Everybody knows disc golf involves a disc that looks similar to frisbee, and somehow the game is parallel to golf, but nobody really knows how to play the game, and what the rules actually are.
Like traditional golf, disc golf is played on a course, with different equipment and totally different technique. However, the objective of disc golf is similar to traditional golf in a way that in both games you have to finish the course in the minimum possible throws.
In total, there are nine to eighteen holes, every hole starts with a Tee and ends at the basket. You have to put your disc in the basket to score the shot. The rules as well as the techniques revolve around how you make your disc land in the basket in the fewest possible throws.
Disc golf is a fun, free, user-friendly, and easy-to-play game that is getting the traction of a pro sport over the course of years. It is no longer a frisbee-throwing game, as it has got all the attention a sport can get, all around the globe.
This blog post will cover all the aspects of disc golf, from buying the right golf to correcting your stance to putting your first throw right into the basket, we’ve got it all covered.
What will you Need to Get Started?
A disc! Yes, that’s it. That is all you need to play a fun and adventurous game that goes by the name of disc golf. This game shares all the frustrations as well as the joys of a traditional golf game, it’s the equipment that gives it a kick and makes it more exciting.
The next important thing you need to play disc golf is a golf course, but worry not, an uncrowded park, your backyard, or any open space can be your disc golf course.
Types of Golf Disc
Although there are different types of discs to play disc golf, for beginners, it is best to bring only one type of disc to your first practice sessions. The ultimate disc set that is beginner-friendly includes three types of disc that are deemed safe, and easy to use, especially when being introduced to novice players.
Putters
Putter discs are beginner-friendly discs that are used in both putting and throwing. These discs are similar in shape, size, and weight to the normal frisbees. Putters are flat, dome-shaped, and lightweight, both the shape and weight of the discs make a straight and controllable flight. It offers accuracy to the new players and allows them to control their disc to land it into the basket.
Mid-Rangers
Speed and spin are the most difficult things for the new players. Generating the speed and spin is necessary to cover the distance between you and the basket. Mid-range discs are used to control the speed of the shots.
They are the most versatile discs for both beginners and skilled players. Unlike putters, mid-rangers have a sharp edge that adds controlled speed to the flight.
Drivers
Drivers are the fastest discs, with the sharpest edges. Skill and technique are required to control the flight of a driver, therefore, beginner players are recommended not to use drivers in their early sessions. It is the disc for highly-skilled and advanced players, who have mastered the techniques of landing it perfectly into the basket.
How to Play Disc Golf: Rules and Regulations
In order to play a game, it’s important to adhere to the rules and regulations. This blog will walk you through the general rules and guidelines of disc golf. It is, however, necessary to know the specific rules of the game when playing in a competitive environment or tournament.
Point / Strokes
Like traditional golf, your strokes will bring you closer to your basket and penalties. Your stroke is counted every time you throw the disc, and the target is to land your disc in the basket in the fewest possible strokes.
Tee Throwing
If you are playing on a golf course, tees are designated before each hole. The tee determines your throwing point, and your first throw must start from behind or from within the throw.
Order of Throwing
There is no order for ‘who throws first’ for the first throw. Anyone from the players can take the first short, however, for the second course of the game, the players with the fewest strokes take the shot (Tee Off). Once everyone has teed off, the rule is that the player who stands farthest from the basket takes the first throw.
Lie
A lie is a point where the player’s first throw (and after the first throw, every throw) lands. This point is marked, on the next turn, the player throws from this very point. The lie point is marked with a mini disc or sometimes by turning your disc upside down to designate the point.
Unplayable Lie
An unplayable lie is one that you cannot use to throw your next shot. It’s quite common in open courses, that your disc gets stuck in bushes and trees. So, it becomes quite impossible to use those lie points to throw your disc on your next turn. In such cases, you stand at a point, closest to your lie to take your next shot.
Out-Of-Bounds
Out-of-Bounds or OB is a prohibited point for disc golf players. Your disc must not go into or out of the OB. OB usually features the surroundings including water, road, or any public place surrounding your play area.
If your disc lands into the OB, you move your lie point to 3 feet from where your disc landed to throw your next strike.
Completion of Hole
Completion is the end of your disc golf round, which is marked by landing the disc right into the basket. At the end of each hole, there is a basket made of chains, which is basically your target in the disc golf game.
After completion of the hole, players remove their discs from the basket to start the new round.
Disc Golf Etiquette
There is a formal set of rules and regulations set by the PDGA, but for novice players, we recommend not to concern themselves with the set of rules, however, one must not compromise the etiquette and courtesy rulings of the sport.
Here are some of the etiquette rulings one must abide by when playing disc golf in both family and professional settings.
Disc Golf Courtesy Rules
The disc golf courtesy rules are no different from any sport, where players are prohibited from displaying unsportsmanlike behavior, no matter the setting. Disc golf courtesy includes, not using foul language towards any player, not meddling with the gameplay of your fellow players, or destroying the equipment or the course in any way.
Safety is the Prime Priority
The practices that you learn in the early stages of the gameplay, usually become unbreakable habits. Your and your fellow player’s safety should be your prime priority when playing disc golf. Make sure that you throw the disc above your head level, keeping safety in view.
Golf Discs are not Toys
The beginner players must not forget that the discs used in disc golf play are not toys, but actual sporting equipment, using them carelessly and playing around with them is not something that should be encouraged.
If you are teaching this game to your children, or siblings make sure you teach them to be mindful of the discs, showing them the importance and the health hazards of throwing discs at each other. Most of the discs have sharp edges, which may harm people in the worst possible ways when thrown at them.
Your Attire Needs Your Attention
Be mindful of your attire when going for practice sessions or for playing disc golf. Wear something that is comfortable and easygoing, especially when throwing the discs. Throwing the discs changes your body position, tight clothing would not allow the twisting movement necessary to throw the disc.
The most important part of your attire is your shoes. The disc golf courses are not plain terrains, they can get rough at times, so shoes with good grip are important to safely complete your game.
Your feet bear the weight of your body, any weight shift that takes place as a result of the movements is borne by your feet. Wearing the right shoes will not only support these shifts but will protect you from injuries.
In conclusion, disc golf is a very easy, fun, and inexpensive game. All you need is a disc, an open space, and some peers to play this game. There are no hard-and-fast rules on how to play disc golf unless you are playing in tournaments or formal settings.
If you want to get more involved in the game, joining the disc golf clubs is a great way of polishing your skills in the supervision of coaches, and skilled teachers.
If you are good at throwing and putting, you must give disc golf a shot, and make your family gatherings more fun and enjoyable!