There’s already a few blogs about disc golf etiquette out there. But today I’d like to go a little further with some of the suggestions. Now I know that each of these are subjective and people have many different views on the matter. Here’s my general thoughts on some things in disc golf that we can do to make sure everyone has a good time.
When should I let a group play through?
We’ve all been there, you’re in a group with a few people and there’s a pair behind you that’s teeing off on the hole behind yours. Here’s when you let them play through.
If you think any of these things are applicable go ahead and let them pass you. Playing in a group is fun, getting stuck behind one isn’t.
Putting order, who goes, and when?
In tournament play it’s actually mandated by the rules. Whichever player is furthest out must be the next to throw/putt. But maybe you’re not in a tournament, maybe you’re playing casually with friends. Putting can still be stressful so here’s my pointers for playing around the basket.
Music on the course
Last month I played in Lerchtoberfest, a disc golf charity tournament. My buddy Chris threw some great tunes on and we jammed as we played. Not every round is like that, in fact most of the time people prefer quiet it seems. As much as our card loved Sublime, not every card wants to hear that.
If you’re having a bad round, it happens.
Paul Mcbeth, if you’re reading this blog, skip this bit. Everyone else has bad rounds at some point. If you find that you’re in the middle of a meltdown round, try doing these things to mitigate how you affect others.
Safety first
This one should be your number 1 priority. Safety is important when we have plastic discs getting thrown in excess of 50 mph. These discs hurt you if you get hit.
I hope these don’t seem preachy, they’re just things I think help contribute to a better disc golf experience. If you’re a veteran of the sport you’ve probably experienced all of these things. If you’re new to the sport you’ll be just fine. Is there anything that I overlooked? Do you disagree with my points here? Let me know in the comments below.
May your discs miss all the trees,
Andrew Streeter #70397
Yes, all of these!
I would amend to turn OFF your music if you are letting a group play through.
I would add, THROW YOUR TRASH AWAY! Every course I have played has trash cans. If there isn’t one nearby, pack it until you get to one. Be like hikers: Pack it in, pack it out. Honestly, I don’t understand pigs who leave their Red Bull or beer cans on the ground or impaled in tree/bush branches and there’s a trash can a mere 15 feet away. Or the really lazy pigs who leave their cans right by the tee pads. Really? Look, if you had the means to pack it in this far on the course, you have the means to carry it until you see the next trash can. And that also goes for your bottle caps. There are those of you who like to press them into the wood posts of the tee markers, in the ground at the front edge of the tee pad, or just around the tee. I love the fact that disc golf doesn’t have snooty fashion requirements to play, but I also don’t want our courses to look like trailer trash, either.
Can I also add this?: If you smoke cigarettes or marijuana, don’t! Not on the course. Three reasons: 1) families with kids don’t appreciate it, 2) those of us who do not partake do not enjoy breathing your fumes (even though it’s outdoors doesn’t mean we don’t breathe/smell it), and 3) many of you drop your butts on the ground by tee pads and everywhere. (See my comment above on trash.)
Ah, man. venting this was good therapy. LOL Now, let me comment on those scum dg-ers who do not call the owner and return a lost disc…
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Andrew Streeter
November 28, 2020
Hey Brad thanks for reading.
You’re right I missed taking care of your litter. That’s a great point. We’ve got trash cans at every hole for a reason. Hope you have some good rounds this year.
-Andrew