Curmudgeonly look at the decline of a fine sport into indolence and sloth.
When I first started playing Disc Golf one of the things which attracted me to the sport was the relative informality. It wasn't a big production or a big expense like traditional golf. No $300 clubs, no big bags to lug around, no caddies, no tee-times, no carts, no huge greens fees. You just went out with friends in a nice, natural environment, carrying a few discs with you and had a good time.…
Article comments
26 - Otis
You must be joking about the disc golf carts and straps, etc.
As a high-quality custom disc golf cart system builder myself, I find that most of what you described could be filed under the category of PROGRESS.
You are not the first disc golf Luddite I have run across who has suggested that the sport should remain in a nascent stage and that no one should make a profit or create innovations that will advance the fantastic sport of disc golf.
The cart systems that I build can carry every accessory known to the sport including; umbrellas, stools, disctrievers, coolers, towels, etc. The purpose of the disc golf cart system is to support the individual's disc golf game.
Does it advance the enjoyment of the game to lose your disc in a tree or water hazard? Or to get soaked by a sudden storm? Or to run short of hydrating liquids or other necessary supplies? Knowing that many of the challenges which one may encounter on the course can be dealt with by utilizing a superior disc golf cart system gives the thinking disc golfer more confidence and less distractions in his/her game. Perhaps the author of that rant could focus on a more relevant criticism of the modern sport of disc golf?
27 - Dave Nalle
Sorry, Otis. I was just trying to see how many totally humorless Disc Golf fans were on the net - apparently quite a few.
Ultimately whether you use a cart or not is irrelevant. How you play and whether you have fun is what matters.
For me it's not so much fun to wheel a cart around, but others clearly see a benefit to it.
The point is that this IS a rant, and should be taken as such. It's a bit over the top, riffing on the subject of the emasculation of the sport.
Make more carts, I hope you do well with them. I may buy one myself some day. BTW, do you have a website I can direct people to who want one?
Dave
28 - Otis
Dave, just wanted to say that I actually enjoyed reading your article and appreciated the chance to respond. Although even the possibility that I could be referred to as "humorless" cuts me to the quick, OUCH!!!, I'll take your remarks in the humor in which they were offered.
Alas, I have no website to advertise my custom-crafted disc golf cart systems, but I thank you for the offer to direct inquiries in that direction. At this point, the carts that I build are relatively expensive, and only for friends who request them.
Anyway, I certainly hope that you continue writing about the sport and look forward to reading more of your articles.
29 - Dave Nalle
Thanks, Otis.
I'd love to see a photo of your design. I've got a lot of info on the bicycle basket design and how it's put together from someone who makes it, but I'm trying to find other designs. I might do a review of carts and other parephernalia in the future. I'm particularly intrigued by the design I have a picture of in the article where the discs are held in a flat-lying series of pouches. I like that design a lot. What is yours like?
Dave
30 - Michael Edwards
Dave,
Fine article, and fine responses, too. As one of the Boomer players, I see a lot of potential with the sport since the days when we were fling paint can lids, hubcaps, and just about anything that would float through the air. I've thrown all types of frisbees and other discs through the years, and played "at" disc golf long before baskets. I still see a lot of room for organization and improvement. Of the three courses I've played at in NC, there are no clubs or leagues. The courses are municipal or college courses. No one wants to take the time to organize. I would LOVE to see a private course, where attention is paid to detail, and effort is put forth to put challenges and tournaments together. Most of us don't consider ourselves "tournament material", but we keep practicing. If baskets were less expensive, everyone'd have one to practice with. Beats the heck out of me why someone like Wham-o does't make a $20-$30 basket. Who cares if it won't last a lifetime? Lastly, as soon as we get some tournments on TV, things will blast off. Can you believe there are still people who don't know what disc golf is?! I run into them every time I try to find discs! Keep up the good work. And you litterbugs out there, please pick up your damn trash, beer cans, candy wrappers and snot rags, the people who have paid big money so you could play for free don't like picking up your garbage...and neither do I.
31 - Dave Nalle
Of the three courses I've played at in NC, there are no clubs or leagues. The courses are municipal or college courses. No one wants to take the time to organize. I would LOVE to see a private course, where attention is paid to detail, and effort is put forth to put challenges and tournaments together.
NC is supposed to have some very good high-end courses. I know they held the worlds there at one of the courses some years ago. I'm not personally familiar with courses there - the closest I've played are in Virginia - but I bet if you did some searching on the web you could find more of them.
Most of us don't consider ourselves "tournament material", but we keep practicing. If baskets were less expensive, everyone'd have one to practice with. Beats the heck out of me why someone like Wham-o does't make a $20-$30 basket. Who cares if it won't last a lifetime?
