While it’s not a dream for every single disc golfer out there, most would say that going on tour is the ultimate benchmark of “making it” in the sport. Getting on tour can be difficult, between the associated costs and the logistics of everything involved, but once you’re out on the road and competing nearly every weekend, you might feel like you’re living the dream.

Until you’re not. Many people don’t realize that going on tour requires a specific mindset and that various factors both in and out of your control can make a huge difference in your performance. What can you do to set yourself up for success and better understand the touring mindset?

Under Pressure

If you’re paying for food or gas with your tournament winnings, there’s a fair amount of pressure involved in performing well. Because tour can get expensive quickly, often times players rely on cash just to be able to make it to the next destination. When every missed putt means lost dollars, it can get under your skin rather quickly. 

We know it can be hard to do, but try your best to have enough resources lined up before you embark so that your tour doesn’t depend on your prize money. If you can step onto the course and simply have fun without “needing” to win, you’re going to have a much calmer mindset overall. Winning any amount of cash will be that much sweeter when you know it can be used toward a fun night on the town instead of paying your cell phone bill!

Practice Makes Perfect 

Playing a casual round with friends might allow you to hone in on some of your skills, but practicing for tour involves another mindset altogether. Physically, you need to be prepared to play at least three to four days in a row, every single week. Sometimes you’ll get lucky with only competing in one round per day, but the occasional event might have you playing 36 holes or more. 

More than anything else, touring pros point to having a routine or a rhythm when practicing, so that no matter where they are or what they’re doing, muscle memory will kick in and take over to find success. This looks different for everyone, as it could be time spent perfecting your form or getting your putting dialed in from multiple distances.

You can’t overlook the mind/body connection either, as confidence plays a major role in maintaining a positive touring mindset. While it’s often jokingly called “a grind” and in some ways, it can be, overall going on tour should be a fun and unique experience. As funny as it may sound, actively practicing this positive mindset can make all the difference when it comes to your success on the road. 

We’d love to know – what do you think are the key pieces that people need to understand when it comes to a touring mindset? What have you done to find success, whether it’s practice, downtime, or other creative ways to keep disc golf fun? Let us know what works for you in the comments below!