How to decide what division you should play in for a PDGA Disc Golf Tournament!

[@PastHisPrime336]

I've played nothing but rec division and never placed better than last place. I'm super consistent.

[@jameskamphuis1901]

Love the game 😁

[@jaylaxsonii1298]

As long as your winning in the having fun division

[@adamr2977]

At least you have the stones to go. I'm in the "I'm just not ready" camp.

[@pepperonistromboli8034]

Consistency is key😂 you and I’d do just fine in a doubles tournament. We can consistently get last place together.

[@Mo_county]

😂😂😂😂😂💀🤣

[@chasehikes7923]

844 rated.. Been playing rec last few years. Keep finishing 4th by 2-3 strokes and missing the trophy. Hope to finish top 3 in rec later this year if tournament happen then I will move up to Intermediate!

[@hodgeslpm]

There are more players between 850 and 899 than any other group but the skill level difference from bottom to top of that ratings group is the biggest of all the AM 1-4 groups. An 860 compared to 890 is way different. They need to adjust the ratings, they have been the same since they were implemented.

[@liiiinder]

In theory it should only be 3-4 strokes difference and I dont really see any reason to change it. If the 860 wants to get better, just practice... There's lots of good tips out there so no need to bash others for being better when its only yourself that can change your score. :)

[@amarurecor]

MA4 is available and some TDs around here have starting using it. I think its good for the game

[@brianbarns9896]

Laughed when I saw my name flash across the screen at the end!

[@danielpenrodii2389]

One stroke behind...damn lol

[@DannyLindahl]

I remember the first time I ever saw a Gumbputt!

[@righteoustruthspeaker7507]

That is funny.

[@panukitunen6950]

Free shout out👌🏻

[@danielpenrodii2389]

I’ve always played with just friends, but after playing a round with two strangers who were on the MA1 circuit for a while before advancing, they really opened my eyes to how realistic playing Rec or intermediate is for me. I just never gave it much thought since I have never been “Pro level”, but once I finish my move to Nevada in 2 months, I’ll be excited to look for tournaments out there for the next year or so.

[@bailann]

Definitely different for women where I've played. I didn't have to start playing advanced based on my rating but I did and won a couple tournaments. (Less competition usually though!)

[@shawnwhite1645]

As someone who's only played disc golf for the past 16 months, mostly by myself or with a couple of friends, and never thought of entering a tournament until last month, I find this very helpful. I would definitely have thought I should have been able to enter my first tournament in a different division than the MA-1 division that the tournament director told me to go ahead and join. Turns out he was one of the only other 4 guys who played in it with me, and they were all home-town, home-course guys, whereas I drove an hour and a half to play my first tournament with them. Oh well. The 13-32mph winds that day weren't going to let me win anyways. Surprisingly I was ahead from holes 2-14, until an an unfortunate +5 on an island hole put me back in my place. 🤣

[@timothyheimbach3260]

I think ratings should set where you play.

[@elliotboutell]

I agree, I think that everyone should be required to play in their division by rating or open. It would always eliminate intentional sandbagging.

[@nakke3]

The divisions are named in Finnish table tennis just Rating 1600 or Rating 1900 and Open (scale 1000-2500). This is simply a better way than subjective english words to describe the divisions.

[@liiiinder]

@@elliotboutell the problem by that is its not that hard to play bad intentionally if youre not having a strong start and keep the rating at a safe level to keep sandbagging

[@jameskamphuis1901]

They do kinda ...then there are unrated players to ...maybe a limit to the score you can win by ?? No blowouts in the lower ranks ...move em up 😉

[@NoChairs4]

I do not agree. That is why the PDGA defines divisions by skill set and ratings. If you are smashing 350 foot drives and playing in REC, then you should move up regardless of your rating. For most people I would think the goal is to get better. Playing up a division, with better players, will make you better or at least highlight where you need to improve to actually compete in that division. I've seen players play for years in MA3 and check all the skill set boxes for MA2 and MA1. If you are consistently finishing in the top 5 in a division then its time to move up regardless of rating and to be clear I am talking about MA4-MA1. The goal should be to get better and move up not brag about how many tournaments you have won in MA3. The main difference in MA3 to MA1 is putting, upshots, and consistency. There are many players that play in REC that are baggers. MA3 should only be a stepping stone for a player. MA2-MA1 is where you will see the most competition and consistency. if you are just a casual tournament player, then fine play MA3, but if you are trying to get better and compete to win. MA2 and MA1 should be the ultimate goal. I got the best piece of advice from a guy in our league. the first time I placed in MA3 in a tournament, I came in second, was he yelled "Move Up!" if you are a really good putter you shouldn't be in MA3. I've seen numerous occasions of players placing in the top 3 in MA3 and their scores would've put them in the top 5 or even won in MA2.

