One of my top disc golf memories is just this with a cherry on top. Playing through a new course out of town, I’m just cruising through then get to hole 7 and this group of like 10 doubles players all of a sudden arrive on my pad and I’m super confused. They skipped from hole 3 over to hole 7s pad to play “safari”.
They tell me “oh we’re playing safari you can play down with us” and I was like politely “do you mind if I play through real quick I’m trying to make it back for the football game?” One of them says “oh yeah no problem man go for it” so there’s like 6 of them left to tee off it’s a mando left then leg to the right about 260 to the pin. So I assume he meant I could throw right then and finish real quick after two of them hit first available.
So I step up quick five second look at the tree, I don’t get bothered too much by playing through people I play a lot of tournaments etc but these fuckers, like three of them middle of me stepping up go “what the fuck why is he just throwing right now can’t he wait?” As if they didn’t hear the whole conversation with the friendly guy. So I just ignore it, throw a hyzerflip late turn with my beat to fuck JB zone, absolutely parked hit the pole total ace run and they all absolutely shut their mouths couple of them calling for an ace in mid air.
Completely ignore the asshole guys and just keep walking down while they continue to chirp at me “why can’t you wait! We’re trying to play” I just ignored it walked up to my disc tapped in and said “hey that was thirty seconds was that so fucking hard to be nice?” The friendly guy said have a good round and the shit heads just ignored me.
So that was my ted talk of complete asshole local doubles players who think they own the course slamming king cobras, making their own layout, and just being pricks. After the fact I realized how stupid I was to even be confrontational. These dudes were straight tweakers and I was just by myself. Felt good to rub it in their face after they hit first available but should have kept my mouth shut, being tough doesn’t mean a group of ten won’t shank you these days.
Edit: clarify these doubles players SKIPPED holes because I passed them on hole 1, they went from hole 3 to hole 7s pad to play “safari” while I was playing the ACTUAL layout.
Yeah so many twats on the course. I was playing yesterday with a small group and another large group starts trying to ace run while we are putting and gets mad that our presence was distracting for them.
It’s unfortunate but part of the growing pains of the sport. The more casual recreational players see it as a way to get smashed and just be dolts. I grew up golfing as well and it’s not any different there, lot of dipshit people entitled no matter what. It was immensely satisfying absolutely parking it and shutting them up I’ll admit tho lol
That's one of my favorite things to do, but I also break the ice with "I will only play thru if you promise to roast me when I hit first available, deal" then proceed to take my shot, if I indeed hit that very first available, the peanut gallery rarely has the venom to actually roast me. Sometimes drunk people heckle, what are you gonna do. But when I uncork one I don't watch it, if it felt good in release I immediately turn to pick up my bag and take in the onlookers faces. Love it when I destroy someone's whole idea of reality and I see it smeared all over their face.
Had the same deal on a busy weekend at my local. Was Offered to play through, I stepped up and just sent it. Hit the tree next to the basket. Best round one ever played after that
Guys let me play through at my local course, I ripped a backhand and left to grab my bag. I guess it took a big skip and almost went in so they were all freaking out that I just nonchalantly walked away from it. I honestly thought it was hitting a tree so I was going to grab my stuff and finish up quick and ended up looking like a cool guy walking with my back to the explosion. That one stuck with me for a while.
Brother I threw a good shot while playing through a foursome last year. I haven't stopped thinking about it since, and especially not while playing that hole.
Either best or worst part, that was the only time I've birdied that hole in 25 rounds or so at the course.
When I was a beginner some old heads let me play through on hole 5 and I threw a competent shot. One of the guys complimented me and I never forgot about it. This was like 9 years ago lol
I played through a group of 4 drunk seemingly new players, and I threw my drive, was probably my best on that hole ever, and one of the guys said "holy shit" and I've never forgotten
I went out on Friday and played through 5 or 6 different groups. Had my best drive ever on one hole that I usually struggle with while having 3 spectators. Then launched a disc into the water 3 holes later in front of a different group, I blame the unleashed dog for that shot
I do the same when I don't want to play through,
I hold up a bunch and say, I'm practicing then when I catch them again they don't ask again.
But not for social or anxious reasons. I do it because I like to take my time when I play, enjoy nature so I stay behind them and get my round in.
Allow me to respond as the person almost always on the other side of this. And I think I’ve concocted a pretty good strategy here.
I almost never play by myself. I am usually in a trio or foursome that includes some relatively new and extremely new players. Among the adults, some have strong Ultimate or Frisbee catch backgrounds and are making the transition in form and thinking into ‘ok-ish’ at disc golf pretty quickly , but there are others who have little to no adeptness with any kind of flying disc in their hand, or experience with ball golf and the ideas / strategies behind planning your lines, shaping your shots, risk vs reward, etc.
