How to Get Your Friend Into Disc Golf

We all have that friend who we KNOW would love disc golf and would be a great person to have on the course with you, but for whatever reason they won't come check it out. You say you want to "grow the game" but you really want them to get into it for selfish reasons (does intention even matter? No.). Anyway, here is the best way to get them to fall in love with the game the way that you have.

(1) Get them to watch a little disc golf

I think one of the biggest hurdles in getting new players into disc golf is a lack of understanding about how the game actually works. A lot of people have heard of "frolf" but don't have any idea what you would do to play. While you may be quick to try to show them Jomez's most recent video, be careful about the one you choose. It will, literally, shape their perception of the game from that point on. Here are a couple guaranteed to make them want to get out on the course.

2020 MVP Open R1F9: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7nqh7LIIeA

Maple Hill is one of the most famous and beloved courses in the world and this is an awesome lead card. The opening hole shows some huge crushes and will impress anyone watching. There are also some shorter, tight shots and I think Jerm and Uli do a nice job keeping their commentary simple and entertaining.

2019 Worlds R2F9: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX1o_DhRIWE

Northwood is another iconic course which forces a bunch of different types of shots. I love that they put some quick interviews at the beginning of the video so you get to briefly know these top players. I think McBeth has to be included when someone is learning disc golf, but some other throwing/putting styles also seen with this card.

(2) Let them borrow a midrange

Don't tell them to buy a disc before they play their first round. Instead, give them a midrange (or approach putter) that flies relatively straight and you don't really need in your bag (even if you normally use it, don't ask them for it for this one round). I'd recommend an EMac Truth, a Wombat, a Fuse, a Shark, or whatever you have really. Nothing super over or under stable. Just have them use that one disc for the whole round, driving and putting. It's way too intimidating for a brand new player to try to understand stability and navigating different discs, so keep it simple.

(3) Offer small tips as you go, but let them figure most of it out on their own

Instead of trying to give them specific tips on form or style, let them watch you and get that part on their own. Do explain, however, some basic rules and common terms/occurrences throughout the round. For example, you can tell them about "the circle" but don't call them out on falling forward while putting (they are using a midrange for God's sake).

(4) Let them grow at their own pace

Some people play one round and need to go buy 10 discs of their own, while others would rather keep tagging along with you and borrowing a disc or two. Whatever gets them interested, support that. If they ask for a recommendation of discs to buy, I'd say one straight/understable fairway driver and a putter is all someone needs to get going. Along the same lines, some new players will fall in love with watching disc golf and will turn on notifications for Jomez, while others will enjoy playing without keeping up with the pro game.

Everyone loves finding new people to play with, so do what you can to make sure they have fun while learning. If that means you bring the beer for the first few rounds, it's worth biting that bullet. Let me know what disc you think would be best to play a full round with.