[@daviddilla9851]

This is probably your best video, yet. Thank you Danny. You have great content. Thank you

[@Flakzor123]

I felt like a bagger once or twice this winter but Ma40 is the only age restricted amateur division for me and I am still eligible for it (mp40 is a whole different animal depending on who shows up to play and while Ma2 has the same rating limit as ma40 the style of play is very different depending on the course)

[@jameskamphuis1901]

Thank you ...I am gonna start trying a few next year ...finally got my game so I am not insecure about playing with new people...and I feel I am serious enough about the game now...gonna start AM3 and see how I do ...couple more years and I can play grand masters...really trying to be good at 50 years old ... getting alot from your videos tysm

[@randallblaze6215]

baggers sound like what people in the online gaming community refer to as "Smurfs"

[@drmay]

What if you play intermediate level in practice but melt in competition? Answer, Rec and just do ok.

[@danielpenrodii2389]

David May True. However, if you’re consistently practicing in that intermediate level and practice well within that skill level, take the leap to playing intermediate. My friend was very much like that scenario and he kept sticking with Rec, since he felt comfortable winning it. We forced him to play up, he did okay for the first 2 tournaments, but then got his confidence up and was consistently finishing near the top of intermediate.

[@terrellgarfield7434]

Signed up for my first tournament (MA3) tonight! I’ve never played in one before but I’ve been playing about 6 months and can throw 300-370 (on good days). Hopefully I’m not called a sandbagger 😬

[@blendedbylevi3438]

Drive for ass putt for cash. Anyone can drive. Can you putt?

[@mikew.762]

I play high lvl intermediate to low lvl Advanced, throw around 300’ consistently and have hit 368’ Bh and 400+ FH my biggest straight is my up shots and 30’ and closer puts. I can hit 30’ puts at around 90%. My local average rating is in the high 800’s and have played 900-1000 rounds on small courses.

[@chrisjardin6242]

Always great info - Danny dimes I miss the stash - DD first stop on disc shopping

[@FearTheWeird300]

Shush

[@cglasford1]

The one thing that I found interesting from this video is that you said the rec and novice divisions are trophy only. That must be where you are located because here in Minnesota they get paid out just like the intermediate and advance divisions do. With vendor credit

[@resinapparelco433]

I just played my first C-Tier event last weekend in MA2. The winner had a better score than the winner of the advanced division.

[@airgunningcolorado78]

I'm nervous about moving to advanced 😬 . I've only played for 1.5 years and played 7 tournaments. I won the last one of the season but out drove everything in rec by 100ft or more. Only 2 tournaments not in top 5. I'm playing advanced in 2 weeks and my putting is my weak spot. 65-70% c1x and most all misses are edge of circle...

[@Christopher-Lenz]

These vids are very helpful and original thnks

[@EddyMetal60]

Sandbagging has gotten out of control. The top 6 in a tournament here in NOVICE shot over 900 for both rounds. Plus, unrated players are taking trophies from people with established ratings just because they can. Something has to be done about this.

[@indianOutlaw87.5]

How do you calculate your rating to know which tier you should be in for the very beginning ones like the one where you have to be under 850 rated or under 900 for the other

[@wildpack88]

The “m” stands for mixed? Wow! Did it not know that.

[@averyprice9422]

I thought it meant male 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@richardcranium9424]

can i play in advanced division if i dont have a rating but meet the qualifications of advanced tier?

[@dclamp123]

Great explanation, but I have a question. I'm going to start trying a few tournaments soon and I'm a 55yo man. Many previous tournament rosters I've seen have a master 50 or master 55 category but with only 1 or 2 names there. I want to play against lots more people than that without giving up too much to players half my age. What to do? Thanks for all of your clear and concise instructional videos.

