Disc Golf For the Beginner

Disc golf is a very fun and interesting outdoor game. It is becoming more and more popular since it was invented in the late 1960′s. The object is to complete each hole with the fewest amount of throws, similar to ball golf. The players use discs instead of balls and throw them towards ‘hole’. The hole is actually a pole in the ground that has a basket to catch the disc. It is a great outdoor sport and is most often played in outdoor public parks. In recent years disc golf has quickly become one of the more popular outdoor activities

Disc golf courses are very similar to real golf courses. They have a set ‘par’ and ratings depending on how hard they are. The rating is dependent on the extent of obstacles that are in play throughout the course. City parks are the most common place you will find Disc golf courses. Most courses consist of 18 holes like real golf but some have up to 24 holes. Of the 3000 courses in the United States, 90% are free which makes it a great sport for everyone. Each course will typically be designed with disc poles or ‘holes’, tonal poles, tee pads, tee signs, and specific topography. The most important design feature is the disc pole.

The ‘hole’ in disc golf can be referred to as a ‘disc pole’, ‘basket’, or a ‘catcher’. This pole usually has a metal basket connected to a pole and chains to catch the disc. When the disc is thrown and hits the basket the metal chains hold the disc and the hole is over for the person who threw the disc. The last throw is called a ‘putt’ and ends the hole.

There are a wide variety of discs which are used in Disc golf and they are divided into three basic categories: putters, mid-range discs, and drivers. Discs do not cost an arm and a leg, and can be purchased at local sporting good stores typically at retail prices between $7 and $15. The putter discs are designed to fly straight, predictably, and very slowly compared to mid-range discs and drivers and are designed similar to discs you would play catch with. Mid-range discs have slightly sharper edges, which enable them to cut through the air better. Drivers are the hardest types of discs to learn how to throw; their flight path will be very unpredictable without practice. Golf discs typically weigh between 150 and 180 grams.

The player begins by ‘driving’ from a designated tee area and continues toward the target, throwing each consecutive shot from the spot where the previous throw has landed. As a player progresses down the fairway, he or she must make each consecutive shot from the spot where the previous throw has landed while avoiding any obstacles along the way. As in golf, any out-of-bounds shot is a one shot penalty.

The most common throw in disc golf is the forehand throw to give the player the best ‘snap’. There are also overhand and backhand throws but all throws must be made with one hand only. After each throw the player marks the landing spot with a mini-disc and the next throw order is determined by whomever is farthest from the hole. Each player must tee off behind the designated tee area and if a disc is thrown out-of-bounds it is a one shot penalty and the player must throw next from within three feet of the out-of-bounds marker.

Similar to real golf, the person with the lowest overall score wins. The overall score is determined by adding up the throws on each hole, plus penalties. Every throw counts and each hole isn’t over until the player’s disc lands in the basket. The person with the lowest score on the previous hole always tees off first and an easy way to keep score is to say every hole is a par-3.

The governing body of Disc golf is the PDGA or Professional Disc Golf Association. They currently have over 40,000 members and organized many competitive and non-competetive events for men, women, and children. The PDGA encourages family involvement and is dedicated to promoting the benefits of outdoor activites centered around disc golf.

Disc golf can be played for a lifetime. It is a great activity that promotes being outdoors and being active to help prevent obesity. Families find it fun to play and the game continues to grow in popularity because it is also inexpensive. Make sure to find one of the many courses near you and give it a try if you haven’t already.

Want to find out more about Disc Golf. Stop by Kevin Polini’s site where you can find out all about frisbee golf and how much fun it is.