Disc Golf Rules
- Players
- 1 to 5 per group; play solo or in a foursome
- Ages
- 8+ (all ages can play casually)
- Setup time
- None on a real course; just show up and tee off
- Space
- A full course; holes often run 200 to 400+ ft each
What you need
- A driver for distance off the tee
- A mid-range disc for control and approach throws
- A putter for short, accurate tosses into the basket
- Comfortable shoes and a course to play (many city parks have free ones); a beginner 3-disc set covers all three needs
Set it up
There is no setup distance to measure; you play an existing course. Individual holes commonly run from about 200 to over 400 feet from tee pad to basket, with par set by the hole's length and difficulty.
Scoring
- Each hole score is the number of throws taken plus any penalty throws. Add each hole once for the round total.
- Par is a comparison with the expected score for a skilled player; being over par does not create an extra penalty.
- The lowest round total, including penalty throws, wins.
- Out of bounds adds one penalty throw. Normally play from the previous lie or within 1 m of the last in-bounds point; follow any course-designated options such as a drop zone.
- Common terms: a birdie is one under par on a hole, a bogey is one over par.
How to play
- Tee off from the tee pad. Start each hole by throwing your disc from the marked tee pad toward that hole's basket. Your first throw is your drive, usually with a driver disc for distance.
- Play from where it lands (your lie). Use the resting disc or a marker to establish your lie, then take your next throw from the legal position behind it. Follow the course rules for out-of-bounds areas and any marked drop zones.
- Keep throwing toward the basket. Take throw after throw, choosing a mid-range or putter as you get closer for more control. Each throw should advance the disc nearer to the basket.
- Throw in order, farthest player first. In a group, the player whose disc is farthest from the basket throws next. This keeps everyone safe and the round flowing in turn.
- Complete the hole in the basket. The hole ends when your disc comes to rest supported by the chains or basket tray. Record all throws for that hole, including any penalty throws.
- Move to the next tee. After everyone finishes, move to the next tee. Add each hole score once for the 9- or 18-hole round total; penalty throws are already included in the hole scores.