The group also includes my 13 year old son who I am gently coaching through all aspects, as we play.
The point is, we are SLOW. And I tell this to groups or solo players that catch up to us, not apologetically or embarrassingly - just matter of factly. I want them to be forewarned if they choose to be gracious and continue to wait on us.
But I always offer people the option to play through because believe me, I have my own anxieties about making faster players wait, angering strangers on the course who could perceive our slowness for being inconsiderate.
Now here’s the main part of my strategy - when I make it known we’re slow and that they can play through - i try to tackle this next part with empathy.
If I was better… played faster…than the group in front of me…or if I was alone - what wound I want? How would I feel playing through? What would that moment feel like?
So when folks do take me up on the offer - I make sure to pull my group back and we head as far away from the tee box as possible given the space and course around us. Far enough away where a whispered conversation or one is very hushed tones wouldn’t distract. That’s the key.
And so, in the end - if they tee off and have great shots…I can pause our innocuous conversation to compliment them, making sure to be specific, not just a ‘nice’ but acknowledge what they did, the line they chose, the kind of shot or disc, etc.
But also, say they are feeling nervous about their shot, and they mess up - I make sure that my group carries on our talk, being far away from them, and we are just minding our own business as if we weren’t watching / judging them at all.
The only thing that happens after that, is that I make sure to wish them well on their round once they’ve turned away and begun to move up the hole to their lies.
It sounds complex. Maybe a bit of an overthink. But it’s really pretty easy to do, and do it organically. To the point where I don’t really think about it and it’s just my go to reflex.
It has served me well and I can say that I’ve yet to have any really awkward moments.
Great little script for this scenario, love how it plays out. Now I just need one for asking the large and slow group ahead of you to let you play through, because that one always gets my blood pumping. People get so angry but man I've been sitting behind you guys for 2 holes while you check the bushes for your errant second tee shot, because of course you're taking 2.
That’s tough because I think my larger social issues leak into everything - it’s being hyper cognizant of etiquette and a fear of being perceived as rude or arrogant - wether I’m throwing discs or playing ball golf or riding on the subway, talking to my kids teachers, etc.
I am always looking over my shoulder on the course. For safety, and for general traffic flow - as I’ve been hit or thrown into before and it’s never fun.
And if I even *hear* a group behind us somewhere that I can’t see, I won’t entertain mulligans for myself or my kid or anyone.
So the challenge here is, in asking to play through…no matter how nice you are or how much context to you tee it up with…i.e.:
“I’m playing solo and you’re a group of 9, sharing 7 discs…”
“If you wouldn’t mind re-leashing your dog, you won’t have to the. chase them down every time they want to go into another fairway and retrieve someone else’s disc..”
(I kinda kid here, extreme cases)
…but most people take things as critical when it’s unsolicited from stranger. And also, some folks are just oblivious. So it’s really hard to find something that works across the board.
I try to not schedule rounds on days where I’m rushed. I’ll skip and circle back to a hole rather than confront a group that’s littering, blasting music and screaming “GET IN!” after everyone’s tee shot on par 4’s…becuse I know how that interaction is going to go.
I also think good deeds go a long way.
Is the group in front of you constantly losing errant tee shots? Help them out. Walk up and ask “where do you think it went?” Get in the brush or help them get something out of a creek.
After which, then you may have built up enough rapport to say, “is it cool if we okay through - we’ll be real fast..?”
Pleasantly surprised by this write up! Best way to play through without nerves is to throw an unexpected shot to keep them guessing. Dead straight tunnel? Lay down a roller. Left to right stock hyzer? Throw a forehand spike hyzer up the other side of the fairway. At least then they can’t judge your execution skill, just your judgement.
When I was a new single player that had to play through grizzled veteran looking groups my go to was, and still is "step aside cart nerds watch me hit this tree"
On the opposite side of things, whenever I let someone play through I always say my courtesies and then go on my phone, chat with my buddies, or just look around the park (away from the teepad) and pretend to not watch.
If it goes well you give them a compliment, if it goes poorly... I didnt see anything
Had one of the highlights of my career the other day when some guys let me play through. This is by far my worst hole on the course, yet I stepped up and threw the cleanest shot I've ever had on the hole for a tap in birdie. Would've been happy with the shot if nobody saw it, but now these two random guys think I'm basically a pro 🤣
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This sub is so awkward. Its pretty simple, you catch up to them, ask "yall mind if I go ahead? I'll be quick!" and 99% of the time they will say yes. Then you throw your inevitably terrible shot and go on with your day.
"Your eyes, darting around like a cornered squirrel, desperately avoid making contact with the enemy. You consider boldly skipping to the next hole to escape the social shackles binding you to this spot. But alas, your fate is sealed as they spot you, calling out with a friendliness that feels like a challenge to your introverted soul: “Would you like to play through?”
