Do Disc Golfers ACTUALLY Return Lost Discs?!?

[@TwilightZone13]

My philosophy is that if there is a phone number on the disc I always let that person know I found their disc and return it to them. If there isn't a phone number or even a name written on the disc I keep it since how am I ever going to get it back to the right person.

[@garnerthecube]

That should be everyone’s default philosophy.

[@LordYakkmyster]

Shouldn’t keep any discs regardless if they’re signed or not. Just leave the disc at the first tee or on top of the last hole. Any disc that isn’t yours shouldn’t be kept.

[@garnerthecube]

@@LordYakkmyster I’ve always kept discs I found without a number or name, and don’t expect to get mine back if I didn’t mark it. The chances are so slim for the owner to find it if I leave it and someone else will find it and keep it anyway.

[@ElessarofGondor]

@@LordYakkmyster If it looks like it's been there for awhile wouldn't it be better to donate to a local shop that resells etc?

[@mikeziter501]

Same. Except, I don't ink the back of the found disc. If I lose it, then it simply passes to the next person.

[@BlacqueJacqueShellacque_]

I've had people go way above and beyond to return my discs. Like situations where I'd have to spend more money/time than the disc is worth to get it back. To the point where I've had to tell them to just keep it...or donate it to a kid. Disc golfers are (mostly) really good people.

[@ThatcherBryan]

Bro you neeeeed to make more videos! This is one of the highest quality disc golf videos I have watched in a while and its your first one.

[@kaylortheawesome]

Loved the video, keep up the good work. Go easy on yourself. We all start somewhere.

[@Dyeball_discs]

Those are good return numbers. A small amount of faith in humanity has been restored.

[@bobbybobman3073]

This is about my luck with lost discs too. Roughly 70% return rate. That being said without a name or number its really hard to get it back to its owner.

[@astrovid]

I would watch a channel that was just disc return experiments.😁 Been disc golfing for a bit over a year and have found (and returned) several discs. The only discs I've kept have been ones that had no ink and no response to posting on the local lost disc FB page.

[@russb8291]

In my younger days, I probably found a few discs that I never returned. Now I will text a picture of the disc while I'm on the course. I have found my moral center.

[@bustatron]

Yep, dunk it under some leaves or a log, txt picture to owner. Leaves the onus on the owner to go get it, but you help them out enough to be able to get the discs if they want it.

[@OngGioi]

Awesome a thief who can admit it!

[@mikeziter501]

Good on you!

[@dennis3224]

Lol I used to steal disc w numbers on them for probably a year or 2 until I started watching pros and got way more into disc golf. Now I text them As payment I will give the disc a test throw however

[@happycampers6592]

Are you trying to start a trend of wearing caps that are 5x too small for your head? A complete 180 degree turn from the trend of wearing a cap that is too big and fits over the ears.....

[@tigereyetypes]

The dog poop analogy is what earned the like😂😂

[@curtisridenour]

Yeah, it is like saying, "Hey, you throw this away."

[@jeremyfox2443]

I have been playing only 20 weeks. Haven't lost a disc yet, so nervous too. I have found 8 discs returned them all. Loved this segment good job.

[@iRiot88]

I’ve NEVER had a disc returned. And I’ve lost plenty.

[@dennis3224]

That’s pretty surprising to me if you’ve actually lost a lot. I’ve been reached out to for sure double digit times

[@rykoodasr]

I don’t put my number on my disc. Enjoy the gift if you find it. However, I will look for my disc for hours and I’m very good at finding them. I probably find 10 discs that aren’t mine per year. I always text the person if it has a number.

[@DuckNDisc]

Great video, and great editing. I got a good couple laughs throughout. Keep it up, can’t wait for the next video. Seriously high quality for a first video haha. I need to step it up.

[@curtisridenour]

I have been called and texted from the east coast more than once from people with my discs. I live in Colorado. I also got my entire bag stolen out of my car once. That is like stealing someones tools.

[@Rothhammer_Customs]

I always make sure to text the owner of the disc, where i found the disc Park Name with a picture of the disc. if no text back I drop it at the local disc golf store and text back saying its at Basketcase.

