Disc golf etiquette is important if we want disc golf to be seen as a serious sport to non-disc golfers. We need to remember when we are playing that we are out there to have fun, and so are the other people that are playing disc golf and using the park for other purposes. Etiquette is just common sense and respect for others. Some things may not be offensive to you and the people you play with, while they are very offensive to other people. The fact that many disc golf courses are in public parks means we need to use proper etiquette to make sure that we can coexist with others in the park.
One important thing that all disc golfers should do is to read the PDGA rules and follow the rules even when not participating in a tournament, especially the courtesy section which deals with etiquette. Most of these are common sense things we should all do to respect other disc golfers and other people using the parks. Some basic etiquette rules to follow.
· Let faster moving groups play through.
· Don’t talk while another player is throwing.
· Don’t move around if you are in view of someone putting.
· Don’t spit on tee pads.
· Don’t throw trash on the course, including cig butts.
· Don’t throw if you could hit someone in front of you.
· Don’t throw until non-disc golfers are clear of danger areas.
· Don’t yell obscenities, this is offensive to many people.
· Don’t vandalize anything on the course or in the park.
· Don’t write on baskets.
· Yell fore if someone could be hit by your throw.
· Don’t bring your dog to play disc golf, it is a distraction and slows play.
· No groups bigger than 5 players.
· Player farthest from basket goes first.
· If you find a disc with a phone number, return it.
· Not everyone wants to hear your music.
· Mark scorecard on next tee, not at basket to speed up play.
I have seen 2 courses closed in Minnesota in the past year and a half, both were closed because of repeated vandalism and repeated cases of not respecting others use of the park and private property. Most disc golfers do not do these things, but we all suffer from the ones that do, this is etiquette.
If we follow the rules set forth by the PDGA, and use some common sense in how we act when playing disc golf, we can coexist and grow the sport to be fun for everyone and all practice good etiquette.
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