Disc Golf for Dummies: Part III

When learning how to play disc golf, it is important to not only learn about the different disc and ways to throw but, it is also good to know the basic disc golf rules. In this last part of the blog series, I am going to talk about and explain some of the basic rules that will get you started in no time. Keep in mind though, these are just a few general rules so you must always follow any specific guidelines that are made at whatever course you are playing on.

Just like regular golf, disc golf involves points or strokes, that represent each attempt to get closer to, or in, the basket, and penalties will add to your stroke/point count such as landing in a sand trap or water. One stroke is counted each time you throw a disc, and the goal is to get into the hole in as few strokes as possible. 

Starting off a game of disc golf, there is no set way for you to select who throws first on the first hole. There are time where people will flip a coin for it, but It is really up to you and your group you are playing with to decide. After figuring that out and throwing the first hole, the player who had the fewest strokes on the previous hole is the first to throw “tee off” on the next and so on. After a player throws their disc, the place where it lands is called where it lies. The lie spot is marked with a mini disc, or by simply turning over the larger thrown disc itself. When it’s your next turn to throw, you must throw from directly behind the marked lie. There can be times when the lie is not playable because your disc could get jammed in a tree or even a large bush.

When you are throwing your disc on the fairway, you can get a lot more movement with each one of your throws. A fairway throw must be made from behind the lie, but you’re allowed to take your 2-3 step run up to the lie and can follow through normally, as long as your hand releases the disc behind the lie. It is important to keep a small disc or any disc laid down to mark where the lie is so you know where to not throw over. At the end of each hole is a basket or a set of chains. You’ll need to throw the disc into this to end the round. When you get your disc into the basket, you’ve completed the hole. Remember to always remove your disc from the basket after you complete each hole.

If you would like to become more knowledgeable about the rules of the game you can view them here on the official Professional Disc Golf Association website.