Headlines can only be so long before Google cuts ‘em off …
So there’s a good chance you have no idea what I’m on about.
Here’s the situation:
You’re competing in a disc golf tournament. It’s going well, but things are tight at the top. Further complicating matters, the wind’s only recently picked up. Thanks to a solo birdie on the last hole, you’re slated to tee off first. In spite of the conditions, your drive is perfect – parked. Heading back to your bag to prepare for your tap-in, the next golfer up on the box asks:
“Man, what did you throw there?”
Normally, this wouldn’t be a big deal.
But you’re neck-and-neck with this cat at the top of the leaderboard …
So, what do you do?
On the one hand, you want to safeguard any competitive advantages you might have. In this case, that’s knowing what disc was needed to combat the wind and get close to the pin. At the same time, though, you don’t want to be a complete and total jerk – to ruin the vibe of the card.
Trust me on this …
If you refuse to answer, that’s 100% what will happen.
Awkward.
First and foremost, you absolutely have the right to NOT share this information. In baseball, if a pitch is working well, it’s not the catcher’s obligation to tap the batter on the backside to let him know what’s coming, granting him an equally solid chance of smashing the incoming heater.
Should I find myself with a one-stroke lead on the tee of the final hole at Worlds, I’m likely to be tight-lipped about what’s working. But that’s not happening in this lifetime – for you or for me. And for as much as I treat my local C-tiers like the Super Bowl, the douchery isn’t worth it.
Even if it’s only in perception.
Instead, when somebody asks what I’m working with, I take it as a compliment and respond with a smile. Besides, every disc golfer has different strengths and weaknesses – and even discs. It’s not like your opponent expects you to lend them a frisbee (or two) to duplicate your brilliance.
If disc golf were as simple as knowing what to throw, I’d be Paul McBeth.
As is, I’m Lucas Miller.
Execution is hard.
Fortunately, there IS a middle-ground here …
Consider something along the lines of the following:
- “Just another one of my reliable midranges.”
- “Dude, that blue one – it’s worked for me all day.”
- “I totally spaced on it. I’ll tell you when I get to my lie.”
- “It’s one of my many KC Pro Rocs, as I like to cycle them.”
- “I think it was a well-seasoned Star Teebird, but I’m not sure.”
The secret to this?
Be vague.
You don’t outright answer, but give the inquirer something to work with. Even better, you accomplish this while (kind of) maintaining the social mores that guide disc golf etiquette.
Also, you could outright lie.
That’s not my jam, but hey – you do what you feel is best.
If new to competition, this might seem like an outlier situation, but it happens plenty. Plan for how you’ll respond beforehand. Then, continue to play your game, focusing entirely on yourself.
And for what it’s worth, if it’s YOU wanting to pop the problematic question, just wait until the next hole. It’s a less-threatening approach, and you’ll still have some valuable intel to work with.
Easy-peasy.
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Even equipped with the knowledge of the exact disc my opponent has just perfectly thrown, imma headed straight for the trees.
Relatable. Haha.
What the f*** did I just read
No earthly idea …
This question is so stupid and it goes hand in hand with people on instagram seeing pros throw something 400+ feet to parked then asking what disc it was like like they even have the slightest chance of throwing the same line everyone throws differently and has different release points thinking your going to throw the same exact line as someone else just because you have the same mold in your hand is outright stupid lol.
Jay, there’s some truth to that, for sure …
For more mortal disc golfers like ourselves, this’d be parking a shorter, more reachable hole.
But yes …
It’s not the arrow – it’s the archer.
Thanks for reading!
Kinda but not at all related.
Last weekend we had a runner come up to our group. Full on shirt off, head band on, sweat dripping runner. Of course we put down the tall can and let him play through. Dude parks a 440 foot basket. “Damn, nice toss”
“That was my midrange”
I’d be more intentionally honest and respond with “I’ll tell you after your throw” with a friendly smile.
Great advice, Erik!
Never thought of that …
Brutal honesty.
For me I usually just tell them. However in those instances where I don’t want to I make something up that’s blatantly wrong. Like saying “it was a putter” when it clearly wasn’t. Usually they just laugh and move on
Oh, that’s good …
ALWAYS claim it was a putter.
Then it looks like you’re good. Haha.
TBH, it’s a douchy question to ask, so as much as it would be douchy to not answer, it’s completely legit to call out the asker: “Dude, don’t ask me *BEFORE* you throw…”
Thanks for chiming in, Mr. Arm!
While I get where you’re coming from, most of the time I feel this question is asked to engage in small talk or compliment the throw instead of trying to gain tactical advantage. Most times in a tournament setting id assume most people already know what they are going to throw. Plus people’s throwing styles and disc preference are different so this question wouldn’t even give that much of an advantage anyway.
Oh, that’s a good point, Ryan …
I agree with it.
Just paying a compliment – nothing more.
I say what I always say (in my best Ron Swanson from Parks and Rec voice):
It was a Star Monarch. You don’t have one. There was only 1 run of them ever. They are awesome. Good luck.
I just read your comment in Ron Swanson’s voice …
And it made it WAY better.
It makes me wish Ron Swanson played Disc Golf
Agreed. Haha.
Dude it’s disc golf. I’ll tell them exactly what I threw and they can go ahead and try and replicate it. What’s the chance of them having the same mold, plastic and level of beat in disc, arm speed, wind speed and angle of release? It’s just a game and supposed to be fun. A lot of the tournaments I watch on YouTube live it says on the screen what they are throwing. If anyone wanted they could just question the legality of your disc and then everyone would know anyways. You either think you’re amazing at disc golf because of disc selection or are just kinda a lame person if you don’t just say “oh that was my firebird”.
Agreed!
I get snarky and tell people I threw a disc. And if they ask what kind, I respond with a round one.
Next-level snark. Haha.
You’d really have to be a dbag to behave like this just for a disc golf tourney.
I’d agree!
Are you guys done writing daily articles?
No, the wifey had a baby last week …
Gotta take a week off.
Then, should be back at it 🙂
Well, (*shuffles feet*) I’m usually the one asking. Most people in our local scene know I’m going to be in the battle for last place so they generally don’t hesitate to answer. I generally won’t have the disc I’m asking about due to slow arm speed and bad angle control… But I will take to heart that this could be off-putting to someone who’s in contention for the W or it might throw off their game. I like to try new discs and I’m always curious to see if a disc that had a flight that worked well might be something I could learn to throw in the future.
Will, my man …
It’s usually harmless.
I’m kind of in the same boat as you – I wouldn’t stress too much over it.
That said, when you ARE battling for the championship during final-round action, this is something to keep in mind 🙂
In regular golf, it’s actually against the rules to ask and to provide the information (what club did you just hit?). I would say it’s totally normal for amateurs and casual rounds, but I’m competitive tournaments it should be a big no-no, especially for pros. Not that you can’t be observant and notice for yourself. Giving that information provides a competitive advantage only to the person you give it to, making it unfair to the rest of the field. I’m surprised there’s not a disc golf equivalent rule.
Thanks for the added insight, Drew!
I had no idea (I’m not that smart) this wasn’t allowed during ball-golf tournaments …
SUPER interesting intel.
I was worried that you guys had given up. Glad to hear that’s not the case. Congrats on your new baby
Thanks, Turbo!
Yeah, publishing will resume on Monday of next week …
Have to appreciate the little one while he’s still …
Well, little – and new.
Plus, the extra hands are needed around the house.
Just a few more days – thanks!