This may or may not be allowed by the PDGA …
I’m not sure either way.
Back to that in a second.
For starters, I’m not mega-anal about the discs I bag. Even during tournament play, should a cardmate want a hands-on experience with a frequent flier of mine, I’ve got no issue with it.
Feel. Touch. Fake-throw.
Remember: It’s a tournament.
Save the actual test-drive for a casual round.
But not everybody is this way …
Here’s a fun scenario – I’ve written about it before:
- Somebody on your card throws a great drive.
- Genuinely impressed, you ask, “What was that?”
- You’re met with a cold shoulder – no answer is given.
Have you witnessed this nails-on-a-chalkboard scene before?
Again, I have nothing to hide. Rarely is my play impressive, so when it randomly is, I welcome the attention. And the opportunity to highlight some of the frisbees I’ve grown to love over the years, as well. It’s not my flavor, but if somebody’s so consumed with the heat of competition that they can’t engage in any kind of light-hearted conversation about the gear they use …
I get it.
You do you.
But based on PDGA Rule No. 813.01, you might NOT be able to “do you” …
It’s long – click here to read it in its entirety. Basically, if a disc is cracked, has a hole in it or is over-modified after production, it’s illegal and can’t be used during sanctioned tourney rounds.
And here’s the real kicker – check out this juicy nugget from said rule: “A disc that is questioned by another player or an official is illegal unless it is subsequently approved by the director.”
There are no on-course referees in disc golf – ours is a self-governing sport. So technically, if there’s an illegal disc in play, would it not be a cardmate who’s most likely to identify it?
Don’t get me wrong: I don’t see this situation arising all that often.
But it could.
And according to the rules, the aforementioned Mr. Secret Pants probably shouldn’t be so hush-hush about the discs he’s hucking. If you’ve got a problem with impromptu frisbee inspections, take it up with the PDGA, because they appear to be entirely fair game.
Until then, hand it over.
And while you’re at it, let’s see if you can walk in a straight line.
Have anything to add? Take to X to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
Editor’s Suggestions:
- Isaac Robinson furthers the ‘backhand-or-bust’ movement
- Why do some professional disc golfers rub their hands in the dirt?
- Gripe No. 74: Drinking fountains not working at disc golf courses
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LMAO! I love that you found a pdga rule to back this up – gonna have to try to commit this one to the ‘ol memory bank.
Hahaha …
I wouldn’t recommend using it, unless you want to get some SERIOUS looks from the guys on your card …
But the more you know, right? Haha.
Another reason to scrub your stamps and dye your discs.
You can show them your disc. You can lie about your disc. Have fun with it.
Bomb a Shryke 400′
“Whatcha throw there?”
That’s my TL3.
*I guess any F2 by Innova works. They have no stamps.
Bahahaha …
Man, that’s such a good point …
I REALLY like this idea.
I’m too lazy to do it, but still …
I like the gamesmanship of it all.
If you want to be really evil (requires a friend). You can say that everyday disc in their bag is illegal except the most over/under stable/slowest disc in their bag so they HAVE to use that disc. Bonus points to do that as get on the teepad to throw. Just do it over and over again until only one remains. As they can technically play that hole they will rack up the strokes for time violations for not throwing (your buddy will 2nd the call). Sure they can call the TD but they still will incur strokes time violations.
Yes, this plan has a lot of loopholes and wouldn’t hold up if someone pulled this but it would 100% throw their game off and probably get you disqualified.
Nathan, get help …
Immediately.
That ind of yours is a weapon of mass destruction.
(bonus points for thinking outside of the box, though – haha)
Um, Yeah all INNOVA discs are embossed about a inch down from what I refer to as the nipple( the injection molding spot middle underside).
This knowledge changed my life
No, longer is F2 a stupid name for a disc and why none of them seem to fly the same.
I now scoff in the general direction of cryptic tourney stamps and dyed discs.
although
With a little razor blade it can and should be removed along with any kind of revealing stamp in one very special case.
And the word is Destroyer nobody ever returns a star destroyer
I put my name and number on every disc, nobody ever calls or texts
they just disappear unless they don’t know what they have in their hand.
and that’s my tip for the Day
From the silver side
(early morning old guys)
Love it, Luke!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with the site …
Appreciate it, my man!
There are some good post ideas in there for 2025, methinks 🙂
Keep on hucking!
I don’t like asking people what they threw because it feels like taking credit away from the throw. I usta wipe stamps from my Air discs out of shame. And I don’t want people handling my soft plastics (nearly my entire bag nowadays) because that is my secret weapon. I’m actually desperate to brag about it but I DESPISE when my favs trend. So I really don’t mind handing a disc over, my preferences are too off-piste to catch on.
Hey, that’s one way to do it!
What are some of the more “irregular” molds you bag, if you don’t mind me asking?
It sounds like you’ve got a pretty wacky setup, which would be cool to know about …
No need to reveal all of your secrets, of course – just two or three of ’em, if you’re willing 🙂