How to Play Disc Golf

Disc golf is an exciting and accessible sport that combines skill, strategy, and outdoor fun. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just curious, this guide will teach you how to play disc golf, from the basics to essential tips for getting started.

What You Need to Play Disc Golf

One of the best things about disc golf is how easy and affordable it is to get started. Here’s what you need:

1. A Disc: You only need one disc to start. For beginners, mid-range discs are a great choice because they’re versatile and easier to control. Over time, you can expand your collection to include drivers (for distance) and putters (for accuracy).
2. A Course: Disc golf courses can be found in parks, forests, or open fields. Most courses are free to play and have 9 or 18 holes. Use an app like UDisc to find a course near you.
3. Comfortable Clothing: Wear clothing that allows for free movement, as disc golf involves throwing, walking, and bending.

The Basics of Playing Disc Golf

Disc golf is similar to traditional golf, but instead of hitting a ball into a hole, you throw a disc into a basket. Here’s how to play:

1. Start at the Tee: Each hole begins at a marked tee area. Players take turns throwing their disc toward the basket.
2. Throw from Your Lie: After your first throw, you must throw again from where your disc landed. This spot is called your “lie.”
3. Aim for the Basket: The goal is to get your disc into the basket or chains in as few throws as possible.
4. Scoring: Count each throw as a stroke. The player with the lowest total score at the end of the course wins.

Basic Rules of Disc Golf

1. Order of Play: On the first hole, decide the order randomly. For subsequent holes, the player with the lowest score throws first.
2. Stay Behind Your Lie: When throwing, one foot must stay behind the spot where your disc previously landed.
3. Putting: When within 10 meters (about 33 feet) of the basket, you cannot step past your lie until the disc has stopped moving.
4. Out of Bounds (OB): If your disc lands outside the course boundaries, you take a one-throw penalty and resume play from the last in-bounds location.

Tips for Beginners

1. Start Simple: Focus on accuracy rather than power. Learning to throw straight will improve your game quickly.
2. Practice Your Backhand: This is the most common throwing technique in disc golf and a great starting point for new players.
3. Use Lightweight Discs: Beginners benefit from lighter discs, as they are easier to throw and control.
4. Play with Friends: Disc golf is a social sport, and playing with others makes it even more enjoyable.

Why Play Disc Golf?

• Affordable: Most courses are free, and discs are inexpensive.
• Accessible: People of all ages and fitness levels can play.
• Healthy: It combines walking, throwing, and being in nature for a great workout.
• Fun: It’s a sport that’s easy to learn but challenging to master, offering endless enjoyment.