Disc golf is simple because the rules are similar to regular golf.
The goal is clear: complete each hole using as few throws as possible. Instead of walking on a big golf course, you can play in parks or green spaces, which makes it a relaxing and enjoyable game.
The Rules of Disc Golf
The Goal
The goal is to throw your disc into a basket in the fewest throws. The person with the lowest score at the end of the course wins.
Play Safely
Always make sure the area is clear before you throw. Be aware of other players, park users, and your surroundings.
Tee Throws
Each hole begins with a throw from a special area called the tee. Stand behind or inside the marked area to throw.
The Lie
The lie is where your disc lands after a throw. Mark it with a small disc or leave the disc there. Your next throw must be from right behind this spot.
Throwing Order
The player with the best score on the last hole goes first on the next hole. After tee throws, the player farthest from the basket always throws first.
Fairway Throws
Throws made after the tee shot are called fairway throws. You can take a small run-up, but if you are very close to the basket (10 meters or less), you must stay balanced and not move until your disc stops.
Mandatory (Mando)
Some courses have obstacles called mandatories. These are trees or poles you must pass on a certain side. If you miss, you must try again and take a penalty.
Finishing the Hole
A hole is finished when your disc lands in the basket or gets caught in the chains.
Out of Bounds (O.B.)
If your disc lands in an off-limits area, you must play from a point just inside the boundary. You will also add one extra throw to your score.
Scoring
Example of Scoring
Hole 1: Par 3, you take 2 throws to finish. Your score is -1 (birdie).
Hole 2: Par 4, you take 5 throws. Your score is +1 (bogey).
Hole 4: Par 3, you take 3 throws. Your score is 0 (par).
Total Score After 3 Holes: -1 + 1 + 0 = 0 (even par)
The player with the lowest score at the end of the course wins the game. It’s that simple!
Counting Throws
Each time you throw the disc, it counts as one stroke. This includes any penalty strokes you might receive for going out of bounds or missing a mandatory.
Adding Up Scores
At the end of each hole, you count the number of throws it took to get the disc into the basket. Write this number down as your score for the hole.
Par
Each hole has a “par,” which is the number of throws an average player should need to complete the hole. For example: if a hole is a par 3, it should take about three throws to finish it.
Your score is compared to par:
- Under par: If you finish a hole in fewer throws than par (e.g., 2 throws on a par 3), you score a birdie.
- Over par: If you take more throws than par (e.g., 4 throws on a par 3), you score a bogey.
- Even par: If your number of throws matches the par, you simply “make par.”
Cumulative Score
After finishing the entire course, add up your scores from all the holes. The player with the lowest total score wins the game.
Penalties
If a penalty is incurred, such as throwing out of bounds or missing a mandatory, add one extra throw to your score for that hole.
How to Be Polite on the Course
Good behavior helps everyone enjoy the game:
- Stay quiet and still while others throw.
- Stand behind the person throwing until they are done.
- Take your disc out of the basket quickly after finishing.
- Help new players learn the rules.
- Let faster groups pass you if needed.
- Throw away trash properly.
- Do not damage trees or change the course.
Terms You Should Know
Here are more important terms you might hear when playing or learning about disc golf. T
Throwing Techniques
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Putting: A short, controlled throw aimed at getting the disc into the basket. Putting is usually done when you are close to the basket (within 10 meters).
Drive: A long-distance throw usually made from the tee to cover as much ground as possible.
Approach: A throw made to get closer to the basket after the initial drive.
Disc Flight
- Hyzer: A throw where the disc starts or curves to the left for a right-handed backhand thrower.
- Anhyzer: A throw where the disc starts or curves to the right for a right-handed backhand thrower.
- Turn: The disc’s tendency to move to the right during the early part of its flight for a right-handed backhand throw.
- Fade: The disc’s tendency to curve left at the end of its flight for a right-handed backhand throw.
Game Terms
- Par: The expected number of throws needed to complete a hole.
- Birdie: Completing a hole in one throw under par.
- Bogey: Completing a hole in one throw over par.
- Double Bogey: Completing a hole in two throws over par.
- Ace: Completing a hole in one throw, also called a hole-in-one.
Course Features
- Basket: The target where the disc must land to complete the hole. It consists of a metal chain and a basket to catch the disc.
- Tee Pad: The starting point for each hole, where players make their first throw.
- Fairway: The main area between the tee and the basket.
- Rough: Areas off the fairway, often filled with trees, bushes, or tall grass, that can make throwing more difficult.
- Mandatory (Mando): Obstacles, like trees or poles, that players must pass on a specific side as indicated by course rules.
Disc Types
- Driver: A disc designed for long-distance throws, typically used for drives.
- Midrange: A disc used for medium-range throws, offering a balance of control and distance.
- Putter: A disc designed for short and accurate throws into the basket.
Situational Terms
- Out of Bounds (O.B.): Areas where discs are not allowed. A penalty is applied if your disc lands in these areas.
- Lie: The spot where the disc lands after a throw. Your next throw must be taken from directly behind this spot.
- Penalty: An extra stroke added to your score for breaking a rule, such as going out of bounds or missing a mandatory.