Most of us hate this, so let’s not lump it in the “hot takes” bin, por favor …
Groups of five-plus disc golfers suck beyond belief.
And this isn’t just a thing in disc golf, either. Complete with well-manicured greens, pristine polo shirts and squeaky-clean golf carts, most country clubs limit the number of players to a card, as well. Usually, there’s no hard-and-fast rule, but push the line, and you’ll be put in your place.
Furthermore, you can’t just show up and “Happy Gilmore” your way through 18 holes – you’ll need a tee time. This is done to avoid the single-file, Disneyland-esque experience so many of us loathe. Waiting in line is an activity best saved for the DMV – NOT during a casual round …
The same can be said for disc golf.
Often, it’s first-time disc golfers who are to blame for mammoth groups. One guy discovers disc golf. Hooked, he invites a buddy, who in turn does the same thing. Before long, shirtless, the boys are back – and with a few dogs, just for good measure. It’s the price of growth, I guess.
Easy enough: Just ask to play through – problem solved.
Occasionally, however, you’ll encounter the following from the “tortoises” in front of you:
- Awkward No. 1 – They’ll straight-up ignore you.
- Awkward No. 2 – They’ll play faster to prevent you from passing.
- Awkward No. 3 – They’ll skip a hole or two ahead for more breathing room.
Who in their right mind would do this, you ask?
The same dorks who won’t let you merge onto the highway – that’s who.
It’s not just the newbies, though …
Seasoned disc golfers can be guilty of the same inexplicable pride.
Last week, I played a solo round after work on Friday. With the days getting shorter, I was motoring through the course. Before long, I’d caught up to a group of seven (seven!) guys with carts, booze and a booming bluetooth speaker – this wasn’t their first frisbee-themed rodeo.
And this had already happened …
Twice.
So, the third time I caught them, quiet as a mouse, I whispered to the guy in the back of the pack if it was okay if I played through, assuring him I’d throw quickly and be on my way …
The way he reacted, you would’ve thought I’d invited him to a swingers convention.
Loudly, he fired back with a quick, “Get the [expletive] away from me, man!” There was a bit more from his face hole, but my favorite part had to be when he accused me of “disrupting his headspace.” To be fair, that might’ve been the case, as he proceeded to nail the first-available.
I was then permitted to play through.
THAT experience was the inspiration for THIS post.
If you’re new to disc golf, try and limit your groups to four people or fewer. If you’re not new to disc golf, do the same thing. And if there’s no way around a mass gathering, no worries – it’s (likely) a public park. Do be prepared to let others pass, as it’ll make for a better experience.
Let’s “kumbaya” this thing together.
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