🔰 The Beginner’s Guide to Disc Golf: Rules, Gear, and First Steps

Welcome to the world of disc golf! This is your comprehensive resource for getting off the couch and onto the course. Disc golf is an affordable, accessible, and fun sport that blends the challenge of traditional golf with the joy of throwing a flying disc.

This guide will cover everything you need to know to play your first full round.

Part I: What is Disc Golf? (The Basics)

Disc golf, also known as frisbee golf, is played much like traditional ball golf. The object is to complete a course from beginning to end in the fewest number of throws possible.

The Core Objective

Start at the designated Tee Pad (Teeing Area).
Throw your disc toward the target, a specialized metal Basket (often called a Disc Pole Hole).
Continue throwing from where your previous throw landed (the Lie).
Finish the hole when your disc lands in the basket or chains.
The total number of throws (strokes) is your score for the hole.

Safety First: Course Etiquette

The most important rule is Safety and Courtesy.
Never throw when people are in range. Ensure the fairway and landing area are clear.
Yield to park users—give right of way to hikers and other visitors.
Don’t litter. Pack out what you pack in.
Stay out of the way. Don’t walk in front of a player who is throwing; stand behind them until the shot is complete.

Part II: The Essential Gear Checklist

You don’t need a lot of equipment to start, but having the right discs is crucial for learning good technique.

1) The Discs (Your Starter Set)

A beginner should start with just three discs—one of each main type. Look for lighter weights (160–170 grams) and discs labeled Understable (more on this in our Flight Ratings guide).

💡 Pro Tip: New players often get better distance and control with a Mid-Range disc than a high-speed Driver. Start slow and work your way up!

Disc Types for Beginners
Disc Type	Purpose	Key Characteristics for Beginners
Putter	Short, accurate shots & landing in the basket (10–30 ft).	Thick, blunt edge; slow speed; flies straight.
Mid-Range	Controlled, moderate-distance shots (up to ~200 ft).	Rounded rim; more distance than a putter; very controllable.
Fairway Driver	Max distance on your opening shot (Drive).	Sharper, thinner rim; lower speed rating (Speed 6–8) than distance drivers.

2) Must-Have Accessories

Accessories Checklist
Accessory	Why You Need It
Mini Marker Disc	Marks your Lie before the next throw (required for PDGA-compliant play).
Disc Golf Bag	Carry 3–5 discs, water bottle, and accessories comfortably.
Towel	Keep hands and discs clean/dry for a consistent grip.
Sturdy Footwear	Traction and ankle support for uneven terrain.
Water Bottle	Rounds can run long—stay hydrated.

Part III: Basic Rules of Play

While the official rulebook is dense, recreational play follows these essential principles:

Starting the Hole (The Tee Throw)

Tee Off: The first throw on every hole must be made from within or behind the designated Tee Pad.
Order of Play: Lowest score on the previous hole throws first on the next tee.

Continuing the Hole (The Lie)

Mark Your Lie: Place a mini marker disc on the ground directly in front of your thrown disc, then pick up the thrown disc.
Stance: At least one point of contact (foot) with the ground directly behind the mini.
Follow-Through: You may run up and follow through on normal throws, but release before stepping past your lie.

The Putting Rule (Within 10 Meters)

If your Lie is within 10 meters (33 feet) of the basket, you are in the “Putting Area”. Crucial rule: You must maintain balance behind your lie after releasing the putt until the disc comes to rest. Stepping past early is a foot fault (penalty stroke in tournaments).

Out-of-Bounds (O.B.)

If your disc lands in an area marked as O.B. (e.g., a pond, pavement, or a designated area), take a one-stroke penalty and play from a drop zone or the point where the disc last crossed in-bounds.

Part IV: Your First Throwing Techniques

The backhand throw is the most common and easiest for beginners to learn.

The Backhand Grip

Fan Grip (Recommended): Thumb on top; index slightly spread; remaining fingers gently fanned against the inside rim for control.
Power Grip (For Distance): All four fingers tucked tightly under the rim for max power/spin—save this for later.

The Backhand Stance & Motion (Standstill)

Stance: Throwing shoulder faces target; feet shoulder-width apart.
Reachback: Bring disc straight back on a level plane; shift weight to back foot.
Pull Through: Lead with the elbow; pull across the chest with a firm wrist.
Snap: Generate speed with a quick wrist snap as the disc reaches your front chest.
Follow-Through: Let your arm/body unwind naturally to dissipate momentum.

🔗 Next Steps & Deeper Dives

You now have the fundamental knowledge to play your first round! The best next step is to grab a starter set and find a local course.

Mastering Disc Golf Flight Ratings and Stability: Learn what those four numbers on your disc mean (Speed, Glide, Turn, Fade).
How to Throw a Disc Golf Disc (Backhand & Forehand): Dive into advanced form, run-ups, and the sidearm (forehand) throw.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many discs should a beginner buy to start?

Start with three: a putter, a mid-range, and a fairway driver in lighter weights (160–170g). This keeps choices simple and builds good form.

What does “understable” mean and why does it matter?

Understable discs resist fading hard to the left (for a right-hand backhand) and are easier to throw straight at lower power—great for beginners.

What is my “Lie” and how do I mark it?

Your Lie is where your previous throw came to rest. Place a mini marker disc directly in front of your thrown disc, then pick up the thrown disc and throw from behind the mini.

What are the basic putting rules inside 10 meters?

Inside 10 m (33 ft), you must demonstrate balance behind your lie after release until the disc comes to rest. Stepping past early is a foot fault and earns a penalty in tournament play.

What happens if my disc goes out-of-bounds (O.B.)?

Take a one-stroke penalty and play from a drop zone (if provided) or from the last in-bounds point where the disc crossed the O.B. line.

Do I need special shoes or clothing?

Not required, but sturdy shoes with good traction help on uneven terrain. Dress for the weather and bring a towel and water.

Is a high-speed distance driver good for beginners?

Usually not. Most beginners get straighter, longer throws with mid-ranges and fairway drivers until their form and release speed improve.

What’s the simplest etiquette to remember on day one?

Safety first: never throw if people are in range. Yield to other park users, keep the course clean, and stand behind players while they throw.