Play Angry

Note: This is part 1 in a series of posts which make up the chapters of a tongue-in-cheek look at the game of disc golf and why we love it so much, despite the lack of reciprocated affection. This series is not intended to improve your game…unless it does…in which case we’re happy to take the credit.

Chapter 1 – Why Do We Play?

Before launching a blog that digs deeply into vast stores of experience, knowledge, and advice concerning the game of disc golf, let’s make it unmistakably clear what it is that we’re talking about.

“Disc Golf: A game in which a concave plastic disc is thrown into each of a series of metal baskets situated on an outdoor course, the object being to complete the course using the fewest possible throws.”

That definition is from the all-knowing internet machine. Google told me, so that pretty much settles it. I would like to point out one key part of that definition, and it’s stated in the first two words. Disc Golf is “a game”. It is not life. It is not a philosophy. It is not a state of being. It is also not as boring and cripplingly expensive as traditional ball golf. As a game, I think that we are safe to say that it is intended to be fun.

Now that we’ve covered that simple, often forgotten feature, let’s tap into the wisdom that can make your game better—or at least more fun. There are many ways to pursue improvement, and I gravitate toward the one that brings me satisfaction most often.

That satisfaction isn’t based on scores, rankings, or skill. It comes from battling through a game, riding the emotional roller coaster, and spending time with friends chasing that ever-elusive mastery. Disc golf, like a roller coaster, is thrilling not because it’s smooth, but because of the ups, downs, and unexpected twists.

One approach to improvement is seeking a state of Zen. Zen, rooted in Asian philosophy, promotes complete focus and harmony between body and mind. It clears your perception from chaos and distractions, helping you engage fully with the game.

There’s nothing wrong with this approach. If sitting quietly in meditation brings peace with yourself, the world, and your disc golf, then go for it. Just don’t meditate on the fairway—my disc might find you!

Perhaps the different approaches to disc golf ultimately arise from the varied hopes and goals we have toward disc golf and its role in our lives. I spread the possibilities on the table in front of me and try to be honest about the realities. When measuring disc golf’s place in my life and the reasons I play, I might give these options some consideration:

I could quit my job and attempt to go pro before I starve to death.
I could keep my job, but ignore my non-disc golf relationships in the quest for more game time, thus nullifying any Zenlike peace in my disc golf world through the alienation and chaos in my home and social life.
I could simply play when my schedule allows and try to pack as much fun as I can into those precious couple of hours, regardless of how well I play.

I’m sure there are more options, perhaps achieving the perfect balance, but lists are very boring… kind of like meditation, or ball golf. The more time I spend making lists and evaluating the options, the less time I have for disc golf. So, let’s move on and take a look at some of the important steps in making your disc golf game better, at least in terms of emotionally strapping yourself in for a good ride.

Why do we play disc golf? It could be like the age-old response to the question asked of hikers, “Why do you climb the mountain?”

Answer: “Because it is there.”

Now that we know the game, and we’ve felt the joy of flinging plastic at metal chains, we have to do it. It calls to us. It taunts us. It beckons us, “Come try again.”

I actually hike too. Mountains have called to me before, but now my hiking experiences are tainted with new thoughts that I can’t seem to suppress. I can’t walk by a meadow of wildflowers, or a picturesque creek, or a sloping ravine without thinking, “a disc golf course would sure be great right there.” Heck, I can’t even stand atop a lofty peak or perilous cliff without wishing I could chuck a disc, just to watch how far it flies before diving to the ground far below. Addictions are that way, slowly saturating other facets of your life.

We all have our reasons for playing. Whatever your reason, let’s focus on making it more enjoyable.

Play Angry

Chapter 1 – Why Do We Play?

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