Opinion: Don’t tag disc golf pros in negative social media posts

I hate social media.

Outside of the bare minimum this blog requires, I avoid it like the plague. Regardless of the platform, social media is deceptive, addictive and leads to an unhealthy kind of self-comparison in the people that can’t take their eyes off of it during the day – and that’s just the obvious stuff.

I’m no brain doctor, but given the popularity of social media, it has to play some role in the preponderance of anxiety, depression and nervousness in today’s increasingly small society.

I removed all social media from my smartphone two years ago: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc. Without a doubt, as far as my individual health, well-being and happiness is concerned, it was one of the single-best decisions I’ve ever made. I removed my work Gmail account, too.

If you’ve ever flirted with the idea of doing something similar, go for it. Here’s how it’ll play out: First, you’ll miss in-hand access for 15 minutes. After that, you’ll forget you ever had it to begin with. Best of all, with less wasted time, you’ll do more things that matter: Learn a new skill, spend time with your spouse, make memories with your kids, etc. And, of course …

More disc golf.

That’s never a bad thing.

Side-stepping it altogether is all but impossible, though …

This is especially true as a disc golf fan.

So as to avoid becoming part of the problem, my advice?

Don’t tag pro disc golfers in negative posts.

Even in a sport as niche as disc golf, when you choose to become a professional athlete, you knowingly subject yourself to the downside of a career in the spotlight. It’s perfectly fair, but like it or not, your performance is open to widespread scrutiny. And from both people who know what they’re talking about, as well as those who are still on the hunt for left-handed discs.

I’m fine with the praise; I’m fine with the hate, as well.

But with respect to the latter, don’t tag the subject of your fan-induced fury. This is YOU trying to guarantee they see it. This is YOU trying to hurt someone. Gannon Buhr, Ricky Wysocki or Calvin Heimburg: Bash on their poor play until the cows come home. Heck, go after the FPO field, if you like. As a fan, as long as it’s at least (mildly) respectful, it’s within your rights.

If the aforementioned disc golfers – or anyone else on the Pro Tour, for that matter – want to search for themselves on Twitter (X) or Facebook to see what people are saying about them, they’re free to do it. But force-feeding them negativity says more about your character than it does something they did, said or failed to do on the course as a professional disc golfer.

Which is little more than a pipe-dream for the sorry sacks that are you and me …

Keep it (kind of) classy.

Thanks.

Have anything to add? Take to X to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

Editor’s Suggestions:

• Disc golf: I tried to get into bucket hats (it didn’t happen)
• Dear picnicker: Don’t eat in the middle of a disc golf fairway
• One theory as to why it’s so easy to become addicted to disc golf

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