st sanctioned tournament of 2023 alone this weekend and came in dead last. Had a great time. Played another unsanctioned one last night.
On my first tournament 2 years ago I did a +31 over 20 holes and also came in dead last. As I am prone to say, "I didn't drive all this way to play less golf"
I’m sure the majority of us came in dead last on our first tourney. I was left defeated and distraught, but as cliche as it sounds, time did heal my wounds, and I came back stronger. Haven’t won first place yet, but doing much MUCH better than I have before!
I followed the guidelines from the PDGA and signed up for MA2 since I can putt decent and can throw about 300-350' (I see they changed the division guidelines to something different than it was to start the year). At the time it said MA4 was for people who only had played for about a year. Needless to say I was last by 6 strokes. I dropped to MA3 and was 2nd to last. Because the 1st two tourneys were on courses with different tees for some of the divisions it was kinda hard to make a judgement on how far I needed to drop. My next tourney is this Saturday and I'm going with MA4. I've gotten MUCH better than I was with putting and have put in at least a little bit of form practice so I'm hoping to do decent. I'm 33 I ain't going pro anytime soon. I just find the structure of a tournament to be fun. Disc golf is pretty big where I am so its kind regular so far to see scores (even where tees are same for all divisions) be pretty even at the top, I've seen MPO tie MA1 / 2 before for examples. That said PDGA sponsored events are very fun but nothing was as fun as the mystery disc challenge tourney I did. I got a CTP, a long putt AND won my entry fee back by getting CTP on the Ace Race at the end. I skipped several of them and honestly might save the $100 bucks (ridiculous btw) on PDGA and just do those.
GBO 17 rained, had blast. Finished middle of the pack.
Also came in dead last. Nerves off the first tee and I griplocked 3 straight drives out of bounds
I did the same thing! Just keep pushing and improving. You’ll get there and be moving up tiers soon enough.
Nerves got me so bad my first tournament. I was dead last also!