The Essentials
One of the best things about disc golf is how little you need to play. At minimum, you need a single disc and a course — that's it. But bringing a few extra items makes your round significantly more comfortable.
Must-Have Items
- Discs (1-3 minimum). A putter, mid-range, and fairway driver cover every shot you'll face. If you only bring one disc, make it a mid-range — it's the most versatile.
- Water. You'll walk 1 to 3 miles on a typical 18-hole course. Bring at least 16 oz of water, more in hot weather. Many courses have water fountains, but don't count on it.
- Comfortable shoes. Trail shoes or athletic shoes with good grip work best. You'll be walking on grass, dirt, gravel, and sometimes mud. Avoid sandals or dress shoes.
- Mini marker disc. A small disc or marker used to mark your lie on the fairway. Many disc golf shops give these away free, or you can use a spare coaster.
Recommended Items
- Towel. A small microfiber towel clips to your bag and keeps your discs dry. Essential in morning dew, rain, or humidity. Wet discs slip on release and fly unpredictably.
- Sunscreen. Many disc golf holes are in open areas with no shade. Apply before your round, especially on your neck and arms.
- Bug spray. Wooded courses and courses near water attract mosquitoes. A quick spray before your round saves a lot of swatting.
- Snacks. An 18-hole round takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. A granola bar or trail mix keeps your energy up through the back nine.
- Sharpie marker. Write your name and phone number on every disc you own. Lost discs are common, especially for beginners, and the disc golf community returns marked discs.
Nice-to-Have Items
- Disc golf bag. Once you carry more than 3-4 discs, a bag becomes essential. Starter bags run $20 to $40. Don't overspend until you know what discs you carry regularly.
- Scorecard or scoring app. Track your progress round over round. The UDisc app is the most popular option.
- Extra layer. Weather changes during a round, especially on wooded courses where shade drops the temperature. A light pullover or rain jacket stuffed in your bag handles surprises.
- Retriever. A collapsible disc retriever helps fish discs out of ponds and streams. Worth the $15 investment if your home course has water hazards.
What NOT to Bring
- Too many discs. Beginners don't need 20 discs. Three to five is plenty. Extra weight slows you down and creates decision paralysis on the tee pad.
- High-speed drivers. If you're new, leave anything faster than speed 9 at home. You'll throw mid-ranges farther and straighter than drivers you can't control.
- Bluetooth speakers on full blast. If you play music, keep it quiet and ask your group. Many players come to disc golf courses for peace and nature.