[@TcavDiscGolf]

Great content fam. Your personality and humor is gonna get you far 👏

[@spooonerisms]

Sick video, when you first posted about this in your story I was hyped! Glad to see it and it popped up organically in the feed. That’s on growth my boy!

[@jezufandiscgolf]

Bro this is sick! More pls

[@hyperutetic]

Interesting to see, I play at a course that has a playground and campground. If I forget a disc, i know it will be gone, and courses just dedicated to the sport have a better return rate, IMO.

[@maawdawg]

Nice to see a video with a couple eastern CT courses on it. I have to hit Davis Forest, I haven't played it yet. Did any of the Mohegan Park ones end up down at the skate shop via the drop box or were they all direct returned via text? Between Mohegan and Lisbon Meadows I have found 8 in the past year (mostly in the Lisbon swamp), all inked. I returned 7 and one guy didn't want his back because it was a beat DX Shark.

[@jaminschmitt]

Depends.

[@reyn578]

This is a legendary first video. Great skills all around.

[@ilikesnow]

I need them karma birdies so I always text a pic and tell them they can come get it. Nice Beard Meets Food outro too homie!

[@JJ79_]

In Finland years ago you got them allways back but today everybody just steals them, so sad.

[@TheHatchet2]

Earned a sub! My personal rule is I'll be happy to meet anyone to drop off the disc as long as i didn't have to go way out of my way. Or hide it on the course for them to pick up later. Of the ones I've lost, I think I've gotten maybe half or less back, but the ones that are really worth anything I've gotten back, so that's nice.

[@jjduncan22305]

Interesting video. In the 4 years of playing I have only had 4 discs of 10 or so returned. One of them I had to return myself from their bag mid round after watching them throw, tossing a disc "near" and then "accidentally" picking it up and being like "oh dude that's crazy I left a disc here and found another one I thought I lost a few months ago!" Makes me think maybe regionally if the PNW just has less people with kind spirits 😂 in Norway and Germany the last two years were the only instances of call backs

[@mikeziter501]

I have found the same glow Sexton Firebird twice, on two different courses. You throw the discs you like and you lose the discs you throw. I love getting discs back home :)

[@johnhormaza5469]

Great video thoroughly enjoyed it what are original and great subject to cover, looking forward to more videos my friend

[@SangdaleDiscGolf]

So funny story: I’m from Southern Ontario in Canada and was on vacation on the east coast playing disc golf on some courses in PEI (1,000+km away) and threw my disc into some massive thorn bush and spent about an hour looking for it before giving up. 2 weeks later, while I’m back at home I got a call from an absolute beautician who found my disc. Turns out he’s from VANCOUVER (2000+ km away on the WEST COAST) and he ended up mailing the disc back to me. Lesson of the day: the disc golf community has some of the kindest people out there. Lesson #2: chad is a legend

[@Thechaintickler]

I'm sure it is a great feeling when one of your favorites gets returned, hasn't happened to me yet but lots of high school kids play my course and they only have enough money for a Tall Arizona and a Airhead so I can't blame em. Great video dude!

[@SkeletorJenkins]

In 4 years, I've gotten 1 disc returned. My starter kit DX Leopard.

[@asheranders901]

Editing is on point. I’ve returned 1000s, and I’m not joking.

[@Dan_Murphy]

I always try to return a disc, but i love when they let me keep it. I've only been playing a couple months so getting new discs to try out is pretty cool. Also, while the people texting you telling you they're keeping your disc is a jerkish thing to do, i can also see it as them letting you know you don't need to keep hoping you're going to get your disc back, especially if you go back to search for it in vain. Id almost rather know someone took it than imagine it sitting out there somewhere with hope that ill find it someday, lol.

[@leptix9283]

love your humor subbed within the first 3 min

[@gprang]

I stopped inking my discs. Not usually worth the trouble to meet up. I just try harder not to lose discs.

[@DOOBERtv]

Great video, great research! Subbed and looking forward to more content!

