The Golden Rule of Disc Golf

Disc golf is a sport for the people. We the people get to decide how we play, isn’t that wonderful?! Our sport has an incredible ease of entry and many people have stepped up to the tee with optimistic eyes. We the people are as varied as the courses we play. People from a wide-ranging array of socioeconomic backgrounds and ages and shapes and sizes all arrive at the course to gain enjoyment from the wonder of flight. However, not everyone brings the same attitude to the course. This is fine. Diversity amongst participants is admirable. However, there is an all encompassing golden rule that should be a part of our rounds.

And the Golden Rule Is…
RESPECT the sport!

Yes, that’s it. Plain and simple. And yes, this is an umbrella statement. Yes, there are many ways to unpack this statement. But this is the most important part of venturing forth into the world of disc golf. Remember, the more you know about something the more you will connect with it and the more you will respect it. Let’s get down to details.

Disc golf is a unique sport in that it was grown organically with very little financing. “Steady” Ed Headrick laid the foundation (i.e., invented the frisbee and basket) and clubs began popping up all over the world. Not because it was sold to them but because early adopters enjoyed playing. This passion led to countless people dedicating themselves to the growth of the sport, mostly in their local communities. The next time you are on the first tee at your local course take a second to think about all the freely given volunteer hours that went into the creation and upkeep of that course. Maybe it was cutting the grass or hauling out the trash or pouring the concrete tee pads or changing pin locations or a multitude of other undertakings but the bottom line is, someone dedicated their time to make it possible for you to enjoy yourself. Appreciate the dedication of the few who make it possible for the many to enjoy a round.

To truly respect the sport one should have an appreciation for the history and spirit of the sport. The more we know about anything the more we can appreciate it. Disc golf is no different. When we pair the history and spirit of disc golf we see a culture of selfless giving. This selfless giving takes the form of volunteers, clubs, giving discs away, free round coverage on YouTube, etc. These actions contribute to respecting the sport and keeping its spirit alive. Have you ever been a recipient of this generosity?

PDGA Code of Conduct

Now we can look to the official PDGA Code of Conduct for guidance. It puts forward three ideals for how disc golfers should conduct themselves. 1. Play Smart​ – Never throw into blind areas or spaces where players, spectators, pedestrians or other facility users are in range. Use spotters on blind shots. 2. Respect the Course​ – Observe all posted rules. Please do not litter, graffiti, or abuse equipment or flora. 3. Represent the Sport​ – Be positive and responsible. Teach others.

This code is a guide for how to act when on the disc golf course. Dan “Stork” Roddick was instrumental in creating the code and had this to say about its implementation:

“There aren’t many words here, but they may hold the key to the sustainable growth of our sport. Our previously exclusive pastime is expanding at a positively viral rate and we are no longer just a few kids fooling around in the park. If we have aspirations to be a significant part of the global (and local) sports scene, it’s time for us to step up and represent our very best. Consider how many disc golf shots are now taken every day. Each one of those flights is a tangible part of building and maintaining a bright future for our game. Our time has come to get serious about having fun. The Disc Golfer’s Code – Know It and Throw It!”

Bringing It All Together

The intention of the golden rule as well as the PDGA code of conduct is to create an atmosphere of ease at the course. We have all played rounds where another player or group does something to get on our nerves. Think about what that was. Visualize how you felt as a result. Don’t be that person! Respecting the sport ensures that you and those around you have fun on the course.

With so many new players coming to our sport it is more important than ever to live up to these ideals and set an example. Who knows, maybe you are one of the new players. Welcome. My hope is that we can keep the positive energy and selfless giving of disc golf culture alive and well for many generations to come. Now get out there, have fun, and give away some kindness!