Disc golf is a fun and exciting outdoor sport people enjoy worldwide, but what is disc golf, exactly? This game involves throwing a disc toward a metal or chain basket to get it into it in as few throws as possible.
It’s a sport where you combine physical skill, mental focus, and a love of the outdoors. Today, this article will cover the basics of this sport, including who and why you should play it, the equipment you need, and the rules and techniques used by players of all skill levels.
Who Plays Disc Golf?
Disc golf is a sport enjoyed by a diverse range of people, including men and women of all ages and skill levels. For beginners who wonder what disc golf is, it is a sport played by many for fun, as a hobby, or as a point of interest and passion. Some take this sport seriously and even participate in competitions and tournaments to test their skills, techniques, and improvements.
Why Should You Play Disc Golf?
Here are some of the reasons why you should play disc golf:
Challenging & Fun Pass Time
Disc golf requires physical and mental skills and can provide a satisfying challenge for players of all skill levels. Whether you are a professional or a beginner who does not have a clue what disc golf is, you will find this sport fun and challenging at the same time.
A Great Way To Enjoy Nature
Disc golf courses are often located in beautiful natural settings, and playing the sport can be a great way to appreciate and enjoy your surroundings.
It’s A Great Exercise
For beginners wondering what disc golf is, it is also a way for many to exercise and move their bodies. Disc golf involves a lot of walking or hiking, which can be a fun way to get outdoors and stay active.
A Way To Make Friends & Socialize
Some people not knowledgeable about disc golf often mistake it as a sport for competitive tournaments. But in some ways, disc golf is a social sport where players can come, join, play, meet new people, and build lasting friendships.
Affordable
Unlike other sports requiring bulk tools and expensive equipment to participate, disc golf is affordable for everyone, even students. Tools like discs and carry bags are relatively inexpensive. Many courses are also free to play.
Things You Need To Get Started
To learn more about disc golf, you must also know what tools or equipment to get started.
Discs
You’ll need at least one, ideally a few different types of discs to play different shots, such as a driver, mid-range, and putter. Understanding the different types of discs will better understand which one suits you and which technique you must master.
Some of the highly recommended disc golf discs include:
- Innova Disc Golf Star Destroyer
- Discraft Avenger SS Elite Z
- Innova Disc Golf Champion Material Firebird
- Innova Champion Discs DX Teebird
- Discraft Buzzz Elite Z
Bug Spray
Bug spray might be necessary to keep pesky insects at bay, depending on where you’re playing. Bringing a bug spray prepares you for any uncertainties while in the play.
Carrying Bag
A carrying bag is useful to keep your discs organized and easy to carry around the course. Now that you are learning disc golf, you will soon realize that keeping your discs organized and in a safe place is imperative to ensure they last for the longest time.
Pencil Or Pen
You’ll need something to write with to mark your scorecard.
Sunscreen
If you’re playing on a sunny day, you’ll want to protect your skin with sunscreen.
Scorecard
Keeping score is an important part of the game, and many courses will provide scorecards for free or a small fee.
Shoes
You’ll want comfortable shoes that provide good support and traction on uneven ground. A good pair must not be too loose or fit for you, so you must find the right size when playing disc golf.
Towel
A towel can dry off your disc and your hands and keep them clean and dry during the game.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is important, so a reusable water bottle is a must. Bringing a water bottle to every play will also remind you to keep yourself hydrated all the time. Instead of buying water bottles each time, bringing your water is more convenient and a much savvier choice.
Types Of Disc Golf Discs
Putters
Putters are designed to fly straight and have a low glide, which makes them perfect for short-range shots and putting. They are generally slower and more stable, with a shallow rim and a blunt or rounded edge. For beginners still learning their way about what is disc golf, here are some of the best disc golf putters you may take a look at.
Midranges
Mid-range discs are used for shots that require more distance than a putter but less than a driver. They are more versatile than putters, with a slightly deeper rim and a sharper edge. If you prefer this type of disc, here are some of the best disc golf midrange discss.
Drivers
Drivers are designed for long-range shots and maximum distance. They are generally faster and more overstable than other discs, with a wider rim and a sharper edge.
But for beginners just starting their way in learning what is disc golf, this may appear confusing as there are different types of drivers. Each has its characteristics that make them suitable for certain types of shots.
- Distance Drivers
- Fairway Drivers
- Understable Drivers
- Overstable Drivers
- Hybrid Drivers
Rules & Etiquettes On How To Play Disc Golf
To deeply understand what is disc golf and how to play it, we must learn its objectives, rules, techniques, and unique languages or lingos when playing disc golf.
Objectives
The objective of disc golf is similar to traditional golf. It is to complete each hole in the fewest number of throws possible. The player who completes the course with the lowest number of throws wins.
Rules & Regulations
Disc golf has various rules and regulations that govern gameplay, including rules around tee shots, out-of-bounds (OB) shots, penalties, and more.
Techniques
In understanding what is disc golf as a sport, you must also understand the techniques used in playing the game. Common techniques used by old players include backhand, forehand, and rollers.
Lingo
Aside from the main purpose of the game and the rules and techniques required in acing each course, you also need to understand the special terms associated with disc golf.
Stroke
In disc golf, a stroke refers to a singular disc throw. Disc golfers incur penalties for throws that go out of bounds.
Tee Throw
Tee throw refers to the designated area where a player throws the first shot on each hole.
Lie
When you hear this word when playing disc golf, it means “rest.” This happens every after each throw.
Mando
A mando is a mandatory throw that requires the player to throw their disc in a specific direction, usually indicated by an arrow or other marker. Missing a Mando incurs a one-stroke penalty.
Out Of Bounds Line
If a player’s disc lands in a designated area marked by a boundary, such as a fence or a line, known as Out of bounds (OB), they receive a penalty stroke and must throw from their previous lie.
Get Involved With Disc Golf NOW!
Disc golf can be a challenging yet fun outdoor sport that may explore. If you haven’t heard of it yet or have not tried it, learning the basics of it is essential before diving into it. This sport is a great way to keep you physically active and alert. Also, it is a great way to bond with family members and build more meaningful friendships in the course.