[@Pellucidlol]

I've lost 7 discs in total over the last few years (not counting discs in the water), never gotten a call or text that the dics been found

[@henuog9473]

This was a great first video, whoever you are sir 👍

[@GoManGoDiscGolf-he5ho]

Lost a disc in Colorado. Guy from Nevada texted me but I was back East at home. Gift for him. Lost two discs a couple of weeks ago. Crickets. Nothing. We even have a fb page for our city just for lost discs. Nothing. Bought one the same disc in a different plastic. Doesn't fly the same. Bummer.

[@InbredJed82060]

I like to find lost discs without names, put pro players names and pdga number on them, replace them in the wild, then laugh at ppl on Facebook bragging about finding paul mcbeths buzzz

[@Zeyervv]

Great video! You deserve way more subscribers than 140

[@avb19d6]

Stafford Woods has maybe the best Lost and Found/Community out there. Over a year playing now, I would have to say I’m 8/8 on getting mine back. On top of that, every Saturday they have a crew setup with all found discs and text everyone that it’s there.

[@youngjohn3902]

Nice video dude. I didn’t even look at your subscriber count until the end. Good luck with the yt channel if you ever decide to post more

[@brice27128]

I’ve only ever had a few returned to me, personally I call on every disk that has a number and either hide it by hole 1 or the parking lot and let the owner know where it is to save the burden of having to set up meet up times or even offer them 10-15$ if it’s something I really like on rare occasions . I also only put my name on the ones I can’t live without. Makes finding a no name disk feels like you just found lost treasure.

[@Arctic3OD]

I live in Finland, which probably makes a difference. In my experience the only people who don't always return discs are non disc golfers and/or kids. Adult disc golfers almost always return discs and refuse any money I offer. One time I lost a disc in the middle of a river across the country. Some legend fished it out of the river, contacted me, sent it to me and refused all payment, including the delivery cost. What a chad.

[@KelsOwned]

I have a cool story related to your Paul Macbeth bit. I'm out in Oregon so the tour comes through every year. I watch a good amount of disc golf so I know quite a few players. While searching for my own lost disc at a nearby course I found a really beat in overstable mid with a huk lab stamp. I gave it a toss on a safe open hole to see how it flew and it was buttery smooth. Anywho, the number on the disc was clearly not from the states and I thought huh, that's odd. What if... so I get home and google this name on it "Albert Tamm" and find out he's a touring pro I somehow didn't know. So I reached out to him on Facebook and he was SO excited I had found it. He was in Iowa at this point following the tour and asked if I could mail it out to him. Without any questions I packaged it up, paid the shipping and sent the disc out to him. Weeks went by and I never heard from him. Figured he just got busy with the tour life. Another week later a package shows up from a different address with his name on it. He sent me a brand new Latitude River with his logo stamp, signed with "Thank you! Bazooka, Albert Tamm" That disc sits on my shelf in all its glory now of a really cool moment of returning discs to their rightful owners.

[@edwardspan396]

In Austin there is a box to put found discs at a local course. I keep found discs until I go play there and then drop them off. The only disc i have tried returning connected me with a complete a-hole who acted like I owed him everything.

[@seansimpson8758]

To date, all but one were returned out of five.

[@dblevins343]

I have had all but 2 discs returned to me. One of those is in a pond. The other was a base plastic (dx) disc. All of my premium discs that could be found have been found and returned to me (probably 5ish). - Hex - Hex - Jade (this one was literally shipped to me and he wouldn't let me pay him) - Paradox - one more but I forgot what it was, I've gotten it back. I've found the disc golf community really does try and return discs to people. On the flip side, I've found 3 discs. Twice I've contacted the owners and I've been told to keep them (both out of state). The other I was able to return to a player.

