Am Tournaments?

[rickrose2007]

Got a question, whats a good tournament for an Ammeter?  I just want to get out and have fun but also compete with people at my skill level. What would you recommend?

I am average thrower I believe, for only playing a month, I average +9-11 on 18 holes and it keeps dropping.

[sirbronco]

Usually in October, Rick R. runs the Rosedale Ameture Championships!  However, just playing the Am side of most events is good experience.  I always learn from the players I play with.

[rickrose2007]

There's none any closer? I just wanted to get that experience and get out and play some disc golf. What about this PITT open, does it have a Am division? and how is that one?

[Utz]

Unless otherwise noted, each tournament you see will have the standard Am Divisions:

MA1: Advanced		Am's rated 935 or higher must play this
MA2: Intermediate		must be < 935 rating
MA3: Recreational		must be < 900 rating
MA4: Novice		must be <850

SO! Depending on if the tourney is PDGA sanctioned or not, the ratings can somewhat guide you into a specific division. Given your said experience, and if you're looking for a challenge, play Intermediate. Playing 'up' always has its advantages, such as getting to see people better than you, how they throw, handle the game, prepare etc etc. Playing 'down' also has its advantages too. for example, if you're the leader going into the final round you'll be taught how to preserve your lead, manage the course and win a tournament.

Both are great, and its always the best when you play up AND win.

There's a tournament this saturday, the DD Rosedale 1 rounder. I would suggest playing in that as its non-sanctioned and should be a great tourney for you to start in. Study your rule book, and prepare yourself mentally and physically (should be a hot one!)

Good luck!

[rickrose2007]

Unless otherwise noted, each tournament you see will have the standard Am Divisions:

MA1: Advanced		Am's rated 935 or higher must play this
MA2: Intermediate		must be < 935 rating
MA3: Recreational		must be < 900 rating
MA4: Novice		must be <850

SO! Depending on if the tourney is PDGA sanctioned or not, the ratings can somewhat guide you into a specific division. Given your said experience, and if you're looking for a challenge, play Intermediate. Playing 'up' always has its advantages, such as getting to see people better than you, how they throw, handle the game, prepare etc etc. Playing 'down' also has its advantages too. for example, if you're the leader going into the final round you'll be taught how to preserve your lead, manage the course and win a tournament.

Both are great, and its always the best when you play up AND win.

There's a tournament this saturday, the DD Rosedale 1 rounder. I would suggest playing in that as its non-sanctioned and should be a great tourney for you to start in. Study your rule book, and prepare yourself mentally and physically (should be a hot one!)

Good luck!

Where do I find said rule book and I will check this one out Saturday...do we know if any other Am's will be there?

[Kevin Montgomery]

Where do I find said rule book......

http://www.pdga.com/rules

[Utz]

I'm sure there will be plenty of AMs there for you to compete with.

http://www.pdga.com/rules

Rule book there^^ You can get a softback copy from your favourite Kansas City disc golf store. I always keep a copy in my bag..

Just familiarize yourself with the rules, oh and use a mini-marker! you'll want to get one of those too. You never want to take strokes away from your game just because you dont understand how to play your lie!

[rickrose2007]

I'm sure there will be plenty of AMs there for you to compete with.

http://www.pdga.com/rules

Rule book there^^ You can get a softback copy from your favourite Kansas City disc golf store. I always keep a copy in my bag..

Just familiarize yourself with the rules, oh and use a mini-marker! you'll want to get one of those too. You never want to take strokes away from your game just because you dont understand how to play your lie!

I have a mini KCFDC marker I got when I signed up for the leagues...so I will use that. I will look at that rule book and get a soft copy. I will have to go check this tournament out, get some experience under my belt! I really appreciate it!

[kselrod]

There's none any closer? I just wanted to get that experience and get out and play some disc golf. What about this PITT open, does it have a Am division? and how is that one?

Yes we have REC, INT and ADV divisions filling up at the PITT Open.  Just pick which one you feel comfortable playing in.  I've been told that the course is a somewhat difficult layout but I think there is plenty of birdies to be had by any skill level of players.  Hope to see you there!

[rickrose2007]

yeah, no need to memorize the rules.   but get familiar with them and carry your rulebook in any tournament.  Rules around various lies (marking your lie, OB, unplayable... etc), stance and courtesy are the ones to study more closely. 

First tourney, Rick, play Rec.  if you kill it there, then consider INT next time.

I signed up for the PITT open today and I am going to try REC, I am excited for my first tournament. I will try to get by DGW and pick up a copy of the rule book!

[kselrod]

If you have a smartphone then you already have a rulebook.  Save the moola that way...lol.  I have bookmarks and the such related to disc golf on various screens of my Galaxy S III.

[rickrose2007]

If you have a smartphone then you already have a rulebook.  Save the moola that way...lol.  I have bookmarks and the such related to disc golf on various screens of my Galaxy S III.

true! I can put my iPhone to use!! Thanks for that heads up!