[@jameskamphuis1901]

Tough one ...bout to be 50 myself and was hoping the division wood grow by then ...go win and put them trophies on display 😉

[@bobbycooper453]

If you are under 850 rating you throw in Novice. If you are 850-900 you throw in Rec. If you are 900-935 then you throw Intermediate. If you are 935 or above you play in Advanced. Its pretty straight forward.

[@danielpenrodii2389]

Any disc golfers here out in Nevada? I’m moving to Vegas in July and would LOVE to join tournaments or leagues once they start back up this year.

[@jacksonpalmer8955]

Vegas hosts a stop on the PDGA tour (I wanna say first stop of they year) so you’ll definitely have some courses to play

[@clawshooter5867]

I don't play tournaments anymore. Been playing for 18 months and played 6 rec tournaments. Every 1st place finisher was 900 rated

[@BreauxSegreto]

I’m an older noob (48 y/o) and would like to focus not only improving my form but also playing by the rules. Is there a resource (bylaws or even a KZbin channel showing rights/wrongs of rule interpretation) for review? Thanks in advance for your time and information. Peace

[@BreauxSegreto]

Is there an app available with the rules and regulations? Cheers 🤷

[@bigdsmitty2827]

Ma2 is sand bag city

[@itsathejoey]

I really think it should be like this: Below 800 - MA4 800 - 850 MA3 850 - 900 MA2 900 - 950 MA1 Above 950 - MPO

[@judasblewit]

This is easy to understand and would be way better!

[@THEironmidget1]

MA1 and Pro would have the biggest disparity in skill level. I feel like that's what we're trying to avoid here, too. Higher level of play the higher level of competition and this chart would eliminate a lot of competition.

[@docxen]

is there a ma5 division ?

[@zacharywebb7197]

That's the division I need 😂

[@kbone2958]

Is there a division that you throw +30? 🤣

[@leksasdf]

Handicaps, son

[@averyprice9422]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@imALTAMONTING567]

I'm 18 and I have only just been playing a year and I play ma2, but should i sign up for j18 sometime?

[@anotherheretic]

how do you find out your rating?

[@robertadams7751]

What's the lowest rating someone could be? The absolute bottom...500? 400? 300? 200?

[@y_chefy9821]

We truthfully if you are good and u choose to play lower don't be surprised when u don't get better

[@cwsfan16]

My plan was to play MA2 to qualify for AM worlds next year, then test the waters in MA1... But this whole Covid-19 thing screwed that plan

[@lingofearth2786]

Every tournament I’ve played in.. ma3, our top players are always shooting as good as mpo.. i don’t get it

[@danehill917]

Rec is way more competitive in reality.

[@narrator-timothymckean]

I'm 42, but throw consistent with the stats for Intermediate. Should I sign up for Intermediate, or MA40?

[@metheus108]

Mid40s here, I played MA2 for one tournament but another tournament I'm signing up as MA40. For me this one really depends on the event.

[@joecasagranda8587]

I always play ma2 just for the larger competitive field. If you play well enough it generally is a larger payout with larger field.

[@bosoxdanc1]

Where do I fall if I can consistently through, eh, 375-400 (and occasionally upwards of 450-500) but I'm really not very good at putting, probably close to the 50-60% mark from 20 feet? I come from a very strong sports background, specifically baseball, so my forearm is very strong compared to pretty much everyone around me when I play rounds. I haven't played any sanctioned tournaments, so where's a good place to start?

[@kevinmosteller7279]

Intermediate or Advanced seems like the best fit. Advanced (MA1) would be the safe play if you are worried about blowing out the field and getting called a sandbagger. If you don't mind the playful harassment then Intermediate would probably fit you best. If you play Intermediate there is a chance that you will light up the course and crush. Most reasonable people won't be upset at all if you crush your division in your first sanctioned event. Newer players to the tournament scene tend to be very inconsistent, (as are even most experienced players below 950) their standard deviations for round ratings usually range between 30-40 points. Meaning if you are 915 you are just as likely to shoot a 945 as you are to shoot an 885. In the amateur divisions, Given enough players in a field (15+), someone is bound to average over 30 points higher than their rating. If you are 915 and average 30 points above your rating over 2 rounds that doesnt mean you should have played MA1 (the rating max for MA2 is 935). But, if you shoot 30 points below your rating and average 885 that doesnt necessarily mean you should have played MA3, (you couldnt since the cap for MA3 is 900 and your rating is 915). All of that was a long way of saying players are inconsistent and if everyone just played in the division that their rating was everything would be fine. The problem of this whole debate results from when too many people play in a division higher than their rating (for possible reasons of: 1 pride, 2 wanting to play with better players or their friends, 3 they have always played that division, or 4 they think they are "too good" for the lower division). Those people that get beat by someone who had a hot day and shot way above their rating get upset. Bro, play in the correct division and you wont get beat every time.

