JOIN THE WORLD OF DISC GOLF.
One disc at a time, this is your complete disc golf guide.
DISC GOLF BEGINNER GUIDE
OVERVIEW
Enter the world of disc golf. Whether you’re looking for a new outdoor hobby, a way to stay active, or a competitive sport to master, you’ve come to the right place to get you covered with the basics. In this comprehensive disc golf guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to get started on your disc golf journey.
INTRODUCTION
While disc golf, or “Frisbee” to many means throwing around a thin plastic plate on a beach, disc golf is becoming more and more connected to player sponsor contracts and professional tournaments. Let’s dig deeper into the disc golf rabbit hole!
WHAT IS DISC GOLF?
Disc golf is a sport that shares similarities with traditional golf but is played with flying discs (frisbees) instead of clubs and balls.
What is the objective of disc golf?
The objective of disc golf is similar to that of traditional golf: to complete each hole in as few throws as possible. Players start from a designated tee area and throw their discs toward a target (typically a metal basket with hanging chains) located at the end of the fairway. The player with the lowest total score at the end of the round wins.
What is a disc golf course?
Disc golf courses consist of a series of holes, each with a designated tee area and a target (often referred to as a “basket” or “pole hole”). Courses can vary in length and difficulty, with holes ranging from short, technical shots to long, open fairways. Courses are typically located in outdoor settings such as parks, forests, or recreational areas.
What equipment do I need for disc golf?
The primary equipment used in disc golf is a set of specialized discs. These discs come in three main types: putters, midranges, and drivers. Putters are used for short-range shots and putting, midranges for medium-range shots with accuracy, and drivers for long-distance drives. Players carry these discs in a bag or backpack and select the appropriate one for each shot based on distance, wind conditions, and terrain.
Learn about the basics of disc golf, including the rules, objectives, and equipment needed to play. Here’s a link to a comprehensive Youtube Beginner Tutorial.
WHY SHOULD I PLAY DISC GOLF?
If you have gotten yourself far enough to ask the question: Why should I start playing disc golf? Then you might at least be interested to read some of the great benefits of disc golf that we share below. Discover the many benefits of playing disc golf, from physical exercise and outdoor recreation to social interaction and mental relaxation.
Is disc golf accessible and affordable?
Yes, disc golf is highly accessible and affordable to people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pro, disc golf provides a low barrier to entry. All you need is a few discs (even one) and access to a course, which are often free or have minimal fees.
Does disc golf enable physical exercise?
Disc golf offers a full-body workout while enjoying the outdoors. Walking the course provides cardiovascular exercise, while throwing discs engages muscles in the arms, shoulders, and core. It’s a fun way to stay active and improve your physical fitness.
Outdoor recreation from disc golf
Disc golf courses are typically located in scenic outdoor settings, such as parks, forests, and countryside. Playing disc golf allows you to immerse yourself in nature, enjoy fresh air, and appreciate the beauty of your surroundings.
Is disc golf a social sport?
Disc golf is very much a social sport that brings people together. Whether you’re playing with friends, family, or fellow disc golfers, it provides opportunities for camaraderie, friendly competition and building connections with others who share your passion for the game.
Can disc golf be mentally relaxing?
Disc golf offers a break from the stresses of daily life and allows you to focus on the present moment. The mental challenge of planning shots, navigating the course, and strategizing your game can be both stimulating and relaxing, providing a welcome escape from everyday worries.
Is disc golf a skillful game?
Disc golf requires a combination of physical skill, mental focus, and strategic thinking. As you play, you’ll have the opportunity to improve your throwing technique, develop your decision-making abilities, and hone your course management skills, which can transfer to other areas of life. As many other sports that seem to be easy, when playing at the highest level, you will soon realize how complex some of the features in the sport becomes.
Is disc golf inclusive?
Evolvent Discs cherrish disc golf as an inclusive sport that welcomes everyone. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or competing in tournaments, disc golf fosters a sense of community and encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion within the sport.
Is disc golf bad for the environment?
