Disc golf: How to ask to play through (without being a jerk)

This is one of disc golf’s more awkward moments.

You’re either playing by yourself or with a buddy. And because you’re small in numbers, you quickly catch a larger, slower-moving group in front of you. Not wanting to constantly be nipping on another card’s heels, you know you need to ask to play through …

Here’s where things get iffy:

• Most strangers are cool with it.
• Some strangers get mega-butt-hurt.

It’s a roll of the dice.

Looking to avoid the drama?

Here’s how:

Ask early

The awkwardness of the situation increases if you’re waiting to watch the group in front of you tee-off on hole after hole after hole. The longer you avoid raising a voice of concern, with reason, the more the mondo-group in front of you will think you’re cool with waiting.

Be brave.

Get it over with: Ask to play through early in the process.

Then, get on with your round.

Don’t assume permission

Should you be able to play through?

Assuming you’re (really) quick, yes.

But the best way to turn the most vocal member of an oversized, snail’s-pace group from borderline-douche to full-blown douche is to act like it’s your God-given right to play through. Incredibly, on this one, I’ll have to side with Mr. Tool-Brain himself – don’t assume permission.

Ask kindly.

More often than not, you’ll get the answer you want.

More groups ahead? Don’t ask

Here’s a shocker …

Sometimes NOT asking is the right move.

For example, let’s say that directly in front of the group in front of you is another group. And directly in front of that group is another group – and so on and so forth. Even during a casual round, if there’s a five-hole delay, why would anybody in their right mind let you pass?

Because even if they did let you play through, guess what’s awaiting you on the very next teepad? More waiting. And a likely reunion with the guys who just let you cut in line …

If this as an issue, do the following:

• Door No. 1 – Skip ahead a few holes.
• Door No. 2 – Play a different course.

Problem solved.

Inquire before the start of the hole

And I mean it …

BEFORE the start of a hole.

To me, this means popping the question before (again, the keyword) a single person has launched a drive. In the past, I’ve made the mistake of asking if I could play through between drives. Each time, as a result, I was met with the stink eye and reluctant permission. It’s happened enough times that I’ve realized I probably should’ve just waited – you know, because etiquette.

I’m sharing this with you as a means of atonement.

Learn from my mistakes.

Pick up the pace (and be obvious about it)

If you claim to play quickly, you better play quickly.

When the group in front of me is nice enough to hit the “pause” button on their round for three or four minutes, I like to go out of my way to demonstrate how quickly I mean to play, even if it’s exaggerated. For example, after teeing off, I make a point of practically half-jogging to my disc, throwing and speedily wrapping up the hole, so they can get back to their round, as well.

Am I actually going to play this fast?

Nope.

But I value their time – I want them to know it.

The success of this mission is often a matter of luck.

Thankfully, most disc golfers oblige.

If somebody’s a Grade-A jerk, though, Mother Teresa could ask to play through, and it’d get shut down. Should this misfortune befall your round, simply skip ahead and get back to disc golf.

Time is precious – don’t waste it on losers.

Carry on.

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