[@FrostyPumpernickle]

It’s funny you mention mid range discs being perfect for taking. As a new player I can’t throw anything over a 9 speed, generally tee off with a Teebird and reach for my 7 speeds for distance shots, and throw my 5 speeds more often than any of my other discs. If I were to find a distance driver I wouldn’t want it. I’m also much more inclined to return a new disc as opposed to a disc that has been beaten into the ground. I may keep a super old disc cuz to me they would rather have a newer one, but I generally leave the discs I find where I find them. I’m 0/4 on lost discs returned in my area, all mid range flippy discs strangely enough, but also great for beginners which is all this area is filled with

[@leadboots72]

I spend a tremendous amount of time hunting/fishing for lost discs. I recover ~10 discs a month. If it is marked, I always contact the person and try to get the disc back to them by shipping it to them, dropping it in one of the local lost&found bins, or bringing it to a disc shop next time I'm in there. Usually I'll meet up with them and play a round together. If no contact is ever made, that becomes a disc that I give away to a kid I see taking an interest in the game. I've been doing this for years. I only kept and throw 2 discs that I have found in all that time.

[@HeAdLeSs_DG]

Unfortunately i always bag cool discs... I get zero returns

[@jacobtyman3726]

I do course maintenance for my local course and over the three years I’ve been doing this I’ve found close to 100 discs. Mostly local players but some not so local. The ones that lived quite far away usually said to keep it as it was a pain in the ass to get it back to them. I’m probably at about a 90% return rate as some just don’t have names and numbers. Of the discs I’ve lost I’d say I have a 50% return rate. Which really sucks.

[@ericbitson8927]

Over the last six years or so, I've lost a good 12-15 discs. Only one has ever been returned, an old Innova Shark. This video is wild.

[@Durang0318]

My brother recently got a disc back in a weird way. He lost it at a course last year, over 1 hour away. Last week, someone texted him that they found his disc. At our local course, less than a mile from home. Someone had found his disc, and had been using it (never even bothered to try to remove the very clearly written name and number), and then happened to lose it pretty much in our back yard. Now just if someone would return my Flick that I accidently left on the same course, that would be great....

[@garnerthecube]

I found my brother’s disc at a different spot from where he lost it, on the same course. Someone had found it and didn’t text, and then lost it.

[@Crouchdown]

Played a tournament with Nathan, very good guy plays too safe c'mon Nathan go for it! Honestly this video was pretty hilarious tho

[@scabbed]

Ive had someone try to pick up my disc before i could even make it down there to grab it, so i was forced to yell "Hey bro thats my disc" look i understand it was a sweet star TL3

[@scabbed]

r.i.p its gone btw

[@JohnDoe-rj8nd]

Funny how you mention the Nate Sexton Firebird. I found one and called the owner and got it returned to him... and the next day he found my missing Valkyrie up in some trees. Definitely felt like there was karma involved there.

[@dionpickles7324]

Way to put yourself out there, mate! Well spoken and a neat topic. Can tell you've got a lil scientific background with how you framed and spoke of the experiment. Have fun with the videos. 🫡

[@BrendenLee-dg]

"Collective butt temple". I love it.🤣😅 I've lost a lot of discs, never returned. I've had a good number returned. I return every one that I find, even if it has no name and number I try to find the owner in some way. Great video!

[@andrewk.himmler4822]

Just had one returned to me yesterday. He found it and called me at the end of his round. Luckily I wasn’t too far from the course and was able to meet him right away

[@Japeyyy]

I just returned a sexton firebird to a guy, and he was happy and gave me 10€. Thats worth it tbh even if I couldve sold it for 80€. Id be so happy if someone else did the same for me, hoping for good karma in the future!

[@Eaglemadhatter]

I figured they'd call the female disc or maybe too shy to even call.

[@DGDirk]

DISC GOLF HAS ITS OWN MELON NOW

[@Fribagolf]

This was a super fun video!!

[@broderic]

you just aren't me....................................................................................................................................

[@noahmorgans2370]

Loved the video! Think you erred in your math on how many male vs female discs were returned, the disparity wasn't quite as big.

[@Eaglemadhatter]

Air tag them and confront people who don't return? 😂😂

[@kylelindell7527]

Call me a mad lad but I don't even mark my discs. Its easier for me to give them to new players who are interested so they can stamp it and I rarely give up the hunt for a richocet. If I do lose it and really liked it, it was probably a crutch anyways, it'll be fun to learn a new disc and new lines.

