What Is Disc Golf?

Disc golf follows the same fundamental concept as traditional golf: complete each hole in as few throws as possible. Instead of hitting a ball with clubs into a hole in the ground, you throw a flying disc into an elevated metal basket. A typical course has 18 holes laid out across a park, forest, or open field, and a round takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours.

The sport has exploded in popularity over the past five years, with an estimated 20 million Americans having played at least once. There are now over 16,000 courses in the United States alone — more than traditional golf courses in many states — and the vast majority are free to play in public parks.

Equipment You Need to Start

The beauty of disc golf is its low barrier to entry. You can start playing today with a single disc that costs about $10 to $15. Here's what you actually need:

The Essentials

A single mid-range disc is the only thing you truly need. Mid-ranges are the most versatile disc type — they fly straight, are easy to control, and work for drives, approaches, and even putting when you're starting out. Popular beginner mid-ranges include the Innova Mako3, Discraft Buzzz, and Dynamic Discs Truth.

A Starter Set (Recommended)

Once you decide you enjoy the sport, a three-disc starter set gives you the right tool for each situation. These typically run $25 to $40 and include a driver (for maximum distance off the tee), a mid-range (for approach shots from 150 to 300 feet), and a putter (for short, accurate throws near the basket). Understable discs — those that curve gently to the right for right-handed backhand throwers — are easiest for beginners to control.

What You Don't Need Yet

You don't need a bag, special shoes, or twenty different discs. Many beginners make the mistake of buying high-speed drivers they can't throw properly. Stick with slower, understable discs until your form develops — typically speeds 6 to 9 for drivers and 4 to 5 for mid-ranges.

Basic Rules of Disc Golf

Disc golf rules are straightforward and intuitive if you've ever played or watched traditional golf:

1. Tee off from the tee pad. Each hole starts from a designated tee area — usually a concrete pad. All players in a group throw from here.
2. Throw from where your disc lands. After your tee shot, walk to your disc and throw again from that spot. Mark your lie (where the disc landed) with a mini marker disc if needed.
3. Finish by getting your disc in the basket. The hole is complete when your disc comes to rest in the basket — inside the chains and the metal cage.
4. Count every throw. Your score is the total number of throws to complete the hole. If the hole is a par 3, completing it in 3 throws earns you par, 2 throws is a birdie, and 4 throws is a bogey.
5. Farthest from the basket throws first. After the tee shot, the player farthest from the basket always throws next. This keeps play safe and organized.
6. Out of bounds (OB) adds a one-throw penalty, just like in traditional golf. OB areas are typically marked with signs or painted lines.

How to Throw a Disc

There are two primary throwing styles in disc golf, and most beginners start with the backhand.

The Backhand Throw

The backhand is the most common throw in disc golf. Grip the disc with your thumb on top and your four fingers curled under the rim. Stand sideways to your target, pull the disc across your chest, and release it with a smooth snap of the wrist. The key is a smooth, level release — power comes from technique, not muscle. Think of pulling a lawnmower cord in a straight line across your chest.

The Forehand (Sidearm) Throw

The forehand uses a different grip: your index and middle fingers press flat against the inside rim of the disc, with your thumb on top. You throw it like skipping a stone, flicking your wrist to generate spin. Many players find the forehand more natural for certain angles, and it curves in the opposite direction of a backhand.

Putting

When you're within about 30 feet of the basket, you'll switch to a putting stance. Face the basket squarely, hold the disc at chest height, and push it forward with a smooth motion. The goal is accuracy over distance — a controlled, straight flight into the chains.

Finding a Course Near You

With over 16,000 courses in the US, there's almost certainly one within driving distance of wherever you are. ThrowSpot makes it easy to find courses in your area:

1. Search by location — enter your city, state, or zip code on the ThrowSpot homepage
2. Filter by difficulty — start with courses tagged "Beginner" for flat, open layouts with shorter holes
3. Check the details — each course page shows hole count, terrain type, fees, and amenities like restrooms, water, and parking
4. Read reviews — community ratings help you pick a course that matches your experience level

Tips for Your First Round

1. Go with someone who plays. Learning from an experienced player shortcuts weeks of confusion about rules, throwing form, and course navigation.
2. Start with a short, open course. Look for 9-hole courses or courses with terrain listed as "Flat/Open" on ThrowSpot. Avoid wooded courses until your accuracy improves.
3. Throw smooth, not hard. The biggest beginner mistake is trying to throw too hard. A smooth, controlled throw with good technique will fly farther and straighter than a muscled one every time.
4. Keep your disc nose-down. If your disc is floating up and stalling out, the nose (front edge) is angled too high. Focus on releasing the disc flat or with the nose slightly angled down.
5. Don't worry about score. Your first few rounds are about learning the mechanics and having fun. Most beginners shoot well over par, and that's totally normal.
6. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes. You'll walk 1 to 3 miles on a typical 18-hole course, often through grass, dirt, and hills. Trail shoes or athletic shoes work great.

Getting Better at Disc Golf

Once you've played a few rounds and caught the bug, here's how to improve:

Focus on putting first. Over half your throws in a round will be putts or short approach shots. Practicing your putting from 15 to 30 feet will lower your score faster than anything else. Many courses have a practice basket near the parking lot.

Film your throw. Recording your form in slow motion reveals issues you can't feel in the moment. Compare your form to tutorial videos from players like Scott Stokely or Danny Lindahl on YouTube.

Play the same course multiple times. Familiarity breeds improvement. Playing the same 18 holes regularly lets you track your progress, experiment with different disc selections, and learn course management.

Join a league. Most disc golf courses have weekly leagues — casual, welcoming events where players of all skill levels compete together. Leagues are the fastest way to meet other players, learn from better throwers, and build consistency in your game. Check your local course's bulletin board or social media for league schedules.

Invest in a putter and practice disc. Before buying more drivers, get a dedicated putter (like the Innova Aviar or Discraft Luna) and practice throwing it on the course. Putters force clean technique because they punish off-axis torque and bad release angles. If you can throw a putter 200+ feet with control, your driver game will improve dramatically.