I don't think they can get prices that low for anything that's even close to usable. Innova used to make a molded plastic basket of dubious quality and at a low price, but it really didn't work well and held up poorly unless you kept it indoors, which isn't exactly practical. And even its price was still in the $60 range. I doubt we'll ever get a usable basket at a price below $80 - which is about as low as you can get an Instep basket for.
Lastly, as soon as we get some tournments on TV, things will blast off. Can you believe there are still people who don't know what disc golf is?! I run into them every time I try to find discs!
There actually have been televised DG events on some of the more obscure ESPN channels. The problem is that out there in third string cable land they can't attract enough of an audience. Some major sponsorship and increased advertising might get a DG even moved up in the media world to where it could get more prominent exposure.
Dave
32 - AviarMarc
Im trying to figure a way to lug cans of beer around the course without shaking them up too much, and the Disc Golf Cart seems to be the only way I can carry a cooler AND my discs.
Great Article!
33 - Brian
Dave,
The things you mentioned about disc golf don't particularly bother me, however, I've noticed the same problem in many other areas of life. Things that start out as just fun, and soon become a business. It's inevitable. Thankfully, it hasn't gotten to the point where you can't find a free disc golf course and play in peace, without concern for what changes may be happening in the sport.
I do have one suggestion that I know you will love...how about instead of golf carts, to be up with technology, we start using the Segways. Then its both your transportation, your golf bag, and your chair all in one! How cool would that be watching all the lazy, I mean, technologically advanced golfers riding around on their Segways.
BTW, you can add my disc golf site to your list you said you were keeping: Your Disc Golf Reporter.
Brian
34 - jake
CATEGORY OF PROGRESS MY FOOT!
GET A LIFE DUDE, C'MON. IF YOU CAN'T CARRY ALL YOUR DISCS YOU SHOULD HAVE LESS DISCS. WHAT'S NEXT, PEOPLE DRIVING THEIR VANS FULL OF DISCS AROUND AND SEARCHING FOR HALF AN HOUR TO FIND THAT ONE LUCKY MIDRANGE YOU USE TO THREAD THE FAIRWAY. GET REAL. THAT'S WHY LONG AGO THEY PUT A LIMIT ON THE AMOUNT OF GOLF CLUBS A PRO CAN CARRY. I'M SURE TIGER WOODS WOULD LOVE AN EXTRA 2-IRON AND 3, 5, 7 WOODS, 2 PUTTERS, ...
IN SHORT, GOOD PLAYERS MAKE DO WITH WHAT THEY'VE GOT.
35 - Hyzer King
Disc golf, while still evolving, is still a cheap sport and don't forget it. One reason people have so much equipment is that it is so cheap. Unfortunately for the die-hards wanting more money in the pro-circuit (sponsorship) struggle cause without a lot of expensive equipment in the sport, and without great appeal to the viewer, why would someone sponsor this sport? Unfortunately many of these same pros blame pot and say cause so may old potheads play the game no-one will sponsor it. Silly people.
36 - Kent Bray
I sometimes miss building FC Discarts. I didn't actually manufacture any part of them. I purchased the parts from other vendors and assembled them. I did, however, design the assembly. I sold/donated over 100 of them in a four year period and all around the country (including one in Canada). The main reason I stopped is that the bag vendor was just too difficult to deal with, which didn't me sense to me since I'm sure that he wasn't selling near 25 bags a year to a single other customer. About a year ago, after several inquiries as to weather I was still selling them, I decided to try again. After running to a couple snags (one being that my cart vendor wasn't that eager to reopen the account of a small cutomer like myself), I decided to leave it in the history books. People did seem to like them, though, even with the $150.00 price tag. Dave Dunipace even bought one from me. :) BTW, Mr. Atwood (not likely you'll see this, but...), thanks for the props.
Kent Bray
Houston, Tx
37 - NoStatQuo
the thing is disc golf isnt just a activity, game or sport, its a lifestyle and certain players personality is expressed through there choice of discs and accessories. just because youger people of the new technological gadgetry era like big bags with alot of disc doesnt mean there any different of a player. leave em alone go play. and next time ya go througha round, roll a joint first....
38 - Dgolfer14
Well, I guess disc golf has sure arrived. We have a disc golf curmudgeon, already? I laugh. I play disc free, with people who drink beer and laugh and love the sport. I travel all over, it's the same. I see a vibrant future, dude. It's way too early for rain on this sport. Spread the sunshine.
S
39 - Jeff Kiel
I see this article is old, but oh well.
You are the person I don't like to play with on the course. The one that is always concerned with other players' equipment and choice of disc. Get a life man, or at least roll up a jibber.