[@garnerthecube]

It’s never crossed my mind to keep a disc that has a number on it. If you just keep it and don’t even contact them, that’s just stealing, simple as that.

[@eviljinius337]

nice try, Eagle.

[@nofightsnecessary]

This was a pretty interesting experiment! I haven't formally tracked it, but I think here in Houston is probably around a 20-30% return rate. Very disheartening

[@Eaglemadhatter]

I hope I find a guy doing the same thing you are. Id stealth follow and get a new bag. 😅

[@TheButlerNZ]

I've only lost 3 discs.. wait 4.... The 1st, A nice red/orange Jade. Out in the open on a grass park at hole one (1st shot ever at that park and i put it 2m away from basket 1, threw the Jade, 4m away... it just began to drizzle so I quickly putted the 1st for a Birdie, then ran on to the rest of the holes... leaving the Jade behind... Named & numbered.. Never to be seen again!. The 2nd, 120k away I went to practice for my 1st tournament.. Donated a new Rive to blackberry.. Un-named... (or so I thought)... Got it back on the day of the tournament. The 3rd... Another trip to practice 2 weeks after loosing the 1st disc... Donated a Signal to King Neptune (the river)... about 20m from where I lost #2... That sucker is somewhere in the Pacific by now. And the 4th... Well on the 1st round of the Tournament I had a lake gap.. so I had practiced a flippy RPM Pekapeka beat up disc forehand.... then threw it backhand into the lake... only to have it just make a ledge 1m from the dry... so recovered it... So the 4th... 2nd round... This time backhanded it... to about 2ft from the dry (actually stayed dry retrieving it)... So the 4th disc... Penned a new Pekapeka .... and donated it to the Lady of the Lake... That ones deep six. So really... in 2 mumble years I've lost 2 discs.. (both to stupidity) but the Signal... that suckers on a rafting expedition... the Jade.. That's just darn rude.! Guess it looked too good to return... Having said that... If I could track down Juke Anderson, I could return his disc that he didn't number... and I'm not calling all the Andersons in NZ!... Then there's the swamp find Tesla that had been there so long it's stained to the point that no cleaning agent I have tried can get the last of the stain out)... Oh and Big up's to the American I played a local round with.. He was buying starter packs wherever he went, then just gave them away as it was cheaper than having to lug them to the next location... I still use the RPM Kea for neat flex puts that if I miss (only about 90% outside circle 1.. I'm a little mediocre).. anyway if I do a flex.. it lands in or around, rather than a standard put that (for me) usually lands somewhere nearly the same distance beyond, or barely halfway there... Yup.. Mediocre.

[@quaxie]

I have pulled a few hundred and keep a sheet with all the details. Found location, contacted, contacted back, disc, returned or not. Its about 10% returned.

[@curtisridenour]

Returning discs to a local disc golf shop is an acceptable practice if you don't want to contact someone.

[@OriginalKrizzle]

Neat stuff. My personal experience, i've had discs be returned about 60% of the time. I know I personally always attempt to return a disc if it has a number. However, I am guilty of keeping a couple discs that had no marking.

[@soldiercoop]

I’ve probably had 70-75% returned. Assuming some have never been found and some just snatched. It’s easy to put your name and number on there. Feel like most return.

[@helmeri]

I've gotten maybe half of my lost discs back (~5/10) so far. I've almost given up on picking up found discs and contacting the owner as i have 6-8 found discs in the closet waiting reply from last and previous summer. "yeah yeah, i'll get back to you tomorrow". Usually just place them on top of baskets, someone else can do the contacting. Might do the exception if the disc looks brand new/special, but as i don't have a car, i'm not keen on jumping through extra hoops with "can you bring it here and there? When is the best time?"

[@ericjepson3765]

I will never bag someone else's disc. I will never buy a used disc. They just have that tainted, not truly mine, feel. I always text the number on the back instantly incase they are still at the course. If there's no number, generally I will turn it into my local shop for store credit. It's not necessarily out of virtue or karma that I contact the owner it's mostly that I'm just not interested in throwing someone else's disc. Thanks!