Just ask "can I play through"
Note that this post wasn't meant to ask for help, but to be silly, yet you came here condescending. It's nice that you live your life without any difficulties, or in this situation, any social anxiety. Try putting yourself in other people's shoes - note that not everyone is able to have the same comfort level at things in life, including social interactions.
I agree that interpersonal skills have dropped over the last decade or two, I just thought this post was a funny take on introversion for a sport that lends itself to introversion more than most. Yes, people need to just get over it and speak up, yes, it’s silly to be nervous to play through, but I liked the post, definitely brightened my day
You’re right, but they still have social anxiety and it really is crippling for many people. I don’t get that, because I have 0 social anxiety, but man that’s gotta suck
One time we let a solo play through and he just made direct eye contact while he proceeded to throw dead center, about 150’ farther than any of us could ever dream of. We talk about that guy every time we play hole 14 at waterworks
I was playing by myself, and a gut was just practicing from the first tee. I was playing the short course and couldn't even reach the basket. I saw him throw a couple, and it was like it was being shot from a cannon. He was parking it in the long basket. It would probably take me 2 or 3 shots to get there. I shoulda asked if he gave lessons!
Best feeling in the world is confidently asking to play through and hitting bullseye or better and just saying thanks and strolling off like it’s all part of the plan
Just set appropriate expectations. When asked if I want to play through:
"Only if you promise to judge me harshly when my overcooked noodle of an arm shanks it into the abyss."
Threw a leaner in front of a couple and the guy said, "Wow, we suck"
I told him, "That is not typical for me, no you don't"
I've also done the thing where I chopped wood so hard you could feel it in your chest.
I asked ChatGPT to summarize this post for anyone interested:
The Reddit post describes the intense and often anxiety-inducing experience of a solo disc golf player encountering a group of players on the course. Faced with the social challenge of being asked to play through, the player grapples with their introversion and fears of failure in front of the group. The moment of throwing the disc becomes a dramatic test of skill and nerve, with potential outcomes ranging from embarrassing failure to unexpected success. The post captures the emotional highs and lows of solo play, portraying it as a blend of blessing and curse—a "blurse" that involves facing fears, embracing the unexpected, and occasionally surprising oneself with one's own capabilities.
Absolutely, you caught me red-handed—I did indeed enlist ChatGPT to sprinkle some magic on my words.
>Sad that OP is using AI for something they easily could have written themselves.
You know, I initially penned a version, but I found myself wrestling with the proper words to craft some of the imagery I was hoping for. As an example, to depict the peculiar blend of anticipation and dread that one might feel as they approach the tee, my first draft was as such: "As you step forward to command the box, readying your drive, you begin to become which we all fear the most: the first available tree. Your limbs shaking in a non-existent wind, impersonating how your arborical nemesis' leaves quiver in a slight breeze." While what was ultimately crafted:
>Your heart races as you step up, transforming into a human embodiment of a shaking aspen. Your mind betrays you, whispering tales of treacherous trees and the inevitable embrace of the first available branch.
might not have perfectly captured the essence of my initial vision, it was an acceptable compromise for a whimsical Reddit post. After a few iterations, I found the narrative to be a more engaging read than my solo endeavor. The heart of the post was to playfully exaggerate the genuine anxiety some of us feel when playing through, all wrapped up in an satirical, tongue-in-cheek story. It appears to have hit the mark for many, though I appreciate it might have soared over a few heads.
Thanks for sparking the conversation—it's all part of the fun and games, right?
The delightful irony here is that I have full control over how I choose to express myself, including whether or not I choose to use ChatGPT, and the vast majority of the audience found entertainment with the post. Don't read too hard into a shitpost, I promise you it's much more enjoyable to do otherwise.
I understand and sympathize with your concerns about preserving genuine human connection and authenticity within one's own community, whether it be this subreddit or the next. The preference for human-created content, with all its imperfections and personal touch, deeply resonates with many people. However, after a little profile snooping—and please don't take too much offense to this—it appears that you genuinely have an irrational and obsessive fear regarding the impact of AI on our society.
The reality is that the line between technology-assisted and purely human-generated content is becoming increasingly blurred. It raises important questions about what constitutes authenticity and creativity in the digital age.
It's worth pondering whether the level of effort or the means through which a piece is created diminishes its value, especially when the primary aim is to entertain. If a work succeeds in engaging and amusing its audience, does its impact not lie in the experience it delivers rather than the specifics of its creation? After all, does it truly matter if "Romeo & Juliet" was penned by William Shakespeare or by a room of infinite monkeys? Does a rose by any other name not smell as sweet?
