There was a time when I was that girl that just watched her boyfriend and his friends play. Even though disc golf intrigued me and I loved being outside, I never really picked up a disc until a couple of years later after just watching for so long. I remember finally having the courage to ask my boyfriend for a disc and to ask his buddies if I could join. I remember feeling embarrassed and not good enough, and I think that's what keeps many people from trying anything in life. But now I know the importance of taking that first leap and throwing the first disc. Those feelings i thought I was going to have quickly vanished as I realized how helpful, motivating and encouraging everyone I met in the disc golf community was. I started playing everyday after that first day and have not put the discs back down.
With a lot of encouragement from the DG community, I registered for my first tournament, 2016 Texas Womens Championships. I didn't know what I was getting myself into because now I was not playing at my "comfort course" or around people I knew, i was playing in a tournament at an unfamiliar course amongst unfamiliar faces. Those scared feelings rushed back in, but again, everyone was so welcoming and I felt right at home. I ended up winning the recreation division and thus began my love for tournaments.
It was really exciting taking that first trophy and getting to stand alongside Paige Pierce and Sarah Hokom and lots of other greats knowing that one day I wanted to be in their shoes. I have now became great friends with some of those that I admired. You learn that they are people too. My dream of being a pro player is now. I have a lot of work to do, but have the full support of my DG family which means so much to me. I wouldn't be where I'm at today without the encouraging words of this community.
Disc Golf means so much to me. It is my calm after a long day at work. It is my happy hour on the weekends. It is my motivation to be a better, more accepting, more patient individual. DG is not just a sport to me. It is a community that I feel comfortable in and happy and free to be myself.
When I see a group of disc golfers and the randomness of age, ethnicities and beliefs come together to play, it gives me hope that the world does have good people and that we can get past our differences. I do believe we need to encourage everyone to play, but even if they don't, I hope they could find something that makes them feel all the things that disc golf makes me feel, because it really is special.
This is so inspiring and wonderful to read. I remember my first time to throw and how much I enjoyed it. I unfortunately was taken out of the game for about a year and a half due to tennis elbow but as soon as I was healed, I was back at it.
ReplyDeleteI hope to try a tournament soon, however that fear for me is still there since I still have so much more to learn but some day soon I'll do it.
Hey Angelica,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you got back out there after healing. Believe it or not, you are ready for tournaments. You can start in the recreational division. I've seen you throw before, girl. Everyone is super encouraging. I think a good one for you to start is Texas Womens. That has been so many ladies first tournament. With there only being ladies, it feels comfortable and is really fun to see all the ladies out there.
Nice thing about disc golf is its diverse appeal. You can just go play alone, as therapy and a way to get away from it all. Just you, nature, and the course. It can also be for competition.you, the competitors, and the course. Or can be justa fun thing to do with a group of people; which is more social in this regard.whatever way you play, to me its a wonderful, therapudic sport, mentallyand physically.
ReplyDeleteRegards, and letthe chains sing!
Ace McMasters
This is so true. I've gone alone to play and it was very therapeutic. I also shot my best round that day, just me and my thoughts. Sometimes I like to join the "party cards" and am reminded how awesome it is to see a group having fun throwing plastic. And I've always had a competitive nature, so I like that I can choose to go play a tournament if I wish. And learn to push myself and see the growth. It really is amazing!
DeleteThank you for your comment.