Disc golf: Don’t you dare throw in on me

The headline’s harsh.

Rest assured, it’s an idle threat.

I’m the least imposing person on Earth.

However, that doesn’t mean I don’t get irritated. On the disc golf course, this includes people throwing in on me or my card. If you’re not sure what it means to “throw in” on someone, it’s basically a disc golfer from the group behind you starting on the hole you’ve not yet finished.

If the hole’s 1,000-plus feet, this isn’t that big of a deal. In fact, this is often encouraged on the Pro Tour to prevent backups. But if it’s more in the ballpark of 300-ish feet, it’s downright dangerous. Golf discs aren’t throw pillows – they’re capable of literally cracking skulls.

Click here for evidence.

Now I will say that most incidents of ill-advised throw-ins are accidents. The guy behind you (likely) isn’t trying to be a moron. He might’ve not seen you. Thick trees have a way of blocking vision. That, or he could’ve innocently forgotten to check for flesh and blood on the fairway.

It happens.

Even the best in the world make this mistake.

* Exhibit A: Gavin Rathbun

Gavin’s response is brilliant:

“I’m so – I’m an idiot.”

Clearly, there was no ill will intended.

I’ll give Mr. Rathbun a pass.

Still, the aforementioned “moron” does exist. And you’ll find him throwing in on disc golfers more frequently than you’d think. When I’ve encountered this, it’s usually the result of rage, a lack of patience or somebody on my rear trying to passive-aggressively send a message:

“I want to play through. Also, I’m a baby.”

Again, it happens.

My go-to response is as follows:

• I turn.
• I shoot a death-stare.
• I raise both arms in the air.

Essentially, I’m THIS guy in the above video:

If at all possible, in your response, refrain from bird-flipping, profanity or gunplay.

That’ll only escalate the situation.

My advice?

Control what you can control – or rather, who you can control.

And that’s yourself.

Look before you throw.

Good advice for us all.

Have anything to add? Take to X to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

Editor’s Suggestions:

• The truth about ‘clickbait’ in disc golf
• Like to sweat? Try a ‘run round’ of disc golf
• What happens if you miss a hole in a disc golf tournament?

Real quick, if you happen to buy something through a link in this article, there’s a chance we’ll get a small share of the sale. It’s how we keep the lights on. To learn more, click here.