The Mini Marker in Disc Golf : The Mini Explained
You may have been playing a few rounds of disc golf and are now familiar with the rules and game play. During casual rounds of disc golf, you may not need a disc golf mini marker but surely you have noticed this mini disc inside the bags of more seasoned players. You might be wondering what this miniature disc is for.
What Is A Disc Golf Mini Marker?
A mini disc is considered an essential piece in disc golf tournaments and leagues, especially when discs go out of bounds. The use of a disc golf mini marker is to mark your lie or the position of the disc previously thrown. Without a mini marker in disc golf, the player has no choice but to leave the previously thrown disc on the lie.
When throwing the next shot, the player will have to throw a disc farther from the pole hole or simply throw the next shot from behind the lie. Other than marking the lie, a mini marker allows players to express a certain level of personal touch. Novice or experienced, the use of a disc golf mini marker can influence when making that successful shot. Disc golf minis come in different designs and colors. They make it fun to personalize your mini or purchase one in a color that you like.
PDGA Mini Marker Technical Standards
Should you use a mini marker during disc golf rounds, the disc must comply with PDGA’s technical standards. The disc must be circular in shape with a diameter of at least 7 cm and a maximum of 15 cm with a height not exceeding 3 cm.
The miniature disc can be of any material like wood, plastic, or metal and can be customized. When it comes to choosing the best mini marker, I would say that it does not matter.
Or there is no such thing as the best or the right disc golf mini. You only need to make sure that your chosen disc marker complies with PDGA’s technical specifications.
Is the Use of Disc Golf Mini Marker Necessary?
As for me, the use of a disc golf mini marker boils down to preference. For some, particularly newer players, the use of a mini marker for disc golf is advantageous as it gives extra nearness to the hole. A few inches from the target can make a difference when aiming for a successful shot.
Some players prefer the use of a mini disc golf marker to remind them to make a throw. I noticed that other players benefit from the use of mini markers as it gives them time to clear their minds and strategize on their next throw.
Whether you are on the course for casual or competitive play, the use of a disc golf mini marker is not necessary except for certain situations. For example, if the land of bounds, a disc golf marker is used to mark the lie, or if the previous throw where the disc came to rest needs to be moved because of a rule. But other than these two exceptions, a disc golf player has the option not to use a mini marker.
As you can see, the use of a disc golf mini marker is easy to understand. The same goes for technical specifications should you decide to use one.