Is this how it is -- taunting over found discs?

[Mithril]

My 10-year-old son lost a disc at a course in Oak Creek, Wis., tonight. Horrible throw right into a vast wooded area with dense vegetation. We're both new to disc golf -- just got discs last week. We searched for a long while before finally giving up hope (and needing some Calamine lotion for our itchy ankles -- we made sure nothing was poison ivy, but we both have allergies to weeds!) We had our cell phone number on the disc and hoped that perhaps someone might be kind enough to call if they found it.

About 10 minutes later, I got a text message. It's a photo of the disc and a message: "Finder's Keepers" and a smiley face. My son was really excited someone found it while we were still at the course. However, in the proceeding exchange of texts, it quickly became apparent that the person really did mean "finder's keepers." Long and short of the story: He was just taunting us with the photo. His final text to me was: "If you want ethics or respect, play golf. Welcome to the club."

Since we're new to the sport, is this how it is? Sure, I know we're going to lose discs (especially as beginners) and folks are going to find them and not return them. But it's pretty rotten to contact the person if you don't plan to give it back. My son is pretty soured on disc golf right now. Me, too. What are we getting ourselves into?

 

[zugthug1705]

I've never heard of anything like that. Geez...

 

[turbosteve]

This type of situation is thankfully rare. The person is definitely not in any club. Please file a police report so scum like this get proper punishment.

 

[Streets]

No that's not how it is, sub-human garbage like that is what gives the game a bad name.

 

[MrGlass01]

You have the phone number. Maybe if you explain there is a ten year old involved they will come to their senses. There are bad people everywhere, thankfully it's a rare occurrence in this sport.

What kind of disc?

 

[PhillyMatt]

This type of situation is thankfully rare. The person is definitely not in any club. Please file a police report so scum like this get proper punishment.

This ^^

Please file the report, and let them have the cell phone number. May not seem like much, but it needs to be done. Even if this guy just gets a call from the police, it would be something.

What kind of disc exactly did your son lose? We will replace it for you.

 

[turbosteve]

I have a feeling the person taunting you is a rebellious teenager.

 

[timj5304]

Police report? Are you serious? I have had my house broken into and car window smashed in and the cops gave 2 $hits about that, you think they care about a lost disc golf disc? What is the proper treatment, prison for 10 years; get real they will get brought in and wrote up be forced to give the disc back and go on. Here are a few things I have learned over the years.

1. Always carry a few garbage discs, preferably 1 in each mold putter, midrange and driver that are not your attachment discs for risky shots that could get lost.
2. 90+% of disc golfers are rec players, meaning its doubtful you will get your disc back.
3. As I have improved I have learned my discs better and most importantly WATCH THE DISC UNTIL IT HITS THE GROUND. I would say that the majority of my lost discs my first few years were out of my stupidity of thinking I will just find it eventually vs watch where it goes it to make it easy to find.

Hate to sound cruel but more times than not you won't get your discs back and if they are offered back to you they will not be free.

 

[tbird888]

It's definitely a "one in every bunch" kind of situation. Sounds like they were sitting in the bushes waiting if you got a call that fast. What kind of disc was it?

 

[Streets]

"The Club" he is probably referring to are 18-25 year olds who smoke pot, act thug, drink and chuck grooves around thinking they are stuff. This is the kind of garbage that the sport needs to not only alienate but aggressively distance itself from.

 

[PhillyMatt]

Police report? Are you serious? .

I'm serious, yes. It's theft.

If you do nothing, nothing will be done about it. 100% chance.

If you file the report, nothing will be done about it, 99.9% chance.

The kid went out of his way to taunt him, he should go out of his way to file the report.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Sir Puttsalot]

My 10-year-old son lost a disc at a course in Oak Creek, Wis., tonight. Horrible throw right into a vast wooded area with dense vegetation. We're both new to disc golf -- just got discs last week. We searched for a long while before finally giving up hope (and needing some Calamine lotion for our itchy ankles -- we made sure nothing was poison ivy, but we both have allergies to weeds!) We had our cell phone number on the disc and hoped that perhaps someone might be kind enough to call if they found it.

About 10 minutes later, I got a text message. It's a photo of the disc and a message: "Finder's Keepers" and a smiley face. My son was really excited someone found it while we were still at the course. However, in the proceeding exchange of texts, it quickly became apparent that the person really did mean "finder's keepers." Long and short of the story: He was just taunting us with the photo. His final text to me was: "If you want ethics or respect, play golf. Welcome to the club."

Since we're new to the sport, is this how it is? Sure, I know we're going to lose discs (especially as beginners) and folks are going to find them and not return them. But it's pretty rotten to contact the person if you don't plan to give it back. My son is pretty soured on disc golf right now. Me, too. What are we getting ourselves into?

Curious, what disc was it?

 

[Grungedude42]

That sucks. But karma is a wheel. In this kid's case, that wheel is a monster truck wheel coming his way at highway speeds.

 

[Three Putt]

My son is pretty soured on disc golf right now. Me, too. What are we getting ourselves into?

No. Most of the people you will meet in this sport are decent people. A few of the people you meet you will wish you hadn't. Sorry about the lost disc; if you were at my league night and told that story about 1/2 of the guys there would offer you a disc to replace the one that was lost. You just need to meet some guys like those that will make you forget about the loser who kept your kids disc.

 

[Mithril]

I did explain that it was my kid's disc (both in a text and in a voicemail) but the person didn't care.

After it became clear he didn't plan to return it, I texted that I would contact the police if he didn't give it back. He replied that he lost it two holes after he found it. I did think about filing a police report, but wasn't sure it was worth the time. Probably will do so in the morning.

PhillyMatt, I appreciate your offer (unnecessary as it is -- it was only a inexpensive Cheetah and I'll get him a replacement tomorrow; he probably should be throwing something different anyway) and it restores my hopes that good people are involved in this sport.

 

[Grinder12000]

Police report it. At the VERY least make sure this POS knows you have his phone number and are reporting it.

BTW. I lost my first disc today. It's not the $$, it's the principle of the thing. Very frustrating. Mine could not have been 5 yards off the fairway. Looked for an hour. Maddening.

BTW. post this dudes phone number. WE will give him a few thousands texts.

 

[Streets]

It might help to know where you are located too. Maybe some other users on here can direct you to some of the actual clubs, with actual disc golfers, who act like actual decent human beings instead of trash.

 

[Grinder12000]

His first sentence. LOL. oak Creek EI

 

[FonzTYC]

I would have walked the course back, find the kid, call the cell. If it rings then I'd knock him out and throw his discs all over the course. I always call the number, ALWAYS. I hate kids like that. I know my way isn't the right way. You coulde have walked the course back though...

 

[Streets]

His first sentence. LOL. oak Creek EI

Lol how'd I miss that? Thanks!