Hole Nine Break: Should you need Udisc to play disc golf?

Here is the 13th installment of the Hole Nine Break series! Do you think Udisc should be needed to play a round of disc golf? How often do you use it when playing a course for the first time? Let me know in the comments below!
#discgolf #discgolfdaily

[@UtahDarkHorse]

I agree that if there are unreadable, confusing or missing tee signs, it takes away from the experience. I'm rather new, and trying to get better, so I like some method of tracking my rounds over time. I also like having them all in one place. Now that the PDGA has switched to their own scoring app for sanctioned rounds, I wish they'd improve it to the point that we could use it for league and casual play just to have everything in one place. I like the stats and ratings Udisc has, but am not looking forward to having sanctioned rounds in a different app than league and casual rounds. If I just want to go out, play, have a good time and not worry about anything, I probably am not going to keep score at all. You still need tee signs so you can get some help making a disc and shot choice. Thanks again for sharing

[@tossingplastic]

It is frustrating that the PDGA did not re up with udisc. Going to cause a whole new business battle! I agree

[@ryanmussell739]

I think UDisc is a useful tool. I manage two course in my area. One course is on private land and we are not aloud signs and have only UDisc to mark teepads. The second course is new and with UDisc we were able to track how many players were using the course. We used the data to share with our town council when we were asking for money to install teepads. If UDisc offered no free version, I could see the problem with it.

[@tossingplastic]

Udisc has a ton of very helpful uses! I use it to find every course I visit! How you can implement it for data usage is a new thing I'm learning very cool!

[@daverichards8325]

As a player and park manager, I find it useful for the stats to show upper management just how popular the game has become and as a player to keep track of my scores.

[@tossingplastic]

The integration of it to the parks is a brand new side for me to see!

[@mileskid417]

I just played a course tonight that had tee signs but finding the next tee after finishing a hole was extremely confusing. Even with udisc I had troubles finding the next tee. So, I think a well designed course is one that does not require the use of anything external and a new player is able to navigate the course with out needing udisc or course sherpa to guide them.

[@tossingplastic]

Bingo! I agree 100%

[@DarrNick]

I like using UDisc to see the next hole, shot length, distance to basket, and keep score. I do think it should be optional. I keep score on my watch. I do not pull my phone out unless I need other information about the hole. When I open the app on my phone, it starts automatically on my watch. It is as easy to enter a score on my watch as it is to use a piece of paper.

[@tossingplastic]

I have seen some people rocking the watches, and I'll be honest. I think that's a way better option !

[@matthewmiller4616]

I think every course should have a clear layout and tee signs. If the holes aren't right next to each other than have signs for the next tee. I mainly use udisc to find new courses and sometimes help with layouts but that's it. I won't use it to keep track of scores. I just keep a mental note in relation to par. One of my favorite courses simply had good signage and many of my least favorite courses have terrible signage. That doesn't mean that good signage equals a good course but not needing to use udisc for every hole is always a plus

[@tossingplastic]

I agree, decent signage and t pads makes any course fun and playable for at least the first time!

[@edhager]

A course should have good signage. One thing to think about UDisc though... When you record a round in UDisc, that adds to the data that the local disc golfers can use when going to a parks department or what not so show usage and justify funds for maintenance or improvements.

[@tossingplastic]

Oh that's interesting! I've never heard that viewpoint before! Thanks for that information

[@dannersmyers]

Sometimes I’ll use UDisc if it’s my first time on the course, once I’m familiar I usually just keep score in my head. Having said that it is a very useful tool and taking your phone out at the end of every hole isn’t so bad but it does detract from nature I agree

[@tossingplastic]

It is definitely useful!

[@adama9942]

I agree that U Disc should be optional. I do think it can be a great tool...especially when traveling and trying to find course. I do like it to keep score and when you in a group can do it easily all on one phone. Having said that in my opinion it does not replace a well placed signage which I think adds to a course.

[@tossingplastic]

It's definitely the best way to find courses without question! I agree with everything you said!

[@johngraham6729]

I haven’t used Udisc in a while (nothing against Udisc) and I like the back to basics aspect when I’m playing. I can see where it could get a bit frustrating, especially on courses where the tee pads and holes are spaced far apart. However, I’ll keep playing sans Udisc anyway

[@tossingplastic]

The nice thing is, usually it is not needed!

