If you’re new to the sport and looking for a clear, practical introduction, this beginner’s guide to disc golf will walk you through the essentials—from what the game is and how to play it, to choosing your first discs and improving your skills.
What Is Disc Golf?
Disc golf is a flying disc sport where players throw discs toward a target, typically a metal basket with hanging chains. The goal is simple: complete each hole in the fewest throws possible—just like traditional golf. Instead of clubs and balls, you use different types of discs to navigate the course.
How to Play Disc Golf
To get started, you only need a few discs and a course to play on. Most courses begin with a tee pad where you make your first throw toward the basket. From there, you continue throwing from the spot where your disc lands until it lands in the basket.
Courses typically have signs indicating hole length, par, and layout. These details help you make better decisions off the tee.
If you’re playing with a group, the player with the lowest score on the previous hole tees off first. After everyone has thrown, the player farthest from the basket throws next, continuing until the hole is complete.
Watch this video for a helpful visual introduction to how disc golf is played.
How to Keep Score
Scoring in disc golf mirrors traditional golf:
- Par: Expected number of throws to complete the hole
- Birdie: 1 throw under par
- Bogey: 1 throw over par
- Eagle: 2 throws under par
- Ace: Hole-in-one
Scorecards are available at many courses, or you can use free scorekeeping apps like UDisc to track your game.
Finding a Course Near You
In the U.S., many public parks have disc golf courses. You can:
- Search “disc golf course near me” on Google
- Use Disc Golf Course Review or Disc Golf Scene
- Ask friends who play for local course recommendations
Types of Throws in Disc Golf
Here are the most common throwing styles:
Backhand
The classic frisbee-style throw. For right-handed players, discs usually fade left. It offers great distance for minimal effort and is a great first throw to learn.
Forehand (Sidearm)
This throw resembles a baseball sidearm. Great for players with a baseball background. Discs thrown forehand fade in the opposite direction of backhand throws.
Watch Paul McBeth break it down in this video.
Overhand: Tomahawk & Thumber
Thrown over the shoulder like a baseball. Great for getting out of tight situations or throwing over trees. Less common, but worth learning.
Disc Golf Putting Styles
Putting is critical. Here are the two main styles:
Spin Putt
Uses wrist spin to drive the disc into the basket. More consistent in wind and at longer distances. A great style for beginners. Find beginner putters here.
Push Putt
More of a lob shot, like a basketball free throw. It can be extremely accurate once mastered. Try both and see what feels best.
More on this in our full guide to putting styles.
Types of Discs
Discs fall into four main categories:
Putters
Slow, straight-flying, and accurate. Great for beginners. Browse our putters.
Midrange Discs
Slightly faster and longer-flying than putters, still easy to control. Ideal for beginners. Check out midrange discs.
Fairway Drivers
Good for longer throws with more control than distance drivers. A good step up once you’re comfortable. Shop fairway drivers.
Distance Drivers
Fastest discs with the longest potential flight. Require more power and experience. Not recommended for beginners. See our distance drivers.
Understanding Disc Flight Numbers
Each disc typically has four flight numbers printed on it: Speed / Glide / Turn / Fade. Here’s what each means:
- Speed (1–14): How fast the disc must be thrown to fly correctly
- Glide (1–7): How well the disc stays in the air
- Turn (+1 to -5): Tendency to turn right (RHBH) during high-speed flight
- Fade (0–5): How much the disc hooks left (RHBH) at the end of its flight
Need a deeper breakdown? Here’s our full guide on flight numbers.
Best Discs for Beginners
As a beginner, stick with slower discs that have higher glide and more turn. These are easier to throw and more forgiving.
We’ve tested and reviewed many beginner discs. Here are a few helpful guides:
- Best Discs for Beginners
- Best Innova Discs for Beginners
- Best Understable Midranges for Beginners
- Best Putters for Beginners
And once your collection grows, check out our guide to the best small bags.
How to Improve at Disc Golf
Improvement comes from practice. Here are some starting points:
- Start with putting: Try these drills
- Work on driving form: Learn to throw farther
- Refine your technique with help from pros like Avery Jenkins: Watch this practice routine
Disc Golf Game Variations
Besides traditional stroke play, there are several fun formats:
- Doubles: Teams of two throw and take the best shot
- Triples: Same concept with three-player teams
- Skins: Each hole has a “skin” awarded to the lowest score
- Match Play: Win individual holes to score points
For more ideas, see our guide to disc golf variations.
Final Thoughts
Disc golf is affordable, accessible, and a lot of fun. Start with beginner-friendly discs, practice regularly, and enjoy the learning process. If you have any questions along the way, reach out to us or check out more of our beginner-friendly articles and gear guides.
