i love when i am introduced to new things. there is so much to see, learn and experience in this world i am always eager. unless you are talking about something illegal, endangering to my life, or entering the "back door". those types of things i am not so eager about.
over the weekend, i learned a new sport...disc golf. i have heard of this, but didn't know any of the ins and outs. quick overview, there are these discs, smaller than a frisbee and you throw them, much like a frisbee, at a metal and chain cage. sounds easy enough right? wrong!! there is a whole lot of technique and skill required to play this game well.
just as in golf, there are different discs for what you are trying to do; long range driver, mid range driver, and putters. not all discs are created equal. yes they are all the same size and circular, but the edges are different, the stiffness of the disc is different and even the material is different. there are multiple ways to throw a disc depending on what you are trying to achieve. for your initial drive you are looking for distance, just like traditional golf. this one man on the course described it as lining up your shoulders and pulling a lawn mower rope across your chest and for some reason your wrist is supposed to naturally snap. there was no "snapping" for me. there were "holes" that you couldn't see past the vegetation and you threw the disc like a tomahawk. then there was another way to throw that i can't even describe other than it looked you were a contortionist (inside out). and you stand different for "putting". who knew? there are even special bags for your discs. for as many similarities to traditional golf there are some big differences; no golf carts, no green fees or special attire required.
when i am learning a new skill you can guarantee i look special. teaching my body how to stand, hold, throw and follow through takes some time to master. i'm not sure if this is something that i will be able to "master", but you can guarantee i will keep trying. my first impression was being inside a pinball game. my disc ricocheted off every tree, even if it wasn't close by. bounced off the ground when it was supposed to be flying. rolled into thickets of prickles and bushes trying to hide. i think my disc was alive and trying to flee the scene. basically it was everywhere i didn't intend for it to be. aiming was clearly not my strong point.
i was however consistent. the two courses we played, yes we played two in one day, were both par 3 courses (another similarity to traditional golf). it consistently took me four tries to put my unruly, mind of its own disc into the cage. the biggest obstacle i am going to have is the initial throw. there is a throwing pad; a marked out area and a line to throw from. since these aren't well manicured golf greens, there are obstacles to contend with, many of you know i have a tendency to fall. i was not confident enough in my skills to run and throw, opting for the safer stand and throw route. with some practice i think i will be able to attempt the run and throw which will give my disc a little more umpf and might bring my score to par.
overall i was happy with my performance on my virgin run. i had a great teacher and created some fun memories.
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