Learn Disc Golf
Beginner Guide to Disc Golf
New to disc golf? Learn how the sport works, what discs you need, how scoring works and what to expect during your first round.
Disc golf is simple to start: throw the disc, reach the basket, count your throws.
Disc golf is played like traditional golf, but instead of hitting a ball into a hole, players throw flying discs into metal baskets. Each hole starts from a tee area and finishes when your disc lands in the basket.
The aim is to complete each hole in the fewest throws possible. You throw from the tee, walk to where your disc lands, throw again, and keep going until you finish the hole.
Throw
Walk
Throw Again
Finish in Basket
How a hole works
Tee to basket
M
M
Beginner
Hole Guide
1
98 m | 322 ftPAR 3
The goal
What is disc golf?
Disc golf is an outdoor sport where players throw discs around a course made up of individual holes. Each hole has a starting point, called a tee, and a finishing target, called a basket. Your score is the number of throws it takes to get from the tee into the basket.
Courses are usually set in parks, reserves, bushland or open grassed areas. Some holes are short and straight, while others curve through trees, around obstacles, over elevation changes or across open fairways.
Simple version: fewer throws equals a better score.
The target
What is the basket?
The basket is the metal target at the end of each hole. It has chains hanging above a lower tray. When you putt, the chains help catch the disc and drop it into the basket.
A hole is complete once your disc is supported by the basket or chains. If your disc hits the basket and falls out, it does not count as finished, so you putt again from where it lands.
The sound of chains catching a putt is one of the best parts of disc golf.
Scoring
How scoring works
Each hole has a par, which is the expected number of throws for that hole. A short hole might be par 3, while a longer or harder hole may be par 4 or par 5. Your score compares your throws against par.
If a hole is par 3 and you finish in 3 throws, that is par. Finish in 2 throws and you score a birdie. Finish in 4 throws and you score a bogey.
-1BirdieOne throw under par.
0ParThe expected number of throws.
+1BogeyOne throw over par.
First round
What to expect when you play
At the start of each hole, players throw from the tee pad. After everyone has thrown, the group walks to their discs. The player furthest from the basket usually throws next. This continues until everyone has finished the hole.
Most casual rounds are relaxed. You do not need to throw far, know every rule or own lots of discs. A beginner can play a full round with just one or two discs and still have a great time.
Your first goal is not distance. It is learning control and having fun.
Disc types
The main types of disc golf discs
Disc golf discs are different from regular beach frisbees. They are smaller, heavier and designed to fly in specific ways. Most players use different discs for different distances and shot shapes, but beginners do not need a huge collection to start.
PPuttersSlow, straight and easy to control. Used for putting, short throws and learning clean form.
MMidrangesGreat for controlled throws, medium distance and learning accuracy. Often the most useful beginner disc.
DDriversDesigned for longer throws. Fairway drivers are easier to control than fast distance drivers.
Best start
What discs should beginners use?
Beginners usually learn fastest with slower, easier-to-control discs. A putter and a midrange are often better than a fast distance driver because they fly straighter at lower throwing speeds.
For a first driver, a fairway driver is usually a better choice than a high-speed distance driver. It will be easier to release cleanly, easier to keep straight and more useful on real course lines.
Good beginner discs are usually slower, glidey and forgiving.
Starter packs
What is a starter pack?
A starter pack is a small set of discs designed for new players. Most starter packs include one putter, one midrange and one driver, giving you enough variety to play a full round without having to choose discs one by one.
The discs in starter packs are often lighter and easier to throw than advanced discs. They are designed to help new players get the disc flying straight, build confidence and learn the difference between disc types.
Starter packs are a simple, affordable way to begin playing straight away.
Throwing basics
Backhand and forehand
The two most common throwing styles are backhand and forehand. A backhand throw is similar to throwing a frisbee across your body. A forehand throw, also called a sidearm, is thrown more like skipping a flat stone.
Most players eventually learn both, but you do not need both on day one. Start with the throw that feels most natural, then focus on smooth releases and keeping the disc flat.
Beginner form
Smooth beats hard
New players often try to throw as hard as possible. This usually causes the disc to wobble, turn sideways or dive into the ground. A smooth throw with good balance will usually fly better than a powerful throw with poor timing.
Try to keep your arm relaxed, release the disc flat and follow through toward your target. Distance will improve naturally as your timing gets better.
Course habits
Basic etiquette
Disc golf is usually very relaxed, but good etiquette makes the course safer and more enjoyable. Wait until the group ahead is clear before throwing, watch where your disc lands, and be aware of walkers, cyclists and other park users.
If your disc lands near another fairway, let other players know before you throw. A simple call of “fore” warns people if a disc is heading toward them.
Rules to know
Keep it simple at first
For casual play, you only need the basics: throw from the tee, play from where your disc lands, count every throw and finish in the basket. As you play more, you can learn rules for out-of-bounds, lost discs, marked lies and penalties.
The most important thing early on is learning how discs fly and enjoying the round.
Ready to play?
Start with simple discs and build from there
You do not need a large bag to begin. A putter, a midrange and an easy fairway driver are enough for most new players. As your throw improves, you can add discs that cover different flights, distances and wind conditions.
If you are unsure where to start, a beginner-friendly starter pack is usually the easiest option.