[@user-dz6tx8tc1w]

My league has started to use Udisc .. I have no face book I don't wanna sign into a format .. I have a score card and my league lets me use it .. I'm with you I disc golf to be in nature not have my phone and check in my score.

[@tossingplastic]

As long as they are open to old school scorecards, that's fine with me!

[@user-dz6tx8tc1w]

@@tossingplastic absolutely. Or I won't play ..I told them that ..I come here on Sunday pay my 6$ and 20$ to start the league .. I have my score card if someone wants to feel free to add me on there own phone I'm fine with that but I won't download an app just to play disc golf .. I'm sry that's like capitalism.. I refuse to have any information online .. no Tik Tok . Never had a Facebook . Wrote all my papers in school on paper.. I applied one time to a job online and had the entire word calling my phone about colleges. And junk mail.. I'm 37 I won't play games online..

[@user-dz6tx8tc1w]

@@tossingplastic I'm a true Ghost 👻

[@noahbrown4259]

I agree that not needing a device to play a course is best, but I'm not gonna let the confusion caused by signs or tee pads stop me from playing a beautiful or fun course. No harm in using Udisc if you really need it. You can usually get the layout down after playing a course once or twice anyways.

[@tossingplastic]

I agree completely! Definitely no negativity throw at Udisc. It has its benefits forsure

[@johnschott3681]

0:47 mic drop commentary right here

[@tossingplastic]

Glad you agree man!

[@alanlundberg4534]

I should not need UDisc to play a round. It does require some time to manage UDisc, and also sometimes I may be low on battery. Either may lead me to want to just play a round with no use of my phone.

[@tossingplastic]

I try hard to navigate without Udisc, sometimes it's needed

[@alanlundberg4534]

@@tossingplastic The closest course to my house has no signs, just baskets. It has a brick in the ground for the #1 tee, but no indicators for any of the other tees - not even enough wear to leave a bare place in the grass. I had to use UDisc to find the tees until I had them memorized. As you can guess, congestion is not a problem, so it is a good place to practice technique.

[@tossingplastic]

@@alanlundberg4534 it's weird how you get to know a course signs are irrelevant haha!

[@carmaadams7804]

NO! I think Udisc should remain optional. I don’t like to use it because I just want to enjoy what’s in front of me and not have to be on my phone! Like the moan that happened in the middle of your talk, 😂 don’t want to miss anything interesting!

[@rickvervoort9536]

Two words...NO!

[@user-dz6tx8tc1w]

I hate UDisc .. it makes everything par 3 The layout and course design is pointless.. some jerk just went around and said there are no par 4's

[@tossingplastic]

Yea, that's all up to the discretion of who entered it into Udisc!

[@markmcgarity]

wtf ? are you serious? i can play a round of disc golf with 2 discs, why the hell would i NEED an app? never needed it, never will

[@tossingplastic]

Yea! Udisc is required for most leagues and a lot of other stuff! Kinda wild

[@markmcgarity]

@@tossingplastic guess i'm old school, i don't need it or want to be on my phone while golfing.

[@cricketfilms1879]

agree but disagree. I dont think you need udisc for any course but it does make it easier to find holes if its your first time. Also its easier to keep scores because people cant remember what they shot 4 holes ago.... Also You mentioned you shouldnt have to pull your phone out everyhole... well in 2024 you have to pull out your phone after every hole during tournament play lol so pulling your phone out should be standard at this point. if your a casual then why even need udisc in the first place(if you get lost thats on you)

[@tossingplastic]

Do you know if the PGA also does score tracking with their phones. I think paper scorecards should be optional. I think they are in the pdga but I've tried to play random leagues where they don't allow that. Other than maybe PGA caddies I don't know another professional sport that requires a phone to play! I'm definitely a casual but love points of conversation

[@cricketfilms1879]

@@tossingplastic right i agree tho what happens if someones phone dies during the round?

[@tossingplastic]

@cricketfilms1879 I know I've seen Calvin on lead card using the old fashion pencil and paper. Feel like it helps keep a clean mind!