So you’ve finally upgraded from jamming three discs into your car’s cupholder and calling it a “setup.” Congratulations—you’re ready for the magical, mysterious world of disc golf bags.
Think of it as leveling up in the great RPG of suburban athletic hobbies. But before you load yours like it’s a survival kit for a post-apocalyptic Frisbee wasteland, let’s talk about what actually belongs in there.
Spoiler alert: it’s not just discs.
Discs: Obviously, But Let’s Break It Down
Yes, this is obvious. But not all discs are created equal, and if your “bag” is just five drivers and a prayer, you’re doing it wrong.
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Drivers: Great for distance, terrible for accuracy if you don’t know what you’re doing (and let’s be honest, half of us don’t).
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Mid-ranges: The middle children of the disc golf family. They’ll quietly get you out of trouble without demanding attention.
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Putters: The workhorses. If you don’t carry at least two, you’re either a minimalist monk or lying.
I once went to a course with only two discs, and by hole four, I was borrowing a friend’s putter like some broke college kid mooching off his roommate’s ramen. Don’t be me.
Hydration: Your Future Self Will Thank You
You’d think throwing plastic around the park doesn’t burn calories, but then you hit hole 12 in August and suddenly your body is like, “Hey champ, maybe some water?” Pro tip: toss in a reusable bottle. Not only will you feel like a responsible adult, but you’ll also avoid paying $3 for mystery-temperature water at the gas station after the round.
Snacks: The Fuel of Champions (and Average Players)
Granola bars. Beef jerky. Trail mix. Something that says “athlete,” but also “yes, I still snack like a high schooler.” Trust me, your bag should always have one emergency snack stashed deep inside. Future-you will thank past-you when blood sugar crashes mid-putt.
Towel: The Most Underrated Essential
Rain, mud, sweat, or—let’s be honest—the questionable pond you just fished your disc out of. A towel saves the day. Pro move: carry two. One for your hands, one for the disc. Because nothing says “rookie” like wiping mud off a disc with your shirt while your buddies roll their eyes.
Mini Marker Disc: Because Rules Exist
If you’re serious about disc golf—or at least pretending to be—you’ll need a mini marker disc. It’s like the golf tee of disc golf, only smaller and more likely to get lost in your trunk. It also makes you look like you know what you’re doing, which is half the game anyway.
First Aid: Yes, Really
This isn’t extreme sports, but scraped knees, bug bites, and sunburn are very real. Toss in some Band-Aids and bug spray unless you enjoy limping through the last three holes like a tragic disc golf war hero.
Extras You’ll Thank Me For Later
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Sharpie: Write your name on your discs before they wander into another dimension (or, more likely, your buddy’s bag).
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Scorecard and Pencil: Because yes, we are keeping score, Todd.
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Rain Jacket: That random summer thunderstorm? It doesn’t care about your par.
The Bag Itself: Choose Your Adventure
You can rock the backpack style if you’re all about storage and comfort, or go with the sling bag if you like minimalism and back pain. The point is: find one that holds your gear without making you look like you’re lugging textbooks across campus.
I personally upgraded from a shoulder bag to a full backpack and immediately felt like I’d unlocked Disc Golfer Prestige Mode. Did it improve my score? Absolutely not. But I looked like I knew what I was doing, and that’s 80% of the game.
Final Thoughts
A disc golf bag is more than a glorified sack for your plastic. It’s your toolbox, your survival kit, your statement piece. Pack it right, and you’re the chill suburban warrior philosopher of the course. Pack it wrong, and you’re just a sweaty person with too many drivers and no towel.
Remember: it’s not about having everything. It’s about having the right things. And maybe a backup snack. Definitely the snack.
Ready to upgrade from “plastic in the cupholder” to actual disc golf status? Grab a bag, load it with the essentials, and don’t forget the most important accessory—your style. Check out Tee Shop USA’s funny disc golf shirts and show up to the course looking like you actually know what you’re doing.