[@a.fab.antonfabrication2717]

I give 20/30$ to a returned disc of mine. I thank them for their honesty and say go get a disc they would like with the money. If someone finds one I could care less about I explain that I thank them kindly for being honest but have no sentimental attachment to that disc and would love for them to keep it. If they do not need or want it to please give it to someone who would. All you can do is be a good person or spread more good energy

[@careyjohnson919]

I have to assume a higher percentage of new players don't return discs because, generally, it's an etiquette that has to be learned. Personally, it's hard wiring for me to ALWAYS return a disc.

[@4uStu]

Hahaha algorithm never fails! I just got back from 2 rounds of 18 holes and bombed my 2 day old star It into a tree. Just gotta wait for a bird or wind gust to knock it out Lol hopefully if someone finds it they call me as I did when I found discs with numbers.

[@OngGioi]

I once took 30 discs from my collection and left them at multiple courses over the period of a month got two calls! I stopped putting my number in discs after that! Pre Covid you were more likely to get your discs back than today!

[@serenityinsilence]

I return discs with names and numbers, but I’m not going out of my way to do it. I’ll hide it at the course for the person, and send a picture of where it’s at. That’s about all I’m willing to do. 😂 I’ve seen on Facebook lost and found groups of people getting mad because the person returning a disc won’t drop what they are doing to meet up on a specific date and time. Or they are mad that people aren’t willing to drive an hour away to return a $10 disc. It’s pretty cringy to try to make someone returning your disc go above and beyond, just to whine about how it gets returned.

[@austinoliver7463]

my buddy found a pdga crave in florida with no name or number so he brought it back up to TN to conduct a test. He put it in the lost and found box at the sinks disc golf course in chattanooga, tn and we took bets on how long it would last. We had seen some sketchy people looking through the lost and found boxes almost every time we played so I said i would take about a week for it to disappear and he said 3 days. We were both wrong. that mfker was gone after a little over 24 hours of being in that box lmao.

[@SW_Gaming203]

You should have put fake Aces written on the back and then see!!!

[@MultiSilversalmon]

I get back only 20% 80% are never given back

[@newmonikermusic]

Great content. You earned a like and subscribe. Let’s see more.

[@DiscGolfDemon]

I used to feel guilty when I kept no-name discs. I took their .00001% chance of getting their disc back and crushed it to a .000000001% chance. How anybody could steal a named disc kind of upsets me.

[@silvianosanchez8430]

I have lost 10 discs, and have had 2 discs returned. I have found a found about 80 discs with names, and returned about 60. The other 20 discs, either the person didn't respond or told me to simply keep the discs.

[@forrestthroughdatrees]

Mt first nice disc was a Hex. 8 years ago thrown straight into tall wheat and idk it was just poof gone. Green with an orange rim in Lake Fayetteville if you’re out there! Lol

[@ROBOTDiscGolf]

So… why aren’t you using the mic?

[@Eaglemadhatter]

I've had a couple returned to my dmart.. I've had people call me and I've told them to keep. Some where premiums. Share the game. I've had someone tell me to keep it. I've found one in a CVS parking lot. I have so many disc I never thought throw. Probably have a few I've never thrown.

[@CoasterComedy]

Someone’s gonna realize Nancy, Billy, and Lance all have the same phone number 😂

[@keemo93]

I always attempt to return a disc with a number but if there isn’t one I’ll just keep it.

[@rlarry520]

Our courses have a lost and found box we drop them in.

[@rineneff1272]

I do not call anymore unless I know the owner. Reasons. Reward promised but not mentioned when the disk was picked up. I was sent a mailer but I had to add postage. Many times I called and their voice maibox was full. Now I collect them and give them to the local club.

[@ThomasSteed]

I've lost 6 discs in total. I got back 2. Both found in completely different places than i lost them. Best story I've got about trying to return a disc was a dx stingray. Dude didn't want it back, and called it a shiter. We texted back and forth a few times joking about how beat and warped this disc neither of us wanted was, so i gave it to a dude i know, and he out long putted me an entire round wit that wonky piece of shit.