Thursday, October 19, 2017




Before You Register



Your First Event And Beyond




Don’t Be A Sandbagger




The Challenge Of Playing Pro




Where Do You Fall?

  1. I disagree with your sandbagger comments, people should play the division that their PDGA rating calls for and do so proudly. No one should be harassed for playing in their true division, why else do we have ratings?

  2. I would expect only a sandbagger to have a grief with the sandbagging comment. Yes the PDGA ratings system allows for sandbagging, but those who truly wish to make the sport fair and equal know the ratings system is flawed - as there is no real way to measure a player's experience or skill. Example: I can play only leagues at home courses and have a rating of 910 at my home courses. I go to play "in my true division, Intermediate" at a different course and get absolutely crushed. It's no different if I'm winning every unsanctioned event in my area and knowingly sign up for Rec at the next sanctioned event to, "Steal the win". It's frowned upon, yes there is a ratings system but no you shouldn't abuse it for victories. I implore anyone over 875 rated to be playing Intermediate. I started the year with an 850 rating and finished 870. My last 3 tourneys I've shot as good as the Intermediate players with an average 900+ rounds and even scores that would win Intermediate. My next tourney is intermediate, despite my "true division" could remain Rec for the next 4-5 ratings updates (5-6 months) as my rounds fall off. This article is on point and needs to be on the PDGA website as if you read the rules it almost encourages sandbagging based on the numbers. If you're a regular tournament player though you know the system is abused and it's very difficult for a "true" recreational player to ever get a win.

  3. How do I know if I should be in intermediate or recreational?

  4. Basically, the separation between Rec & Int, and the higher divisions, are consistency. If you can 20 foot putts all day long, and are consistent with your drives, try Int. I'm currently rated about 867, and have played roughly 4 tourneys in Int. Use Rec. To get familiar with tourney rules, and the flow of an organized round. Move up accordingly. Everybody improves at a different pace, so it's hard to tell truly who should be in what division...

  5. 100% Correct. The term "sandbagging" should be considered disrespectful, to the PDGA, which works very hard to provide an organized platform for all of us to perform on. I see it all the time Rec rated players playing intermediate, and even advanced, only to be disheartened at the end of a tournament in which they were totally irrelevant even though they played well for themselves. Telling someone to "move up" is like wearing a sign that says, I've never won and you shouldn't either! Saying it while someone receives their award, is about the poorest etiquette you can possibly have.


  6. The only change that I believe should be considered is maybe changing the division title from "Recreational" to "Intermediate B". The rec division around here is full of skilled players. Players that have been playing for years, and have spent countless hours working on their craft, and in my opinion deserve a little better title than recreational. Furthermore, I believe there are Rec rated players, playing in intermediate for no other reason than they don't want to be called a rec player.

  7. Be very careful telling a player to "move up." Around me you will have your rating checked, and most likely be told to move down.

  8. This is something I've struggled with as someone who has played for quite a few years now. I played one tournament in MA2 and wound up with a 960 rating. I stepped back from disc golf for 4-5 years and had a couple of major knee surgeries during that time. When I decided to come back and start playing tournaments, I had to play my first few in MA1 and got my butt kicked! Needless to say my rating dropped down more than 90 points after my first year back. I was advised to play rec until I won a tournament then move back on up. I heeded that advice for a one round c-tier and won (only by a stroke). I was still seen by a few as a bagger even though I was advised by some to play my division rating. Now I've cashed in the last few events in Int and have some good competition there even though my rating still allows me to play rec.
    Here's where its interesting. I have to have another Knee surgery that will put me out for 5-6 months and my first opportunity to play back would be at GBO. Not being 100% fit, and off for quite a while, should I play rec or Int in a major tournament. I don't think I would have a shot at winning MA2 at all. I'm going to sign up for MA2 regardless just curious about thoughts on this.

  9. Wow, who wrote this? Do they know what they are talking about? "Once you take the money though, you’re stuck in Open whether you like it or not."

    2.4 Pros Playing Am
    Professionals may compete in Amateur divisions offered at PDGA A, B, and C Tier events, for which they qualify based on player rating, age, and sex as detailed in the PROS PLAYING AM section of the Divisions, Ratings, Points Factors table.

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