I’ve noticed something about the lost discs that make their way back to me …
More often than not, my contact information’s written on ‘em as follows:
- Detail No. 1 – On the backside of the disc.
- Detail No. 2 – In large, obvious letters.
- Detail No. 3 – And with a fat Sharpie.
If that description doesn’t mentally computer, here’s a visual:
I have my reasons as to why I believe this works …
For starters, if you’re a frisbee bandit who stumbles across somebody else’s disc that’s clearly marked as their own, you have two options: 1) To cross everything out with a Sharpie of your own and make the thing butt-ugly, or 2) leave it alone for a good Samaritan at a later date.
Yes, said bandit could just pocket the disc and throw it with your details on the back. But should he go that route and lose it, your disc’s back in the mix for the right person finding it and calling.
What sticky-fingered disc golfers LOVE to see is ink on the inside rim …
It makes it all the easier for them to do this:
Inside-rim details might be the more minimalistic approach to disc-branding, but hidden from view, it’s easier for a thief to block ‘em out with a permanent marker – and without much guilt.
Do the same thing with a spacious signature, however, and again – the disc’s an eyesore. But even better, when other golfers see the visible chicken scratch, they’ll silently judge …
That’s a win.
Also, if you’re wanting to get WAY bold with this method …
Flip the disc over and take to the flight plate:
Stamp your logo. Autograph the thing. Drop your PDGA digits on it.
ANYTHING to amplify the message:
“This disc isn’t yours. You suck if you don’t give it back.”
Will this abolish lost-disc thievery?
No, but it’s an easy-to-implement deterrent …
Sharpie smarter.
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How about a custom hot stamp? With your name and pdga number on the bottom?
That’s a pretty good idea, too!
My question to you and I put this on Reddit as well. I found a disc with the person’s info on it and I called them. That person told me that he was willing to pick it up the next day to meet him on the course. I went the next day but he did not show. I called the person again and he said that he was busy that he’ll try to go there the following week. Yet, he was a no show again and I called him multiple times after this and now he’s not answering his phone. What should I do with his disc? Put it back where I found it or should I keep it until he finally answers his phone. Mind you I’ve had his disc for about a year now.
DiscGolfCholo …
Way ahead of you, my man: https://www.greensplatter.com/gripe-no-eight-wont-babysit-your-lost-disc/
Thank you homie. I appreciate this.
I would find an obscure location at the course you found it, snap a picture, and text the picture along with details of where you left it and you’re done thinking about it.
If you leave a disc at a course it no longer belongs to you. No stealing is involved. If you get it back great.
If you leave your car parked in a parking lot, is that still your car?
If you leave your house to go to work each day, is that still your house?
You’re a thief trying to justify your lack of morality. Stop being a bad person.
🤣🤣🤣🤣😹😹😹😂😂😂😂
Pretty common sense advice!
I believe most avoid this technique for two reasons: 1. It’s ugly, 2. Maybe, just maybe I want to sell or trade that disc at some point.
If your goal is to keep it than no doubt going big or using a custom stamp is the way.
Personally I’m a small name rim writer, mostly because of aesthetics. I’m so vain. Lol In realty i think it’s because of my designer background and penchant for a minimal and neat look for my creations. This preference apparently carries over to my discs. I will say I have gotten a bunch of discs returned, despite my diminutive method, but not nearly as many as I’ve lost.
Perhaps I need to do a custom one, finally. 🤨🤔
Finders keepers! Guy
exactly!! I didnt steal your disc! you lost it and didn’t look long enough for it! good god!
I once found a disc that had a name and number on it. And below had a message that said, “don’t be a d!<k!" Made me literally laugh out loud and immediately send the person a text message stating I found their disc with their hilarious message. Brilliant stuff.
No matter the markings you’re still looking at a slim chance of return.. lesser chances if disc is desirable.
I’ve only been contacted once on a return but it’s ok I’ve leaned to give cause in hopes of converting one more to disc golfing.
Discs come and go. I personally don’t sign my discs and prefer that a used disc isn’t covered in ink. Following this advice I’d have to make a decision to black out half the disc if I find something in a used bin or trade with a friend.
If the disc is so important to you don’t throw it. Its not some strangers responsibility to return your lost property found on public land. If it’s left in the basket, I’ll make the effort to return it. I’ll keep your marked disc. Or try that big water hazard with it. Trying to guilt trip strangers is childish and not worth the effort. I don’t write on mine.
You realize a disc can be valuable beyond sentimental (i.e. first ace disc) or financial (i.e. $30 Raptor Eye that is signed by Ricky), right? Some people value a certain disc because it flies a certain way and they’ve grown accustomed to it, so it’s not always as simple as replacing it.
Better idea: get good and don’t lose your discs. Also if you do happen to lose one, that one sucked anyways, go buy a new one.
