Disc golf is an exhilarating outdoor sport that combines the thrill of traditional golf with the fun of throwing a flying disc.
It’s easy to learn, affordable, and suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.
How to play
Start by understanding the equipment. To play disc golf, you need a set of discs designed specifically for the sport.
These discs come in three main types: drivers, mid-range discs, and putters.
Regular frisbees are not ideal for disc golf as they are larger and less aerodynamic.
Try to understand the objective of this sport.
The objective of disc golf is to complete a course, consisting of multiple holes, with the fewest throws. Each throw counts as one stroke, and the player with the lowest total score wins.
Players take turns throwing, starting from the tee pad. The player whose disc is farthest from the basket always throws first during subsequent turns.
The hole is completed when the disc lands in the basket.
Follow proper etiquette, such as waiting for other players to complete their throws and avoiding distracting them during their turn.
Before starting a game, take time to familiarize yourself with the course layout.
Each disc golf course varies in design, with holes featuring different distances, obstacles, and par ratings.
Look for the tee pads, baskets, and any potential hazards such as trees, water, or elevation changes.
Read the course map, which is usually available at the start of the course or online.
Note the location of the next tee pad after each hole and plan your strategy for each hole based on its unique characteristics
On the first hole, the tee off order is decided by mutual agreement or by flipping discs.
Each player flips their disc, with the printed side representing “heads.”
The player whose result is different from the majority (the odd one out) tees off first.
For subsequent holes, the tee off order is determined by the scores on the previous hole.
The player with the lowest score tees off first, followed by the second-lowest, and so on.
Maintaining proper order ensures a smooth and fair game for all participants.
Before making your throw, align your body with the target.
Stand on the tee pad with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your dominant foot should be slightly forward, pointing in the direction of your throw.
Bend your knees slightly and maintain a balanced posture.
Proper alignment sets the foundation for an accurate and powerful throw.
There are several throwing techniques in disc golf, but the most common is the backhand throw.
To perform a backhand throw, hold the disc with a firm grip, placing your thumb on top and your fingers underneath the rim.
Bring the disc across your body to the side opposite your throwing arm, then swing your arm forward in a smooth, controlled motion.
As you release the disc, snap your wrist for added spin and accuracy.
For advanced players, other techniques like forehand (sidearm) throws or overhead throws can be useful in specific situations.
Each hole begins at a designated tee pad. Stand behind the tee line and use a controlled throw to launch your disc toward the target.
Aim for distance and accuracy while considering obstacles like trees or slopes.
Observe the par of the hole, which indicates the number of throws an expert player would take to complete it.
When your disc comes to rest, mark its position with a mini marker disc before picking up the thrown disc.
Place the mini marker disc directly in front of and in line with the thrown disc, pointing toward the target. Once marked, you can pick up your disc for the next throw.
After the initial throw, move to the spot where your disc landed.
From there, throw again toward the target. This step may involve navigating tricky terrain or avoiding obstacles.
The plant foot (the one used to balance during the throw) must be as close as possible to the marker disc. It cannot exceed 1 foot behind the marker disc or be placed in front of it.
The other foot can be positioned freely as long as it does not encroach past the marker disc.
Avoid overthinking your approach. A steady, controlled throw often yields better results than a power throw.
Once your disc is within a close range of the basket, switch to your putter disc.
Use a smooth, focused motion to aim for the chains and ensure your disc drops into the basket. This is known as putting.
Putting technique is a critical part of the game.
Continue playing each hole in sequence until you complete the course.
Tally up your strokes for each hole to calculate your total score. Celebrate your progress and look for areas where you can improve.
Variations of Disc Golf
Types of Disc Golf
In addition to traditional disc golf, there are variations of the sport that cater to different skill levels and interests. These include:
Mini Disc Golf
Played with smaller discs and baskets, ideal for indoor or casual settings.
The steps remain largely the same, but the reduced size of the equipment and course may require shorter, more precise throws. Mini disc golf places a higher emphasis on accuracy than distance.
Glow Disc Golf
Played at night with glow-in-the-dark discs and baskets. In this variation, understanding the course becomes even more crucial as visibility is limited.
Players should carry a flashlight or headlamp for navigating the course. Glow disc golf also requires slower, more deliberate throws due to the limited visibility.
Urban Disc Golf
Adapted for unconventional settings like city parks or streets. Urban disc golf often introduces unique obstacles, such as buildings, benches, and pathways.
The steps remain the same, but players must adjust their strategy to account for non-traditional terrain and obstacles. Rules about “out-of-bounds” are often relaxed or customized to suit the environment.
Single vs. Team Play
Disc golf can be played individually or as part of a team. Here’s how each format works:
Single Play
In single play, each player competes individually to achieve the lowest score. This format emphasizes personal skill and strategy.
The steps are the same as those outlined above, with players taking turns to complete each hole.
Team Play
Team play introduces a collaborative and competitive element. Teams can consist of two or more players, and the most common formats are best shot (or scramble) and alternate shot.
Best Shot (Scramble)
In this format, all players on a team throw their discs from the tee pad. The team then chooses the best throw and all players take their next shot from that spot.
This process continues until the disc lands in the basket.
Communication is key in this format. Discuss strategy with your teammates to decide on the best throw to use.
Alternate Shot
In alternate shot, team members take turns throwing the disc. One player starts at the tee pad, and the next player throws from where the disc lands.
This rotation continues until the hole is completed.
With a little practice and a love for the outdoors, you’ll be on your way to mastering this exciting game. So grab your discs, head to a local course, and start your disc golf journey today!