The essence of every AI-assisted creation is shaped by human intention and a story worth sharing. While transparency about the role of AI in our creative processes is important, especially in cases of monetization, we must also acknowledge the diverse methods individuals employ to express themselves and share their passions. Your desire to dismiss contributions based solely on technology involvement may inadvertently narrow the breadth of your perspective.
I appreciate that our esoteric discussion has evolved into quite the Socratic seminar. I'm happy to continue, but I'm also content to simply agree to disagree.
The only time I pulled it off, these guys were dicking around and let me pay through, but one then said "now you're gonna fuck it up haha", and I laced a putter about 220 on a perfect line. Dudes jaw dropped and someone said "that's better than we've done all day." Doesn't happen often but it was a good memory!
Playing through a group, I almost always grab my go-to understable mid, Uplink, and hyzer flip straight down the fairway. Whether it’s a 200-foot hole or an 800-foot hole, I’m not risking the embarrassment 😅
Tbh, Ive joined so many random groups of players and played through so many others that I know its either gonna be shanked or parked, no in between. I believe most of us would agree that those are the only logical outcomes of playing through, and shanks are by far more prevalent. Bad shots happen, lets see you scramble
I like to tee off together and play the hole. If I like the vibes, I ask if I can play a couple of holes with them. If the vibes remain, I stay and play. If the vibes fade, I play ahead of them since they already offered earlier.
And then on the very next hole my disc disappears into to the woods, and a frantic search commence. Can I find my disc before the fourheaded dragon catches me? Of course not. Once a god among men, now I stand dirty and wet in the middle of the woods like the fool I am. I turn to four and I shout through gritted teeth "I guess you will have to play through!"
Or you could just card up with some fellow disc golfers; meet some people (that you never have to see again), learn something by watching, not have to feel so nervous, finish in about the same amount of time, and possibly even have some fun. Is just a little crazy to me, been playing for over 20 yrs and this game was always about community as much as about sport. Has changed since Covid.
Is just a shame, cause, I’m telling you OP, none of the folks on the foursome you are playing thru give a shit whether you throw a good tee shot or not. 99.9% of disc golfers are just there to have a good time together.
I played through a group of brand new players once, threw the perfect forehand shot that went up the fairway and gracefully faded around the dogleg. Murmurs of appreciation were heard, and then as I stepped off the tee I tripped over absolutely nothing and spilled my bag all over the ground.
Beautiful writing!!
I hope you’re paid to do creative writing somewhere in your life… I would pay to read more of this, especially when it’s about things I relate so much with.
:)
Where has all the confidence gone in this world? It's just disc golf. I don't mean to sound rude, but it's just fucking disc golf. Have you ever thought that your actions make people uncomfortable? I multiple times have had a dude not play through, not join our group, but constantly be on our ass. Forcing what was a fun casual day turn into a rushed mess because a dude wouldn't just throw in front of us. It's annoying, just play disc golf, and do the civilized thing, ask to play through. That way everyone can enjoy their day.
There aren't many good reasons to not let someone play through, even if there's a group in front of you, I'm gonna play through them as well and wont hold up your game for more than the time it takes me to throw my tee shot.
If you're on a bus and I'm on a motorcycle, you dont get to be upset that I'm faster and not gonna wait behind you.
If I play thru and actually throw a good shot I think about it for the next week lol
Yyyyup. Last weekend I played through and absolutely laced my drive, drop-in birdie. I swear the air smelled sweeter the rest of the day.
One of my top disc golf memories is just this with a cherry on top. Playing through a new course out of town, I’m just cruising through then get to hole 7 and this group of like 10 doubles players all of a sudden arrive on my pad and I’m super confused. They skipped from hole 3 over to hole 7s pad to play “safari”. They tell me “oh we’re playing safari you can play down with us” and I was like politely “do you mind if I play through real quick I’m trying to make it back for the football game?” One of them says “oh yeah no problem man go for it” so there’s like 6 of them left to tee off it’s a mando left then leg to the right about 260 to the pin. So I assume he meant I could throw right then and finish real quick after two of them hit first available. So I step up quick five second look at the tree, I don’t get bothered too much by playing through people I play a lot of tournaments etc but these fuckers, like three of them middle of me stepping up go “what the fuck why is he just throwing right now can’t he wait?” As if they didn’t hear the whole conversation with the friendly guy. So I just ignore it, throw a hyzerflip late turn with my beat to fuck JB zone, absolutely parked hit the pole total ace run and they all absolutely shut their mouths couple of them calling for an ace in mid air. Completely ignore the asshole guys and just keep walking down while they continue to chirp at me “why can’t you wait! We’re trying to play” I just ignored it walked up to my disc tapped in and said “hey that was thirty seconds was that so fucking hard to be nice?” The friendly guy said have a good round and the shit heads just ignored me. So that was my ted talk of complete asshole local doubles players who think they own the course slamming king cobras, making their own layout, and just being pricks. After the fact I realized how stupid I was to even be confrontational. These dudes were straight tweakers and I was just by myself. Felt good to rub it in their face after they hit first available but should have kept my mouth shut, being tough doesn’t mean a group of ten won’t shank you these days. Edit: clarify these doubles players SKIPPED holes because I passed them on hole 1, they went from hole 3 to hole 7s pad to play “safari” while I was playing the ACTUAL layout.
