What is Disc Golf?
Disc Golf, also known as frisbee golf or frolf (a combination of frisbee and golf), is a game that is very similar to traditional ball golf. However, instead of using golf balls and golf clubs, players throw a disc into a basket or at a target. Score is kept the same with the lowest score winning. The object of the game is to finish the course in the fewest number of throws. A hole is started by someone throwing a drive from the tee pad area and completed when the disc comes to rest in the basket. The game of disc golf is played all over the United States as well as around the world. As of 2010, there were more than 3,000 established courses, nearly all of them free to play and more being designed and implemented all the time. Most of these courses are 9, 18, or 27 holes and vary in length and difficulty. Along with the low cost of disc golf and availability of courses, it is a very enjoyable sport to play no matter how young or how old a person is.
Types of Disc Golf Discs
There are three main types of disc golf discs - a driver, a mid range disc, and a putter.
Disc Golf Driver
Disc golf drivers have a sharp, bevelled edge that is great for cutting through the air. They are mainly used for shots off the tee pad that need to travel a significant distance.
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Disc Golf Mid Range
Disc golf mid range discs have edges that are bevelled yet blunt. They are used for shorter shots that need to be extremely accurate.
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Disc Golf Putter
Disc golf putters have a very blunt edge and are much slower than all of the other types of discs. They are much more accurate and do not travel nearly as far as mid range discs.
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For more information on disc golf manufacturers and what each has to offer, check out our Disc Golf Manufacturers Page.
Disc Golf Course Components
Whenever you go out to a disc golf course, look for these items if you have difficulty finding the first hole. Baskets will have a number plate on top of them to let you know what hole it is. Tee signs will also have arrows on them to let you know where the next hole begins. Most disc golf courses begin by the parking lot.
Disc Golf Basket
A disc golf basket is the most important part of a disc golf course. You can't truly play disc golf without a basket. It is also known as a target. Disc golf baskets come in all different colors and variations but they all have nearly the same look and purpose. Players must throw their disc in the basket to finish a hole.
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For more information on disc golf baskets, check out our Disc Golf Baskets Page.
Disc Golf Tee Pad
A disc golf tee pad is usually cement, rubber, or simply dirt. This is the area where a hole is started by a player throwing a drive. Tee signs are usually located near a tee pad.
Disc Golf Tee Sign
A disc golf tee sign is great for beginners as it shows them where the basket is, how long the hole is, and what the par on the hole is. Some courses have disc golf tee signs and some do not. They also show players where the next tee pad is located in comparison to the current basket.
Basic Disc Golf Rules
Disc golf, like any other sport, has basic rules that all players must follow. Some of these rules include:
- One stroke is counted each time a disc is thrown and each time a penalty is incurred.
- A 1 stroke penalty is incurred when a players' disc goes out-of-bounds or in a water hazard.
- Typical par for an 18-hole course is 54. Par on each hole is 3.
- The object of disc golf is to acquire the lowest score.
- Tee throws must be completed within the designated tee pad area.
- Your lie is the spot where your previous throw landed.
- Your lie can be marked with a mini or by simply turning over the thrown disc.
- You must throw from behind your lie but can follow through and step over your current lie.
- Once your lie is within 10 meters of the basket, you must maintain balance and not step over your lie until the disc comes to rest inside the basket or target.
- A hole is completed when your disc comes to rest inside the basket or target.
Disc Golf Throwing Styles
Backhand
The backhand throw is probably the most common way to throw a disc. It is performed by pulling the disc from the back to front using your dominant hand.
Forehand
The forehand throw is performed by pushing the disc along the side of the body much like a sidearm throw in baseball. Forehand throws usually generate more speed from the start as the disc is pushed forward instead of being pulled forward for a backhand.
Tomahawk
The tomahawk is an overhead shot, similar to throwing a baseball. Your fingers must be on the inside lip of the disc to throw a tomahawk shot. This is a great shot for going around a big object.
Thumber
The thumber is similar to a tomahawk but the disc flys the exact opposite. Your thumb must be on the inside lip of the disc to throw a thumber shot. This is an excellent shot when you need to go over a tree.
Disc Golf Equipment
Disc golfers need and carry many different items while out on the course. The following is just a short list of some of them. Click each item to see what we have available.