Many disc golf courses are located in public parks and natural areas, and the sport promotes environmental awareness and stewardship. At Evolvent Discs we believe that by playing disc golf, which requires you to head outside and familiarize yourself with the nature the course you are playing, disc golf automatically raises the awareness about our surroundings. By raising awareness of the nature around us it can create a stronger sense of community towards keeping the nature clean.
Discs are commonly made out of plastics, but there’s a high focus in creating bioplastics and the industry is making strong progress in the field at the moment.
Continuous learning and improvement in disc golf
Disc golf offers endless opportunities for learning and growth. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced player refining your skills, there’s always something new to discover, challenge yourself and strive to improve your game.
Overall, disc golf provides a unique blend of physical activity, outdoor recreation, social interaction, and personal fulfillment. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to stay active, connect with others, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature, disc golf offers something for everyone. So why not grab some discs and give it a try? You might just discover a new passion that enriches your life in countless ways.
Get to know Evolvent Discs, our mission, and our commitment to providing high-quality discs for players of all skill levels by reading about us.
GETTING STARTED WITH DISC GOLF
How do I choose my first disc?
You read it right, disc is spelled in singular. If you are thinking about starting to play disc golf, start with one disc. Start with a midrange as they have a great balance between distance capacity and grip comfort. You can basically both drive and putt with a midrange.
However, take some time to understand the different types of discs (putters, midranges, and drivers) and how to select the right ones for your skill level and playing style. We elaborate more on the different disc types on our disc page.
What’s the correct way to grip the disc?
Learn proper grip techniques for backhand and forehand throws to maximize distance and accuracy. Here’s a link to a great tutorial instructing how to grip your disc with a backhand grip. Here’s also a link to a forehand grip guide.
What’s a basic disc golf throw?
Master the fundamental throwing techniques, including the backhand drive, forehand drive, and putting stroke.
ESSENTIAL DISC GOLF SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES
When you are new to disc golf, you want to keep it light. We list three important topics that we think are essential to work on when practicing disc golf. If you feel like you are not improving as much as you’d like, take a step back and think about these topics, are your working on them? If not, you might want to head back to these tips to see if you can track back on some notes listed below, hopefully it can help you!
- Form
- Putting
- Course Navigation
Let us expand on each topic and list some great points to keep in mind:
1. Work on your disc golf form
Dive deeper into improving your throwing form, footwork, and follow-through to achieve consistent and controlled throws.
How do I improve my disc golf form?
Working on your disc golf form is essential if you want to improve your game. Here are some tips to help improve your disc golf form:
- Work on your Body Alignment and Stance
Maintain proper body alignment and stance throughout your throw to generate maximum power and accuracy. Position your feet shoulder-width apart with your hips and shoulders aligned toward your target. Distribute your weight evenly between both feet and slightly bend your knees to create a stable base. Visualize a straight line extending from your target through your body, ensuring your shoulders are squared and parallel to the target line.
- Reach-Back and Pull Through
Execute a smooth and controlled reach-back and pull through to generate power and momentum in your throw. Focus on reaching back your throwing arm in a straight line, keeping it close to your body and parallel to the ground. Visualize loading up your energy like a coiled spring, ready to explode forward in a powerful throw. Maintain a smooth and fluid motion as you transition from the reach-back to the pull through, ensuring your arm remains on the same plane throughout the motion.
- Follow-Through and Release
Complete your throw with a strong follow-through and clean release to maintain accuracy and control. Concentrate on extending your arm fully toward your target during the follow-through, allowing your wrist to snap naturally at the point of release. Visualize the disc flying smoothly out of your hand, with your fingers pointing toward your target and your palm facing upward. Avoid any tension or jerky movements that could disrupt your release.
2. Practice a lot of putting
Explore effective putting drills and strategies to boost your confidence and accuracy on the green.
How do I improve my disc golf putting?
Putting is one of the most important parts of disc golf when competing. The best putting game usually wins, at least in the long run. Consistency in putting means consistency in your performance. When playing at high level, consistency is always a winning concept in the long run. Here are some tips that you could think about when working with your putting skills:
- Create a consistent putting routine
Develop a consistent putting routine that you can replicate for every putt, whether it’s a short tap-in or a long-range attempt. Focus on establishing a routine that includes steps such as visualizing the line to the basket, gripping the disc comfortably, aligning your body and stance, taking a deep breath to relax, and executing your putting motion with confidence. Visualize yourself executing each step of your routine smoothly and consistently before each putt.