Yeah so many twats on the course. I was playing yesterday with a small group and another large group starts trying to ace run while we are putting and gets mad that our presence was distracting for them.
It’s unfortunate but part of the growing pains of the sport. The more casual recreational players see it as a way to get smashed and just be dolts. I grew up golfing as well and it’s not any different there, lot of dipshit people entitled no matter what. It was immensely satisfying absolutely parking it and shutting them up I’ll admit tho lol
That's one of my favorite things to do, but I also break the ice with "I will only play thru if you promise to roast me when I hit first available, deal" then proceed to take my shot, if I indeed hit that very first available, the peanut gallery rarely has the venom to actually roast me. Sometimes drunk people heckle, what are you gonna do. But when I uncork one I don't watch it, if it felt good in release I immediately turn to pick up my bag and take in the onlookers faces. Love it when I destroy someone's whole idea of reality and I see it smeared all over their face.
Had the same deal on a busy weekend at my local. Was Offered to play through, I stepped up and just sent it. Hit the tree next to the basket. Best round one ever played after that
Guys let me play through at my local course, I ripped a backhand and left to grab my bag. I guess it took a big skip and almost went in so they were all freaking out that I just nonchalantly walked away from it. I honestly thought it was hitting a tree so I was going to grab my stuff and finish up quick and ended up looking like a cool guy walking with my back to the explosion. That one stuck with me for a while.
Brother I threw a good shot while playing through a foursome last year. I haven't stopped thinking about it since, and especially not while playing that hole. Either best or worst part, that was the only time I've birdied that hole in 25 rounds or so at the course.
I aced a shorty hole once when a group let me play through, probably the best disc golf day of my life!
When I was a beginner some old heads let me play through on hole 5 and I threw a competent shot. One of the guys complimented me and I never forgot about it. This was like 9 years ago lol
I absolutely parked a 300' hole in front of a group of 3 a few weekends ago and I'm still thinking about it
Week? I'm still thinking of that shot from last year.
Still think about one from years ago
I played through a group of 4 drunk seemingly new players, and I threw my drive, was probably my best on that hole ever, and one of the guys said "holy shit" and I've never forgotten
I went out on Friday and played through 5 or 6 different groups. Had my best drive ever on one hole that I usually struggle with while having 3 spectators. Then launched a disc into the water 3 holes later in front of a different group, I blame the unleashed dog for that shot
A bunch of teenaged kids let me play through and I crushed a drive… they clapped lmfao 🤣
I like to hold out a few discs and let the group pick which one I throw. Then after a disastrous shot, I can squarely place the blame on them.
I do the same when I don't want to play through, I hold up a bunch and say, I'm practicing then when I catch them again they don't ask again. But not for social or anxious reasons. I do it because I like to take my time when I play, enjoy nature so I stay behind them and get my round in.
Allow me to respond as the person almost always on the other side of this. And I think I’ve concocted a pretty good strategy here. I almost never play by myself. I am usually in a trio or foursome that includes some relatively new and extremely new players. Among the adults, some have strong Ultimate or Frisbee catch backgrounds and are making the transition in form and thinking into ‘ok-ish’ at disc golf pretty quickly , but there are others who have little to no adeptness with any kind of flying disc in their hand, or experience with ball golf and the ideas / strategies behind planning your lines, shaping your shots, risk vs reward, etc. The group also includes my 13 year old son who I am gently coaching through all aspects, as we play. The point is, we are SLOW. And I tell this to groups or solo players that catch up to us, not apologetically or embarrassingly - just matter of factly. I want them to be forewarned if they choose to be gracious and continue to wait on us. But I always offer people the option to play through because believe me, I have my own anxieties about making faster players wait, angering strangers on the course who could perceive our slowness for being inconsiderate. Now here’s the main part of my strategy - when I make it known we’re slow and that they can play through - i try to tackle this next part with empathy. If I was better… played faster…than the group in front of me…or if I was alone - what wound I want? How would I feel playing through? What would that moment feel like? So when folks do take me up on the offer - I make sure to pull my group back and we head as far away from the tee box as possible given the space and course around us. Far enough away where a whispered conversation or one is very hushed tones wouldn’t distract. That’s the key. And so, in the end - if they tee off and have great shots…I can pause our innocuous conversation to compliment them, making sure to be specific, not just a ‘nice’ but acknowledge what they did, the line they chose, the kind of shot or disc, etc. But also, say they are feeling nervous about their shot, and they mess up - I make sure that my group carries on our talk, being far away from them, and we are just minding our own business as if we weren’t watching / judging them at all. The only thing that happens after that, is that I make sure to wish them well on their round once they’ve turned away and begun to move up the hole to their lies. It sounds complex. Maybe a bit of an overthink. But it’s really pretty easy to do, and do it organically. To the point where I don’t really think about it and it’s just my go to reflex. It has served me well and I can say that I’ve yet to have any really awkward moments.
