Need Advice on Which Division to Play in my 1st Tourney.....

So, I started playing DG in March of 2011. About 1 month ago, I played my first Under Par round and have played 2 more since. The last 2 on courses I had never played before. I am wanting to start playing Tourneys sometime in the future, but I don't want to go into it making a "Bad" name for myself by making people think that I am a "Bagger". So, would you recommend I START in the Recreational Division, or go straight to AM??? I don't care if I win or lose to be honest, I am more concerned about building good Relationships with the Local Dg'ers.....

[Eric Day]

I would say Rec. but if your looking to learn some new skills play ams. Playing with better player makes you a better player. I still say start in Rec and learn the ropes of tourney play first.

[Kent]

My first tourney, I played advanced, and got smoked, but I had a great time, and played with some really cool people. If your really playing for the experience, and not the prizes, then move up.

[Shawn Boucké]

I played Am 3 (rec) for the first couple years, and came almost dead last every time (I would have been 1st in Am 4:Novice).  I now come around 4th place in Am 3 (4 years playing).

 

You just gotta try it, and enjoy the play, and not play for the prizes.

[Eric Day]

Oops my bad, I was thinking Rec was Novice in PDGA.

[David Sauls]

Be aware that "par" is a very vague concept in disc golf.  It varies so much from course to course that it's impossible to draw any conclusion from shooting "under par".

 

If the tournament is on a course you've played, you should look up previous results and see where your average scores fall.  Bear in mind that your scores will usually be worse in a tournament, particularly your first tournament.  And check with the TD, to verify that the course layout is the same in tournament play as it is when you play it.

 

Or.....contact the TD, tell him what scores you normally get on that course in the everyday layout, and ask his recommendation.

 

 

[Daddy_Dragon]

Since you have only been playing since March of this year,

I say play Rec.  Doing well and playing well are two different things.

When I first started, I thought I knew everything.

I was wrong.  Learn the basics, the rules, etc.

Then when you have the experience and knowledge, move up.

One thing I noticed is that no matter what division you play,

there will always be someone who will call you a "Bagger" when you win.

That's something you'll have to deal with.  They are just jealous cause they didn't win

and want to blame someone for their mistakes during play.

Me, I had bounced from Rec to Interm to Advance and back down to Interm.

I play between divisions.

Everytime, I kick my own azz.

[David Sauls]

Good advice on disregarding "bagger" comments.  It wouldn't be an awards ceremony without them.  I've even heard it reflexively called out at the Open division winner.  My first win was in my 46th tournament---I tend to "play up" a lot---and of course I heard "bagger" and "move up" in the background.  Mostly in jest.  I think.

[Jeff Nichols]

Some great advice here Folks! Thank You!

[Jeff Nichols]

I REALLY appreciate the Feedback on this. I will say, I like to REALLY challenge Myself. I have ALWAYS been that way with ANY sport. I think I already have my mind made up that I will step up and play a higher division than I probably should once I have played in at least 1 tourney. I think, personally, it pushes you to become a better player, as I have heard other people say. I just was curious about where to start. Thanks again Guys!

 

 

[Keith Burns]

I have only been playing 4 months myself and I played a tournament at 3 months. I played novice and came in next to last of 5 entrants. the 3 that beat me beat over half of the intermediate division as well. I played for the fun of it and had a great time and learned a lot. The TD and a few of the pros there told me I was doing great for the length of time I had been playing and TD would like to see me back again. I will definitely play again it was so much fun. Just play for fun. If you dont have fun you are missing the biggest point of the game!!!!

[Daddy_Dragon]

Fun..............

What is that ?????

Oh yah.

That is something that I lose after the first round of my tournaments.

No Seriously though.

Enjoy the Sport.  Games get better in time.

[mr ed]

Enjoy the "fun" whatever you decide.