What is Disc Golf?
Disc golf, often referred to as frisbee golf, is a sport that combines the concepts of traditional golf with the use of a flying disc. Unlike conventional golf, which uses clubs and a ball, disc golf players throw discs into specially designed baskets. The objective is similar: to complete each hole in the fewest number of throws.
The Basics of Disc Golf
Disc golf is loved by millions worldwide because it is fun, accessible, and social. It is a great source of exercise and a wonderful excuse to get outside and explore nature. It can be played and enjoyed by anyone at any age. It can be a relaxing and casual hobby or a neverending pursuit of personal improvement and competitive challenge. Disc golf has something for everyone, so give it a try!
The sport is played on a course with a series of holes, usually ranging from 9 to 18. Each hole starts from a tee area and ends at a target, which is typically a metal basket with hanging chains designed to catch the disc. The fairway between the tee and the basket may include various obstacles such as trees, bushes, and terrain changes, making each hole unique and challenging.
Just like golf, disc golf has birdies, pars, and (hopefully not too many) bogeys. A player starts a hole by throwing a disc from the tee area (or “tee box”). Where that disc lands is the player’s new lie, and they throw their next shot from there. They advance with each throw until the disc comes to rest in the basket, at which point the hole is completed.
There are a variety of ways to throw a disc in disc golf, such as backhand (like throwing a frisbee at the beach), forehand (kind of like skipping a stone), and putting (for short, accurate shots on the green). Disc golfers also use a variety of discs that all have different aerodynamic properties causing them all to have their own unique flight properties. Like clubs in golf, there are discs that are “putters,” “mid-range discs,” “fairway drivers,” and “distance drivers.” Disc and shot-type selection is critical for a disc golfer to shape shots that move in a variety of ways as they navigate the fairways and around obstacles.
For more a complete beginner’s guide from the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), read more here: https://www.pdga.com/news/what-disc-golf-guide-parents-kids
When you’re ready to try, you can find a disc golf shop here and then find a disc golf course to play on UDisc or Disc Golf Course Review.