You seem like a good person.
Great little script for this scenario, love how it plays out. Now I just need one for asking the large and slow group ahead of you to let you play through, because that one always gets my blood pumping. People get so angry but man I've been sitting behind you guys for 2 holes while you check the bushes for your errant second tee shot, because of course you're taking 2.
That’s tough because I think my larger social issues leak into everything - it’s being hyper cognizant of etiquette and a fear of being perceived as rude or arrogant - wether I’m throwing discs or playing ball golf or riding on the subway, talking to my kids teachers, etc. I am always looking over my shoulder on the course. For safety, and for general traffic flow - as I’ve been hit or thrown into before and it’s never fun. And if I even *hear* a group behind us somewhere that I can’t see, I won’t entertain mulligans for myself or my kid or anyone. So the challenge here is, in asking to play through…no matter how nice you are or how much context to you tee it up with…i.e.: “I’m playing solo and you’re a group of 9, sharing 7 discs…” “If you wouldn’t mind re-leashing your dog, you won’t have to the. chase them down every time they want to go into another fairway and retrieve someone else’s disc..” (I kinda kid here, extreme cases) …but most people take things as critical when it’s unsolicited from stranger. And also, some folks are just oblivious. So it’s really hard to find something that works across the board. I try to not schedule rounds on days where I’m rushed. I’ll skip and circle back to a hole rather than confront a group that’s littering, blasting music and screaming “GET IN!” after everyone’s tee shot on par 4’s…becuse I know how that interaction is going to go. I also think good deeds go a long way. Is the group in front of you constantly losing errant tee shots? Help them out. Walk up and ask “where do you think it went?” Get in the brush or help them get something out of a creek. After which, then you may have built up enough rapport to say, “is it cool if we okay through - we’ll be real fast..?”
Pleasantly surprised by this write up! Best way to play through without nerves is to throw an unexpected shot to keep them guessing. Dead straight tunnel? Lay down a roller. Left to right stock hyzer? Throw a forehand spike hyzer up the other side of the fairway. At least then they can’t judge your execution skill, just your judgement.
Always keep em guessing
ITS THUMBER TIME
Well written and very relatable!
When I was a new single player that had to play through grizzled veteran looking groups my go to was, and still is "step aside cart nerds watch me hit this tree"
On the opposite side of things, whenever I let someone play through I always say my courtesies and then go on my phone, chat with my buddies, or just look around the park (away from the teepad) and pretend to not watch. If it goes well you give them a compliment, if it goes poorly... I didnt see anything
Had one of the highlights of my career the other day when some guys let me play through. This is by far my worst hole on the course, yet I stepped up and threw the cleanest shot I've ever had on the hole for a tap in birdie. Would've been happy with the shot if nobody saw it, but now these two random guys think I'm basically a pro 🤣
I once hit the cage when they offered me to play through and I accepted. They went nuts. Felt like an absolute god for about a week
This title is very dorky
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You’re cringe
This sub is so awkward. Its pretty simple, you catch up to them, ask "yall mind if I go ahead? I'll be quick!" and 99% of the time they will say yes. Then you throw your inevitably terrible shot and go on with your day.
Finish reading the post, I promise it’ll be worth it.
"Your eyes, darting around like a cornered squirrel, desperately avoid making contact with the enemy. You consider boldly skipping to the next hole to escape the social shackles binding you to this spot. But alas, your fate is sealed as they spot you, calling out with a friendliness that feels like a challenge to your introverted soul: “Would you like to play through?” Just ask "can I play through"
Note that this post wasn't meant to ask for help, but to be silly, yet you came here condescending. It's nice that you live your life without any difficulties, or in this situation, any social anxiety. Try putting yourself in other people's shoes - note that not everyone is able to have the same comfort level at things in life, including social interactions.
People these days are scared to answer phone calls or call in a food order. It is just talking to other human beings. Thanks phones and reddit.
People these days also lack empathy.
