I started playing seriously summer of 2021 and played my first sanctioned tournament in December. In 2022 and 2023 I played about 40 sanctioned rounds, many of them blind, that is at courses I’d never played before. This, and my tendency to respond poorly to stress resulted in getting into a ratings hole, of which I’ve been slowly climbing my way out.
Part of my strategy was to be more selective in the tournaments I play (typically selecting courses I’m familiar with and know I can score well), and to play smarter, playing to my strengths, taking fewer risks, and remaining calm. As a result I’d managed to have some sanctioned rounds closer to my casual play level, which is typically around 860 and occasionally popping off close to or right around 900. This strategy finally came to fruition and I achieved my goal of reaching a PDGA 850 rating by my 50th year. I know 850 is still mediocre/recreational disc golf, but for me, at my age and power/arm speed and mental game, I think this is an accomplishment. I hope you’ll join me in celebrating and be encouraged to keep working toward your personal disc golf goals!