[@Flakzor123]

@@kevinmosteller7279 That putting weakness puts him in rec to be honest.

[@jacksonpalmer8955]

Well I’d say grind some putting, and try your hand at advanced! My putting routine (~1hr) is as follows: 10 in a row from 10ft 10 in a row from 15ft 5 in a row from 20ft 3 in a row from 25ft 3 in a row from 30ft 1 from 40ft Then straddle putts (if youre not a natural straddle putter), do this twice, leaning to each side to practice putting when obstructed 5 in a row from 10 and 15 3 in a row from 20 3 from 25 1 from 30 Then the same thing putting from a knee (low ceiling putts) Lastly, two challenges for putting under pressure Going 10’ to 30’ by intervals of 5’. Make one, move back 5’, miss one, make your comebacker and move up 5’, miss a comebacker and restart from 10’. Challenge two: Make five putts in a row. Start at 10’ and move back every time you make one. This one takes a while if youre not putting well, and if youre really struggling you can cut out the longer putts. As you improve, add longer and longer putts and/or increase number you must make in a row to advance. It took me most of quarantine to get here, but I am now above 75% on putts between 15’ and circle’s edge.

[@bosoxdanc1]

@@Flakzor123 yeah, I was dumb. I was (for some reason) totally overestimating how far 20 feet is, lol. I just measured 20 feet in my apartment, and I'd say I'm probably 60-75% from there. I'm gonna put 50 shots from 20 feet tomorrow and actually test what I make, and I'll report back.

[@HaikesXO]

Have you ever thrown a 500 ft forehand ? Lol

[@Stradivarius6288]

That's how we congratulate the winner of am divisions here 😁 "bagger!"

[@TheTechnatron]

What if you don't have a rating but you would like to play up?

[@Master_Underhill]

TheTechnatron, aside from very large tournaments, the ratings are only lower limits, keeping better players from sandbagging lower divisions. If you want to play with better players, you’re welcome to register in a higher division, rating or no.

[@TheTechnatron]

@@Master_Underhill Thanks for the info.

[@ChadTower]

Man, everything he said about MA3 is incorrect for New England. People there are just as competitive and you do get (store credit) payouts. Only major difference is that sometimes MA3 is playing from a shorter layout (if available). And almost every TD will open up MA4 here if requested because MA3 is not just casuals here.

[@joshuablack3163]

Tied for first and 1 stroke off of third doesn't seem like bagging to me.

[@DannyLindahl]

Technically no, but I definitely played poorly relative to what I could have done. And given that I still won even though I played bad, it was probably bagging.

[@jacksonpalmer8955]

Well move up, danny! When will we see you on tour? 😂

[@chrisseaver7151]

Nothing better than someone shooting great in a division they shouldnt be in. Then missing out on a huge win and a bigger payout in a higher division.

[@Meta-Drew]

Last tourney I played top 3 in rec would've been 1st, 3rd, and 4th in intermediate- its real nice when sandbaggers completely lock out the podium

[@710mountainbiker3]

Dear dynamic disc can you please make a fun video about good etiquette while playing this sport. A soo called pro at my local course (Colorado springs) off while we were still at the basket putting in and hit my wife, and didn't care. There is a memorial at another local course. Safety is a real thing in this sport. Thank you if you can.

[@chillynewberg2652]

And speaking of etiquette, talk about slow play!! PLEASE!!

[@710mountainbiker3]

I am not the fastest player around, but i do try to let people play through.

[@jeffdejaynes7231]

Chilly Newberg doesn’t give anyone the right to throw on another group. I would have stole his disc.

[@jacksonpalmer8955]

Hit me with a disc, and Ill be mad. Hit my GF or wife? I will be very very not nice, especially if you are a jerk about it.

[@710mountainbiker3]

If we could spread the word to have fun but be safe for everyones sake

[@lansingsportall5314]

Never played tournaments but I throw up to 400 and like 20% from 20 feet 😂 in putting. We’re would you place me?