- Focus on the target
Keep your eyes locked on the target (the basket) throughout your putting motion to maintain accuracy and concentration. Visualize the chain links of the basket and choose a specific target point within the chains to aim for. Keep your gaze fixed on this target point as you execute your putting motion, focusing on hitting it with precision. Avoid distractions and maintain unwavering focus on the target throughout your putt.
- Work on smoothing your putting stroke
Develop a smooth and controlled putting stroke that generates power and accuracy without sacrificing consistency. Concentrate on maintaining a fluid and rhythmical putting motion, with a gentle acceleration through the release. Visualize your arm extending smoothly toward the target, with your wrist snapping naturally at the point of release. Keep your grip relaxed and avoid any jerky or rushed movements that could disrupt your stroke.
- Practice different distances and angles
Practice putting from various distances and angles to improve your versatility and confidence on the green. Experiment with putting from short, medium, and long ranges to develop a feel for different distances. Practice uphill, downhill, and sidehill putts to adjust to varying terrain and basket positions. Visualize the flight path and trajectory of your putt for each distance and angle, and adjust your aim and putting technique accordingly.
- Work on your mental focus and confidence
Cultivate a strong mental game and confidence in your putting abilities to overcome pressure and perform at your best. Adopt a positive mindset and believe in your ability to make every putt. Visualize yourself sinking putts confidently and consistently, regardless of the outcome of previous attempts. Stay present and focused on the current putt, blocking out distractions and maintaining a calm and composed attitude. Trust your putting routine and technique, and approach each putt with resolute confidence.
3. Learn to navigate the disc golf course
Learn how to approach different types of holes, read the terrain, and make strategic decisions to optimize your score.
How do I improve my disc golf course navigation?
While course navigation might sound boring, improving your skills in course navigation can make wonders to your score and also improve your overall experience when playing disc golf. We got you covered with some tips that will help improving your course navigation:
- Study the Course Map
Most disc golf courses provide a map that outlines the layout of the holes, including tee locations, basket placements, and any notable landmarks or obstacles. Study the course map before you start your round to familiarize yourself with the layout and plan your strategy for each hole.
- Identify Key Landmarks
Pay attention to key landmarks on the course, such as trees, bushes, water hazards, or elevation changes. These landmarks can serve as reference points to help you navigate the fairways and determine your approach for each shot.
- Follow Tee Signs
Tee signs are typically located at the beginning of each hole and provide valuable information, including the hole number, par, distance, and sometimes a map of the hole. Take a moment to read the tee sign before each hole to understand its layout and any potential hazards.
- Use Disc Golf Apps or GPS Devices
Many disc golf apps and GPS devices offer course maps, hole details, and navigation features to help you navigate the course more effectively. Consider using these tools to track your progress, measure distances, and stay on course during your round.
- Walk the Fairways
As you walk the fairways between holes, pay attention to the flow of the course and any signs or markers that indicate the direction of the next tee. Look for worn paths, directional arrows, or signage that can help guide you to the next hole.
RULES AND ETIQUETTE IN DISC GOLF
Understanding the disc golf rules
Familiarize yourself with the official rules of disc golf, including fair play, out-of-bounds, and penalty strokes.
What are the rules in disc golf?
The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) provides a comprehensive rulebook that serves as the standard reference for disc golf rules and regulations. We list some of the larger rule topics that covers the basics:
- Tee Throws
Each hole begins with a tee throw from a designated tee area. Players must release the disc from within the tee area and establish full contact with the ground behind the front edge of the tee pad.
- Fairway Throws
After the tee throw, players must throw from the spot where their disc came to rest, establishing a supporting point behind the lie (the spot where the previous throw landed). Players must maintain balance and full contact with the lie during the throwing motion.
- Out-of-Bounds (OB)
A disc is considered out-of-bounds if it comes to rest beyond the boundaries of the designated fairway or playing area. Players incur a penalty stroke and must throw from a designated drop zone or a spot nearest to where the disc went out-of-bounds.
