Dec 23 2006, 08:38 PM
I recently joined the PDGA and have a question about what division to enter when I decide to play in a tournament. I think there was 4 different skill levels at the last tournament that was played here but how do I know what division to enter? I dont want to enter a division thats either out of my league or too easy.

thanks

morgan
Dec 23 2006, 11:03 PM
Don't do it! Quit now, while you still have your mind!

nanook
Dec 23 2006, 11:37 PM
I recently joined the PDGA and have a question about what division to enter when I decide to play in a tournament. I think there was 4 different skill levels at the last tournament that was played here but how do I know what division to enter? I dont want to enter a division thats either out of my league or too easy.

thanks



I used this PDGA document as a guide when I started playing tournaments: http://www.pdga.com/documents/2006/06DivisionsGuide.pdf

I thought it was a good reference because it gives some numerical data for comparision to your abilities. How far can you drive off the tee? What percentage of putts do you usually make from 20 feet? etc. I felt it was a pretty good way to start, then after experiencing a few tournaments I was able to re-evaluate decisions about divisions.

Good luck and remember: it's a game with a glorified frisbee! Don't forget to have fun regardless of the outcome!

nanook

Kette_Master
Dec 24 2006, 12:33 AM
If only everyone used the Divisions Guide - there would be less baggers.

Dec 24 2006, 02:51 AM
I recently joined the PDGA and have a question about what division to enter when I decide to play in a tournament. I think there was 4 different skill levels at the last tournament that was played here but how do I know what division to enter? I dont want to enter a division thats either out of my league or too easy.

thanks



I used this PDGA document as a guide when I started playing tournaments: http://www.pdga.com/documents/2006/06DivisionsGuide.pdf

I thought it was a good reference because it gives some numerical data for comparision to your abilities. How far can you drive off the tee? What percentage of putts do you usually make from 20 feet? etc. I felt it was a pretty good way to start, then after experiencing a few tournaments I was able to re-evaluate decisions about divisions.

Good luck and remember: it's a game with a glorified frisbee! Don't forget to have fun regardless of the outcome!

nanook



I drive about 320 consistently...on the puts i would have to pace off 20 feet and see what I can do. I started in july

CB2
Dec 24 2006, 04:12 AM
I would play recreational just to see how you do and go on from there. :cool:

davidsauls
Dec 24 2006, 09:37 AM
If you'll be competing on a course you've played casually, you can compare your casual scores with tournament results from previous year to see where you fit in. Odds are that you will not shoot quite as well in competition as you do casually.

Drew32
Dec 24 2006, 12:02 PM
Unless your terrible start off in Intermediate.

Oh and baggers do read the guidelines.
Good thing they made the 915 cut off mando...now all they need to do is enforce a cut off for the advanced baggers.

Either way have a blast in your first tournies and by no time you'll be up on the top cards.

nanook
Dec 24 2006, 12:07 PM
If only everyone used the Divisions Guide - there would be less baggers.

I agree. Unfortunately, there would probably be the same amount of people accusing others of being baggers. Sometimes I wonder how many players actually know this document exists. Not only should people use it to help make division choices, but some should refer to it before casting aspersions upon others....

nanook

circle_2
Dec 24 2006, 01:18 PM
Ken Climo, Barry Schultz, etc, were (likely ) rec~type players when they started playing DG...though there was no rec division then. Start in rec or intermediate, you'll know when to move up. :)

chappyfade
Dec 24 2006, 02:58 PM
Ken Climo, Barry Schultz, etc, were (likely ) rec~type players when they started playing DG...though there was no rec division then. Start in rec or intermediate, you'll know when to move up. :)



Kenny actually only played in one Am tournament ever (which he won)...then turned pro.

To answer the question, though, play Recreational. If you kick everyone's butt, then you'll know to move up to Intermediate the next time. The Recreational division is perfect for players who are playing their first event.

Chap

Sharky
Dec 25 2006, 09:50 AM
If you really can drive 300 then I would say Intermediate Am for sure.

Dec 26 2006, 02:54 PM
If you really can drive 300 then I would say Intermediate Am for sure.



i practice on a football field and I can throw it goal post to goal post..im guessing thats over 300ft

bazkitcase5
Dec 26 2006, 04:42 PM
a football field, including both endzones is more like 360 feet

so yea I'd say start of intermediate and see how u go from there

DSproAVIAR
Dec 27 2006, 12:00 PM
Anyone know what a high school soccer field measures from goal line to goal line?

crotts
Dec 27 2006, 12:16 PM
Anyone know what a high school soccer field measures from goal line to goal line?



i ran that far, once

: ) :

twoputtok
Dec 27 2006, 01:39 PM
Anyone know what a high school soccer field measures from goal line to goal line?



Typically 100 x 60 yards but when they are on a football field they usally run about 110 x 55.

Dec 27 2006, 01:47 PM
each endzone is 10 yards

100+10+10=120 yards=360 feet

you are correct on the soccer field though

hazard
Jan 09 2007, 05:58 PM
I'd say try to figure it out by the document for your first time. If you were in central North Carolina I'd point out that it's quite easy to get to the point where people are telling you you should play advanced while your rating still entitles you to play recreational.

I think this is partly a direct result of the local attitudes toward moving through the divisions, partly an indirect result of both those same attitudes and the local talent (because of the effect the other players have on your round ratings), partly due to the types of courses North Carolina has to offer, and of course partly due to the way people perform.

...That's probably not all the reasons. You could also probably make a case for the rating cutoff for Rec not matching the description, for the rating system in general not being a very good indicator of skill level, or for people improving rapidly enough that their ratings just haven't caught up yet (although I rolled that in with "the way people perform). The ones I listed are just the things I think I've actually seen in action.

mistuhmiles
Jan 13 2007, 07:45 AM
for your first tourney play in a division that you feel comfortable playing in. after that you can make a decision on the best division. driving 320' should put you in intermediate as far as distance but how many different shots do you have? there are other things to consider. if it is your home course i say play up to intermediate. it sounds like you will be there soon anyway.