What is Disc Golf?

Here is a short video of the disc golf rules

Whether you call it "Frisbee Golf" or its official name, Disc Golf, you are looking at one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities on the planet. Combining the precision of traditional golf with the accessibility of a walk in the woods, it’s a sport that attracts millions of players worldwide.

But what exactly is it, and how do you get started? This guide covers everything from the physics of flight to the etiquette of the fairway.

1. The Core Concept: How It Works

The game is played much like traditional "ball" golf. A player starts from a tee area and throws a disc toward a target. Each consecutive throw is made from the spot where the previous throw landed.

The target is almost always a Disc Pole Hole—a metal basket with hanging chains designed to deflect the disc into the tray. Your score is the total number of throws it takes to get the disc into the basket.

The Golden Rule: The player with the lowest score at the end of the round wins.

2. Understanding the Gear: It’s Not Just a Frisbee

You could play with a beach frisbee, but you wouldn't get very far. Modern disc golf discs are smaller, heavier, and aerodynamically designed for specific flight paths. They are categorized into four main types:

Distance Drivers: Sharp, thin edges designed for maximum speed and distance (300ft+). These are the hardest to control.
Fairway Drivers: Slightly more control than distance drivers; perfect for accurate "long-range" shots.
Mid-Ranges: The workhorse of the bag. They fly straight and are very predictable for beginners.
Putters: The deepest, slowest discs. Used for the final "putt" into the basket or short, accurate approach shots.

The "Flight Numbers"

On almost every disc, you’ll see four numbers (e.g., 7 | 5 | -1 | 2). These represent:

Speed: How fast the disc must be thrown.
Glide: The disc's ability to stay in the air.
Turn: How much the disc wants to drift right (for right-handed backhand) early in the flight.
Fade: How hard the disc hooks left at the end of the flight.

3. Basic Rules & Etiquette

To keep the game fair and the parks safe, players follow a few "unwritten" and written rules:

The Away Player: The player whose disc is furthest from the hole always throws first.
Safety First: Never throw if there are pedestrians, dog walkers, or other players in your line of fire.
The "Lie": You must place a "mini-marker" or leave your disc where it landed. Your foot must be behind that spot when you throw.
Mandatories (Mandos): Some holes have signs forcing you to fly to a specific side of a tree to protect paths or other tees.

4. Why Disc Golf is Exploding in Popularity

Why are people choosing discs over clubs?

Accessibility: 90% of courses are located in public parks and are free to play.
Low Entry Cost: You can buy a "Starter Set" of three discs for about $25–$30. That’s all you need for years of play.
The "Hiking with a Purpose" Factor: It’s a great way to get 10,000 steps in. Plus, it’s a very dog-friendly sport! Bringing a dog like Balto along on a leash is a common sight on courses worldwide.
Community: The "disc golf vibe" is famously friendly. It’s common to join a group of strangers and end the round as friends.

5. How to Find a Course

You don't need a tee time. To find a place to play:

Download UDisc: This app is the "Google Maps" of disc golf. It shows every course in the world, layouts, and reviews.
Look for Local Clubs: Most cities have a Facebook group or club that hosts weekly "leagues" or "doubles" events where beginners are always welcome.

Summary Checklist for Your First Round:

[ ] At least one Mid-range or Putter.
[ ] Comfortable hiking shoes/sneakers.
[ ] A water bottle.
[ ] A towel (to wipe dirt/dew off your discs).
[ ] The UDisc app installed.

What is Disc Golf? The Complete Guide to the Sport