- Marking and Mini Markers
Players use a marker disc or mini marker to mark the lie before throwing. The marker is placed directly in front of the thrown disc and may not be moved until after the throw is completed.
- Throw Order
The player with the lowest score on the previous hole throws first on the next hole. Subsequent throws alternate based on the score from the previous hole.
- Completion of Hole
A hole is completed when the disc comes to rest in the target basket or chains. Players must wait for all group members to complete the hole before moving to the next tee.
- Scoring
Players count one stroke for each throw. The player with the lowest total score at the end of the round wins. Additional strokes may be added for penalty throws, such as out-of-bounds or missed putts.
- Etiquette
Players should demonstrate sportsmanship, respect for fellow players, and care for the environment throughout the round. This includes maintaining a reasonable pace of play, refraining from distracting behavior during others’ throws, and properly disposing of trash.
Respecting the course and others when playing disc golf
Discover proper course etiquette, such as maintaining pace of play, respecting fellow players, and caring for the environment. By respecting all the elements included in disc golf, we can help grow the sport in conjunction with caring for the beautiful environment around us.
GROWING YOUR SKILLS AND DISC GOLF KNOWLEDGE
Continued disc golf learning
Explore advanced techniques, disc selection strategies, and mental game tips to take your skills to the next level.
Competetive disc golf
Learn about different types of disc golf tournaments, leagues, and events, and how to prepare and compete at various levels. PDGA keeps track of all the major disc golf events taking place with date, location and expected players.
Are you thinking about competing but never competed before? Try search your local community for a smaller competition being held. It’s preferable to start easy and then scale up from there if you enjoy it. Playing your first competition on a course you are familiar with can be very helpful as you will have other things to care about when competing than during your usual disc golf round.
FIVE BASIC THINGS TO AVOID WHEN LEARNING DISC GOLF
1. Avoid overloading on discs
As a beginner, it’s tempting to acquire a large collection of discs in different molds and plastics. However, this can lead to confusion and hinder your progress. Avoid buying too many discs initially and focus on mastering a few versatile discs that suit your throwing style. As you gain experience, you can gradually expand your collection.
2. Avoid ignoring technique practice
While it’s fun to focus on distance and power, neglecting proper technique can hinder your progress in the long run. Avoid solely relying on arm strength and focus on developing fundamental throwing techniques, such as grip, stance, reach-back, and follow-through. Investing time in refining your technique will lead to more consistent and accurate throws.
3. Avoid skipping putting practice
Putting is a crucial aspect of disc golf that can make a significant difference in your scores. Avoid neglecting putting practice and instead dedicate time to honing your skills on the green. Practice putting from various distances and angles to build confidence and consistency in your putting stroke.
4. Avoid skipping warm-up and stretching
Disc golf involves repetitive throwing motions that can put strain on your muscles and joints, especially if you’re playing multiple rounds or practicing for an extended period. Avoid skipping warm-up exercises and stretching before your rounds to prevent injuries and improve your performance on the course.
5. Avoid getting frustrated
Disc golf is a challenging sport that requires patience, persistence, and a positive mindset. Avoid getting frustrated and control your emotions when you encounter obstacles or don’t achieve the results you hoped for. Instead, embrace the learning process, focus on small improvements, and enjoy the journey of continuous growth and development in the sport.
RESOURCES AND DISC GOLF COMMUNITY
Finding disc golf courses
Locate disc golf courses near you and explore new courses to expand your playing experience. If you don’t live close to a course, connect with your local community or municipal to see if there’s interest in installing a course. What’s beautiful with the game of disc golf is that it requires very little in order to create a playable course.
Joining the disc golf community
Connect with local disc golf clubs, online forums, and social media groups to meet fellow players, share tips, and stay updated on disc golf news and events. By joining a community, you help both growing yourself by increasing your network by finding new friends and practice partners and also helping the sport grow. Evolvent Discs loves the game of disc golf and by creating strong, positive communities around the world we will grow the sport to its fullest potential.
Where can I find the closest disc golf community?
There’s an app called UDisc which is great at locating the closest disc golf course to your location. If you still can not find any community, try search in local social media groups to see if there’s a kind soul there to guide you.