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know the game
Best Disc Golf Starter, in one breath
Disc golf is golf you play with flying discs instead of clubs and balls, and it might be the easiest big-yard sport to fall in love with. You throw a disc from a tee pad toward a metal basket, then keep throwing from wherever it lands until the disc clatters into the chains and drops in.
The shortlist
Our top best disc golf starter picks at a glance
These are ordered by what you are shopping for, not by score. The
number rates each set on build and play quality on its own, so a specialist pick like
the tournament set or the premium wood can out-score the all-round winner and still not
be the one most people should buy. The highest score on the page takes the MVP ribbon.
MVP Pick 94 Best Overall Starter Set
Pros - Trusted three-disc lineup tuned for beginners
- Forgiving, straight-flying plastic builds confidence
- Industry-standard discs you'll keep using
Watch for - Only three discs, so you'll outgrow it and want more molds within a few rounds
- The base-plastic discs scuff and wear faster than the premium runs Innova sells
Who it's for Best for a brand-new player who wants the three discs that actually matter without decoding the pro-shop wall.
91 Best for New Players
Pros - Judge putter, EMac Truth midrange and Escape driver
- Prime Burst plastic offers an accessible starting set
- Colors vary; most sets use discs of 170 g or more
Watch for - This three-disc version does not promise a bag or mini marker
- Base plastic wears faster than premium blends
Who it's for A three-disc starting point for new players who do not need a bundled bag. Check disc weights if you need a lighter junior set.
90 Best Premium Pick
Pros - Premium plastic in approachable beginner molds
- Distinctive overmold feel and durability
- Stable flights that grow with your game
Watch for - Costs more than the other starter packs for a beginner who may not stick with it
- The overmold molds fly a little different, so advice from non-MVP players won't always translate
Who it's for Best for a beginner who already knows they're hooked and wants premium plastic they won't replace next season.
92 Best Set with Basket
Pros - 12-chain portable target with a mesh basket tray
- Five-leg base, anchor stakes and tote bag; about 15 lb
- Discs are bought separately
Watch for - Target only: no starter discs in this listing
- Mesh tray and 12 chains differ from a permanent course basket
- Secure the base on uneven ground or in wind
Who it's for Best for someone with a backyard who wants to build their own putting holes at home, not the player who only plays public courses.
85 Best for Kids
Pros - One driver, one midrange and one putter
- Models and plastic blends may vary
- A compact starting point for learning different throws
Watch for - Disc weights are not guaranteed to be junior-friendly
- Colors, molds and plastics can vary between packs
Who it's for A three-disc starter pack. Confirm weights before buying for a child who needs lightweight discs.
From the commissioner
How to choose a best disc golf starter set
- Start with three discs, not thirty. A beginner set should include a driver, a midrange, and a putter. That trio covers every shot you'll need while you learn, and you can expand later.
- Go lighter on weight. Lighter discs (lower gram count) are easier for new players to throw far and straight, so beginner-specific sets beat grabbing heavy pro discs off the shelf.
- Pick understable, beginner-friendly plastic. Sets labeled for beginners use forgiving discs that fly straight without needing a perfect throw, which keeps the early rounds fun.
- Add a basket if you want a backyard course. A set or add-on with a portable, foldable basket lets you practice putting and play full holes at home without driving to a course.
- Consider a bag for growth. A small starter bag keeps your discs together and leaves room to add more as your collection grows past the starter three.
next up Build the whole roster
Outfitting a party or a whole backyard? Grab the bundle and save a trip, or see how best disc golf starter stacks up against the rest.
Buyer's desk
Best Disc Golf Starter buying FAQ
How many discs do I need to start disc golf?
Just three: a driver for distance, a midrange for control, and a putter for short throws. Almost every starter set is built around this trio, and it covers everything a beginner needs before you start collecting more.
What disc weight is best for beginners?
Lighter discs, often in the 150 to 170 gram range, are easier for new players to throw far and straight. Beginner starter sets pick these weights for you, so you don't have to decode the numbers yourself.
Do I need a basket to play at home?
Not for a real course, where the baskets are already installed. But a portable basket is fantastic for backyard practice and inventing your own holes. Foldable baskets store easily and travel to the park too.
What's the difference between disc golf and frisbee golf?
They're the same game. Disc golf is the official term, and the discs are smaller and heavier than a recreational flying disc, designed to fly accurately toward a basket target rather than to a partner's hand.
Can kids play disc golf?
Definitely. Lightweight, smaller-diameter discs are easy for kids to grip and throw. Start them close to the basket so they get the satisfying clink of a make, then back up the tee as their throws get stronger.
