Where disc golf culture can do better to grow the sport

I consider myself a pretty nice guy …

I put away my shopping cart in the grocery store parking lot. I let others merge onto the highway when there’s ample room. Heck, I even go out of my way to recycle – I’m saving the planet.

Something I big-time struggle with, however, is keeping my mental cool around newbie disc golfers. As the sport’s grown, these peeps are log-jamming my local courses like never before.

I’m hardly Dave Dunipace, but I like to think I have a good pulse on what’s going down within the greater disc golf community. We might have a bit of a culture problem on our hands. And it’s one that extends far beyond my issues. Seriously, tell me THESE guys don’t drive you mad:

• Group No. 1 – The mom, dad and 15-plus kids tossing together on Saturday mornings.
• Group No. 2 – The massive youth groups walking, talking and texting – with discs.
• Group No. 3 – The shirtless fraternity bros sharing a single fastback frisbee.
• Group No. 4 – The directionless buddies throwing to random baskets.
• Group No. 5 – The homeless dude who’s found his life’s calling.

None of the above have the word “greenhorn” written in permanent marker on their foreheads, but when you see ‘em, it’s safe to assume they’re not devout Disc Golf Network subscribers …

They’re new to the game.

Inclusivity, right?

Everybody starts somewhere. Looking like an idiot on a public disc golf course is usually the first step. I talk (and write) tough, but realistically, I don’t do much about my displeasure. I’ll vent to my disc-hucking wife or the guys with whom I play 95% of my weekly casual rounds.

That’s not really the dilemma, though …

Time and time again, first-hand, I’ve witnessed others taking things WAY too far when they encounter something similar to one of the five aforementioned “groups.” Belittling people, profanity-laced outbursts and dangerously throwing in on first-timers to speed them up.

You needn’t be Mother Teresa to know there are better ways to respond …

* Note: If you’re from the Salt Lake City area, I’m hardcore talking about Creekside Park.

Ninety-nine percent of people are smart enough to recognize that, when new to something, there’s a learning curve. This goes for you. This goes for me. This goes for all of us, really:

• Method No. 1 – Talk with people without talking down to them.
• Method No. 2 – When appropriate, teach: form, discs, events, etc.
• Method No. 3 – Share course norms, too. Most don’t know better.

Above all else, be patient …

And yes, I’m looking in the mirror.

First impressions last a LONG time …

Do your part to #GrowTheSport by giving rookie disc golfers the right one.

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