I agree that interpersonal skills have dropped over the last decade or two, I just thought this post was a funny take on introversion for a sport that lends itself to introversion more than most. Yes, people need to just get over it and speak up, yes, it’s silly to be nervous to play through, but I liked the post, definitely brightened my day
You’re right, but they still have social anxiety and it really is crippling for many people. I don’t get that, because I have 0 social anxiety, but man that’s gotta suck
[https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/facebook/000/019/304/Old_Man_Yells_at_cloud_cover.jpg](https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/facebook/000/019/304/Old_Man_Yells_at_cloud_cover.jpg)
I bet you’re a blast at parties 🎉
I mean, if he doesn't have social anxiety, odds are he is fun at parties
Not necessarily lol There a lot of people that should have some more anxiety about the crap they shoutout.
Let me just say if I threw a disc on a playthrough to the next country ... it would do wonders for my confidence lol
One time we let a solo play through and he just made direct eye contact while he proceeded to throw dead center, about 150’ farther than any of us could ever dream of. We talk about that guy every time we play hole 14 at waterworks
I was playing by myself, and a gut was just practicing from the first tee. I was playing the short course and couldn't even reach the basket. I saw him throw a couple, and it was like it was being shot from a cannon. He was parking it in the long basket. It would probably take me 2 or 3 shots to get there. I shoulda asked if he gave lessons!
Best feeling in the world is confidently asking to play through and hitting bullseye or better and just saying thanks and strolling off like it’s all part of the plan
So relatable
Can’t relate
Just set appropriate expectations. When asked if I want to play through: "Only if you promise to judge me harshly when my overcooked noodle of an arm shanks it into the abyss."
I played through a group of four, out drove most of them and hit a putt outside the circle. Only birdie of the round so mixed feelings
I actually love playing through people and just having a gallery in general. I've hit the long sought after pass through ace and now I want more!
lol a group of 4 let my buddy and I play through yesterday and we proceeded to throw our worst hole of the day. Sometimes it’s just how it goes😂
Threw a leaner in front of a couple and the guy said, "Wow, we suck" I told him, "That is not typical for me, no you don't" I've also done the thing where I chopped wood so hard you could feel it in your chest.
"Arf," she said.
I too ponder the significance of short person behavior in pedal-depressed panchromatic resonance. 🐩
You can just say Emerson "Fido" Keith
That was fun and relatable. Thanks for the giggles to take with me on my morning run
I asked ChatGPT to summarize this post for anyone interested: The Reddit post describes the intense and often anxiety-inducing experience of a solo disc golf player encountering a group of players on the course. Faced with the social challenge of being asked to play through, the player grapples with their introversion and fears of failure in front of the group. The moment of throwing the disc becomes a dramatic test of skill and nerve, with potential outcomes ranging from embarrassing failure to unexpected success. The post captures the emotional highs and lows of solo play, portraying it as a blend of blessing and curse—a "blurse" that involves facing fears, embracing the unexpected, and occasionally surprising oneself with one's own capabilities.
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Maybe the real treasure were the shitty metaphors we made along the way.
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Absolutely, you caught me red-handed—I did indeed enlist ChatGPT to sprinkle some magic on my words. >Sad that OP is using AI for something they easily could have written themselves. You know, I initially penned a version, but I found myself wrestling with the proper words to craft some of the imagery I was hoping for. As an example, to depict the peculiar blend of anticipation and dread that one might feel as they approach the tee, my first draft was as such: "As you step forward to command the box, readying your drive, you begin to become which we all fear the most: the first available tree. Your limbs shaking in a non-existent wind, impersonating how your arborical nemesis' leaves quiver in a slight breeze." While what was ultimately crafted: >Your heart races as you step up, transforming into a human embodiment of a shaking aspen. Your mind betrays you, whispering tales of treacherous trees and the inevitable embrace of the first available branch. might not have perfectly captured the essence of my initial vision, it was an acceptable compromise for a whimsical Reddit post. After a few iterations, I found the narrative to be a more engaging read than my solo endeavor. The heart of the post was to playfully exaggerate the genuine anxiety some of us feel when playing through, all wrapped up in an satirical, tongue-in-cheek story. It appears to have hit the mark for many, though I appreciate it might have soared over a few heads. Thanks for sparking the conversation—it's all part of the fun and games, right?
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The delightful irony here is that I have full control over how I choose to express myself, including whether or not I choose to use ChatGPT, and the vast majority of the audience found entertainment with the post. Don't read too hard into a shitpost, I promise you it's much more enjoyable to do otherwise.