My discs shop sells second hand discs with names on them that a cross off and add my details. The way you write this now everytime I use one and someone sees it I’m going to feel like I’m being judged thanks for the low class feeling. Remember not everyone can afford to buy new and not everyone steals
Some people also sell their used discs and don’t bother removing their name. I’d say 1/3 of my bag are second hand discs I’ve bought, so I’ve either had to try and remove the old name or write over it. It is what it is. The fact people rarely return found discs and the fact modern desirable discs are pushing close to $30 are why I’m always looking for deals on used discs.
I found a disc that had a phone number without an area code. How many area codes do i have to try before it becomes my disc? I tried 4 of the local area codes and they were wrong numbers?
Y’all ever heard of acetone?
Somebody’s never heard of acetone.
I’m the type of person that will spend 45 minutes looking for my disc or trying to rake it out of a pond, while there are other guys who will give up after just 30 seconds if they can’t find it. It seems unfair that if I find three random discs while looking for mine for half an hour that I then have to spend my time and money to go return every disc to the person(s) who couldn’t be bothered to look for theirs.
So I made a deal with myself: If there’s contact info, I ALWAYS try and contact that person out of good conscious. If there’s no contact info, then it becomes my disc. That seems like a fair trade to me. And honestly, half the time the owner will say just keep the disc for a number of reasons. And truth be told, a lot of the discs I find I have no interest in throwing anyway.
As for getting the disc back to its owner, I tell them they can either get it at the Saturday morning random doubles (we have a locked lost and found box that gets opened during doubles) or I’ll take it to the local disc shop and they can pick it up there. Saves me the hassle of a flaky meetups.
I ALWAYS PUT FOR GOOD KARMA CALL …… AND LEAVE NAME AND NUMBER IN LETTERS BIG ENOUGH TO COVER THE WHOLE INSIDE OF THE DISC. I D G A F IM NOT TRYING TO MEET A SOLEMATE DISCING. IM A 43 YOUR OLD
Another micro thing you can do is to color the top/dome of your disc in a custom way to make it obvious that it is not a stock disc. Occasionally, someone will unintentionally mistake your disc for theirs. Custom coloring makes it obvious it’s not theirs.
I’ve seen some write: return for a beer…which some offer anyway.
Here’s a simple ethical and easy solution: when you find a disc that belongs to someone else, hide it under something obvious, text them and say, “It’s your lucky day! I was planning X course and found your X disc on hole #X. I hid it under X thing.”
Then, text them a picture with a few good landmarks so they know where to look. Bridges, signs, etc. work well.
I’m not a social guy, so this gets it back to the rightful owner without me having to actually talk to anyone!
Never put my info on a disc. That being said, I don’t lose a disc very often because I am willing to put in the extra time to look if it means that much to me. If I’m with a group I’ve went as far as to tell then to move on w/out me and I’ll catch up so they don’t have to spend a half hour or more looking. I’ve also gone back after a round or even come back the following day to search.
Bottom line for me is that it’s finders keepers. If that disc flies a certain way for you that can’t be replaced easily, you’ll put in the effort to get it back. If not, I guess it wasn’t that important to you.
One day a buddy found a disc I really liked but it had a name of someone we knew from past league play. He called the guy and agreed to hide it for him to come get it later. 3 weeks went by and the disc was still where we put it. I texted the guy as a reminder, he thanked me and said he’ll get out there but eventually the disc was gone. I ended up seeing him a month or so later and asked if he ever grabbed it to which he responded with a chuckle “nah, but it’s cool, I never threw that disc much anyway”…. WTF man, waste of time.
Don’t Ever Write Your Info On A Disc…. When you hit that joggers child in the head with a high speed drive 350 out…. That’s a good time to grab your gear and dip off into the woods. Don’t get involved in a law suit …. Haul Butt 🙂
At least. 40
Lol A buddy of mine puts a female name on his. He always gets called!
I might start doing this, lolol.
Possession is 9/10s of the law a dude told me once at Bear Creek near D/FW. After a few wallops up side his head, he changed his mind. I just love people like that. What’s her name, haha
How many times should you have to call somebody before it becomes yours? I mean, I might try 2-3 times if it is just like a 15$ disc, but what about if it is like tour series or a rare plastic or oop, how many times should I call?
It’s all fun and game Tell somebody loses one, If there’s a name in number Should try calling, Go from there…. It’s the right thing to do!!! If it gets stole maybe they needed it more, or you didn’t look hard enough!!LOL
But what if I don’t want my disc to look a pair of underwear from when I was at summer camp? Inking discs looks terrible.
Best thing I ever heard is when I called a number on back of a disc for a “Miranda – ##########”. I called and a guy answered I told “hey I just found a disc for a Miranda” he said “oh yeah I put my gf’s name on my disc’s, usually will return disc’s if they’re girls” – very smart guy!
I send a text with a picture of the disc when I find it. I will then attempt two more texts to arrange the return of the disc. If no return text or they don’t show then the disc goes into the stack to throw over water hazards. I do attempt to return them every time even though I rarely get calls on discs that I lose.
I don’t think I could bring myself to write my name or any contact information on the stamp side of the disc. I do write my number multiple times on the bottom though