Welcome to Marshall Street! If you’re new to disc golf or have only played a few rounds, you’ve landed in the right place. Our disc golf beginner’s guide is custom-tailored for beginners, offering a thorough introduction to the sport. Whether you’ve never set foot on a disc golf course or are seeking a quick refresher on the rules and terminology, this guide will provide you with the knowledge required to fully enjoy the world of disc golf.

Disc golf is a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of traditional golf with the fun and accessibility of throwing frisbees. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started.

As you embark on your disc golf journey, you’ll discover that it’s a sport that welcomes players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a young enthusiast looking for an exciting outdoor activity or a seasoned golfer exploring a new avenue of the game, disc golf offers a rewarding experience that fosters camaraderie, competition, and a deep connection with the great outdoors. Let’s dive in and explore the world of disc golf together!

The Basics of Disc Golf

Disc golf is a thrilling outdoor sport played globally, offering recreational accessibility to individuals of all ages and skill levels. Similar to traditional golf, the objective is to complete a course in as few throws as possible. However, instead of using a ball and clubs, players utilize specially designed discs, similar to frisbees.

Who Can Play Disc Golf?

One of the unique aspects of disc golf is its universal appeal. Virtually anyone can play, from kids to grandparents. The sport is family-friendly, allowing you to bring along your entire family, including the dog (as long as it won’t chase the discs).

How to Play Disc Golf

The game begins with all players throwing from the designated tee box on hole 1. Whoever is farthest from the basket takes the next turn, even if it’s the same person multiple times over. The hole is complete when all players successfully land a disc in the basket. After marking the scores, you move on to the next hole. After hole 1, the order of throwers is decided by performance. If you had the lowest score on the previous hole, then you go first for the next one! After all 18 holes are complete, the players will tally all the scores to determine who had the lowest score.

*Remember, in disc golf, a lower score is better, as the goal is to complete the course in as few throws as possible. *

Disc Golf Terminology for Beginners

Most disc golf terminology migrated from ball golf, so you may be familiar with some of these terms already. Since this is a disc golf beginner’s guide, we want to make especially sure that you have the basic terminology down. Understanding these terms is crucial for enjoying disc golf fully:

Hole: A disc golf course typically consists of 18 holes, each with a starting point (tee box) and an end target (basket).

Tee Box/Tee Pad: The starting point of each hole, providing a flat area with good traction for throwing.

Basket: The target that players aim to reach on each hole. It is usually visible from the tee box (but not always).

Tee Sign: A sign found at the tee box that provides information about the hole, including basket location, distance, and par for the hole.

Out-Of-Bounds (OB): A place you can’t play from. Landing your disc in an OB area incurs a penalty stroke.

Scorecard: Used for keeping score in disc golf. After each hole, players record the number of throws it took to complete the hole.

Disc: Specially designed frisbees solely intended for disc golf, these discs vary in size, shape, plastic type, weight, and color — all are aspects that can make one disc fly differently from another. The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) determines what discs are legal for use in the sport.

Par: The expected number of throws an advanced player should take to complete a hole. Par is usually marked on the tee sign and reflects the norm/average score for the hole.

Birdie: A score one stroke under the par of a hole.

Bogey: A score one stroke over par. Double-bogey and triple-bogey refer to two and three strokes over par, respectively.

Ace: Completing a hole in one throw, also known as a hole-in-one.

What You Need to Start Playing

Contrary to the perception of needing a backpack full of discs and accessories, all you need as a beginner is one disc per person and a towel. While more experienced players may choose to carry many discs to handle different shot requirements, beginners can start with just one disc each. We usually recommend discs like the Innova DX Shark, the Discraft Comet, or the Latitude 64 Fuse.

Where to Play Disc Golf

Finding disc golf courses is easy with resources like the UDisc website/app. It provides a free course locator map, showing all the courses around you along with their player ratings, conditions, difficulty, and other valuable information. UDisc also acts as a virtual scorecard so you can keep score from your phone! For a more enjoyable experience, beginners are advised to start with courses tailored to their skill level.

When to Start Playing

Unlike most outdoor sports, the beauty of disc golf lies in its year-round accessibility. The sport is played through various weather conditions, making it suitable for any season. Dress appropriately, grab your disc, and head to the course – there’s no better time to start than now!

Conclusion

In summary, this disc golf beginner’s guide has provided the fundamentals, setting you on the path to mastering the exciting world of disc golf. Enjoy the game, revel in the outdoor experience, and may your discs find their way into the basket with ease!