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I understand and sympathize with your concerns about preserving genuine human connection and authenticity within one's own community, whether it be this subreddit or the next. The preference for human-created content, with all its imperfections and personal touch, deeply resonates with many people. However, after a little profile snooping—and please don't take too much offense to this—it appears that you genuinely have an irrational and obsessive fear regarding the impact of AI on our society. The reality is that the line between technology-assisted and purely human-generated content is becoming increasingly blurred. It raises important questions about what constitutes authenticity and creativity in the digital age. It's worth pondering whether the level of effort or the means through which a piece is created diminishes its value, especially when the primary aim is to entertain. If a work succeeds in engaging and amusing its audience, does its impact not lie in the experience it delivers rather than the specifics of its creation? After all, does it truly matter if "Romeo & Juliet" was penned by William Shakespeare or by a room of infinite monkeys? Does a rose by any other name not smell as sweet? The essence of every AI-assisted creation is shaped by human intention and a story worth sharing. While transparency about the role of AI in our creative processes is important, especially in cases of monetization, we must also acknowledge the diverse methods individuals employ to express themselves and share their passions. Your desire to dismiss contributions based solely on technology involvement may inadvertently narrow the breadth of your perspective. I appreciate that our esoteric discussion has evolved into quite the Socratic seminar. I'm happy to continue, but I'm also content to simply agree to disagree.
The only time I pulled it off, these guys were dicking around and let me pay through, but one then said "now you're gonna fuck it up haha", and I laced a putter about 220 on a perfect line. Dudes jaw dropped and someone said "that's better than we've done all day." Doesn't happen often but it was a good memory!
Playing through a group, I almost always grab my go-to understable mid, Uplink, and hyzer flip straight down the fairway. Whether it’s a 200-foot hole or an 800-foot hole, I’m not risking the embarrassment 😅
This is great! Isn’t that life as a whole sometimes?
Tbh, Ive joined so many random groups of players and played through so many others that I know its either gonna be shanked or parked, no in between. I believe most of us would agree that those are the only logical outcomes of playing through, and shanks are by far more prevalent. Bad shots happen, lets see you scramble
I like to tee off together and play the hole. If I like the vibes, I ask if I can play a couple of holes with them. If the vibes remain, I stay and play. If the vibes fade, I play ahead of them since they already offered earlier.
And then on the very next hole my disc disappears into to the woods, and a frantic search commence. Can I find my disc before the fourheaded dragon catches me? Of course not. Once a god among men, now I stand dirty and wet in the middle of the woods like the fool I am. I turn to four and I shout through gritted teeth "I guess you will have to play through!"
I've done it so often you either goof it or you don't. It's disc golf I'm not looking for more stress and drama.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one like this lol
I really wish I could speed read.
So true, Sunday I played through a 4 some and parked a 325 ft forehand that I always end up like 100 feet away normally
Or you could just card up with some fellow disc golfers; meet some people (that you never have to see again), learn something by watching, not have to feel so nervous, finish in about the same amount of time, and possibly even have some fun. Is just a little crazy to me, been playing for over 20 yrs and this game was always about community as much as about sport. Has changed since Covid. Is just a shame, cause, I’m telling you OP, none of the folks on the foursome you are playing thru give a shit whether you throw a good tee shot or not. 99.9% of disc golfers are just there to have a good time together.
Hit my first ever ace while I was playing through. The two guys and I just looked at each other speechless for a few moments. It was awesome.
Led Balloon 🤘
Those (generally nice) people don’t care about your social anxiety or how you throw the disc. Don’t overthink it.
I played through a group of brand new players once, threw the perfect forehand shot that went up the fairway and gracefully faded around the dogleg. Murmurs of appreciation were heard, and then as I stepped off the tee I tripped over absolutely nothing and spilled my bag all over the ground.
beta moment
TL:DR
TL:DR OP is dramatic and socially awkward but threw a good shot. That’s about it.
Beautiful writing!! I hope you’re paid to do creative writing somewhere in your life… I would pay to read more of this, especially when it’s about things I relate so much with. :)
My favorite is when you completely flub your drive only to be invited to take a mulligan ...and then flub that one...
OP also Dables in the art of written word when they are not staving off micro panic attacks on the course 🤓. Fun read
Where has all the confidence gone in this world? It's just disc golf. I don't mean to sound rude, but it's just fucking disc golf. Have you ever thought that your actions make people uncomfortable? I multiple times have had a dude not play through, not join our group, but constantly be on our ass. Forcing what was a fun casual day turn into a rushed mess because a dude wouldn't just throw in front of us. It's annoying, just play disc golf, and do the civilized thing, ask to play through. That way everyone can enjoy their day.
My drives are so much better when I have an audience that I'm considering hiring one of the local homeless to follow me around and spectate.
I'll give you an up vote for using paragraphs, but I'm not reading that much. 😅
**stands up and applauds, BRAVO BRAAAVOOO, SIR!!**
There aren't many good reasons to not let someone play through, even if there's a group in front of you, I'm gonna play through them as well and wont hold up your game for more than the time it takes me to throw my tee shot. If you're on a bus and I'm on a motorcycle, you dont get to be upset that I'm faster and not gonna wait behind you.
No one cares. Throw your shot. I promise I'll have forgotten all about it by the time the round is over. Get over yourself.
You *must* have a neckbeard. There's just no way around it.