How to start playing tournaments ?

I know this has probably been covered,but a couple searches got me nowhere so here we go.....
I've only been playing now since the start of this summer.
I can usually shoot under par (course par,not pro par) and my game is coming along.
I looked at the PDGA classifications & would consider myself a "recreational" player at this point.
Basically, what info I am looking for is "how do I start playing tourneys?" Do I have to become a member of PDGA before any of that happens? If so, once signed up, do I just look for tourneys in my area & go at it?
I think I'm going to finish out this year just playing casually, but would like to start next year playing more competitive matches & getting free discs :D
Thanks for any help.

I'm usually a lurker on here, but thought I'd chime in on this one. You do not have to be a member of the PDGA to play in most tournaments. However, if you play in a PDGA sanctioned tournament you will end up paying an extra $5 on top of the entry fee to play. I personally am not a member because I only play a couple of sanctioned tourneys a year.

A great place to find info on tournaments is to go to the PDGA tour (http://pdga.com/schedule/index.php) section of this website and look there or go to the MDGC (http://www.mdgc.org/) website for tournaments in our area. I would say start with a tourney that is played on your home course if possible. You will feel more comfortable for sure.

I too am from Northern IN and love to play the local courses, my favorites are Ox Bow and George Wilson. Where do you play?

Ok, back to lurking.

-Jeff

Thanks Jeff.

I mainly play George Wilson & Rum Village (because it's free).

I'd say my "home" course is Wilson as we've mostly played there and am comfortable with which shots/discs to throw on all the holes.

I plan on going to the tournament on the 21st at Rum Village & maybe I will get some info from there.

We're playing OxBow on Sunday.......tough course. Played there once by myself & lost one in the river (d0h).
I also talked them into hitting Wilson on the way home.

I have checked out the MDGC club & was going to join them (next year) just so I could keep up with whats happening locally.

Do you need a mini to play in a tourney?

[slo]

Yes, if it's a PDGA event, or run 'like' one. It's REQUIRED as a marker whenever you go OB, and they're inexpensive, so don't risk not having one. ;)

Ok. I talked with the guys at Michiana Disc & am planning on going to their weekly "best shot" tournaments.
It's only $5 & they will pair me up with a better player.
Sounds like a great way to learn the rules & better my game. (I've read the rules but would like to see them in the real world )

Watch out Barry Schultz. I'm comin' after you...... http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/sport/sport-smiley-003.gif

If you come out to the best shot at Ox Bow on Wednesday I will probably be there. Have fun at best shot, and you're right it really is a great way to learn.