[@reednagley5024]

Lol that's me and I just signed up for novice at ledgestone. It was also the only thing not on wait list.

[@doctorslug]

I'd sign you up for some putting practice lol.

[@FearTheWeird300]

Sound like most rec players I know of in my town. They bounce between rec and intermediate. I’d say intermediate at home course and rec everywhere else

[@hodgeslpm]

Sounds like you need to practice putting and play Intermediate.

[@chrisseaver7151]

Its always a guy who constantly takes 3 or 4th that calls the guy who always beats him by a few strokes a sandbagger. Just because hes winning the division doesnt mean he should move up so you can win while they gwt their ass kicked. That win would bring as much satasfaction as a win cuz you pencil whipped. Dont get mad. Get better.

[@FuckGoogle2]

If you constantly win and there are divisions above yours you should be thinking about moving up or you are that sandbagger.

[@aaronphillips2301]

Rec capped at 900 lol It should be: Rec:Max 800 Intermediate- 900 Advance 900+. Anything different and you are bagging. I’m taking to you 930 intermediates...

[@ryszardolszewski243]

I feel like the caps are there for a reason. People have to play where they sit. 880 players have no right to whine about 920 players in intermediate. Intermediate is for players between 900-935. Suck up your pride and play novice or rec if you're not good enough to play against a true intermediate player. There are also few things more annoying than being a player above 900 and MA1 and MA2 are filled with sub 900 players

[@FearTheWeird300]

Then 99% intermediate players would not get anything until they win because there would be so many. Rec would have 3 people cause I don’t know many adults that bad.

[@FearTheWeird300]

Id say maybe intermediate could be lowered to 925

[@therealmbassy]

there's no such thing as sandbagging. the divisions are there, sign up for the one your rating allows you to! people trying to dominate and control by making up these 'unwritten rules' are choking the fun from everyone. seen it so many times in other sports, work place, computer games etc. before.

[@hodgeslpm]

I would agree when it comes to rated players but there are definitely baggers who do not have a rating.

[@therealmbassy]

@@hodgeslpm how can you be a bagger if you've never competed? We're talking about their first 1-3 competitions. It's just a few rated players whining because they can't find a way to win but are unwilling to put in the work.

[@robertmunger1594]

When playing in my first doubles tourney I was playing in ma 4 ( only been playing for 5 months) and we thought we were competitive with a -4 for the 2 rounds but these two dudes turned in a -21. Another group had a -11. Take out those 2 groups and we would have had a three way tie for third at -4 and 2nd at -5 and 1st at -7. I'm sorry having someone in your division that completely obliterates the competition is not fun. They had played for a couple years and they were in novice what a joke.

[@mikew.762]

therealmbassy, there is 100% real sand baggers out there. I know a guy that plays on the same lvl as me int & advance yet only plays in rec and normally wins by 10+ strokes on the whole division. That’s just not right.

[@therealmbassy]

@@mikew.762 How is his rating low enough to play in ma3 if he's so good?

[@brodatious]

Are people in junior 15 very try hard or goof

[@Barbariandisks]

Lol so its ma50 for my old ass then, lol

[@kcphotographystudios8836]

Khaotic Intent better than my ma60😂

[@preferprivacy7550]

This is actually absolutely WRONG. Change the ratings guidelines if you dont like it. Sayin someone should move up if they played poorly in a tournament situation is completely ABSURD.

[@discgolfvideoguy1866]

So this guy decided to record a video basically direct from the PDGA standards page... lol. Novice has been offered and used heavily here in Ohio. Often times novice and rec can be the biggest divisions.

[@markpetruk]

Speaking of Sandbaggers 🌚

[@panukitunen6950]

I have played 1,5 years i throw back hand 450feet+ forehand i throw over 300+ feet put 80% from 20 feet I'm 14 y o and this video didn't help becouse im so un balanced player becouse my putting very bad

[@Channelisunderconstruction]

You have to be good to be a sandbagger. I am not!

[@mrpoopoohead7668]

I am going to go watch a recreational tournament in a couple of weeks and assess the level of talent, it is only a small local tournament with Doubles Teams, and I want to try and speak with the organizers and get some advice on how I can convince my local city officials to help host a recreational tournament in one of the city parks. I am plotting out a course inside the park and hope to find someone to use a drone to do a flyover of each hole and fairway to use as a presentation before the Mayor and City Council