About Disc Golf

What is Disc Golf?

According to the PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association), Disc golf is played much like golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, though, players use a flying disc or Frisbee®.

When was Disc Golf invented?

The sport was formalized in the 1970s and shares with golf the object of completing each hole in the fewest strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, fewest throws).

How to play Disc Golf?

As explained by the PDGA, a golf disc is thrown from a tee area to a target, which is the "hole." The hole can be one of a number of disc golf targets; the most common is an elevated metal basket. As a player progresses down the fairway, he or she must make each consecutive throw from the spot where the previous throw landed. The trees, shrubs, and terrain changes located in and around the fairways provide challenging obstacles for the golfer. Finally, the "putt" lands in the basket and the hole is completed.

Disc golf shares the same joys and frustrations of golf, whether it's sinking a long putt or hitting a tree halfway down the fairway. There are a few differences, though: Disc golf is often free to play in public parks, although pay-to-play courses are trending upward; you probably won't need to rent a cart, but converted golf course layouts are also on the rise; and your "tee time" will usually come during tournament competition, not casual play.

What is a Disc Golf course?

A Disc Golf course is a dedicated area of space for playing Disc Golf. A Disc Golf course usually features 9 or 18 holes, and can vary in difficulty.  Some disc golf courses are found in public parks while others may be built on private property, or share space with a traditional golf course. 

How do I find a Disc Golf course near me?

There are a variety of ways to find a Disc Golf course near you. Many courses are listed online via websites like Google Maps. You may also use online directories to find local disc golf courses.

What do the numbers on Disc Golf discs mean?

Many discs may feature “flight numbers” on the disc’s stamp design. This 4-digit number system was created to try and help disc golfers determine how a disc flies. The numbers represent the following characteristics:

• Speed: How hard a disc must be thrown to reach its optimal speed for best performance
• Glide: How long the disc will stay in the air
• Turn: How much the disc will turn to the right when first thrown (by a right-handed back-hand thrower)
• Fade:  How much the disc will turn to the left at the end of its flight (by a right-handed back-hand thrower)