How To Get Started Playing Disc Golf – Rules & Etiquette

Playing disc golf is similar to playing traditional golf. The difference between the two sports lies in the equipment used to play.

Using a set of clubs and a ball is used in the traditional golf, while in disc golf players use discs and disc golf baskets. Over the years, disc golf has become quite popular among people of all ages. The goal is to get the disc into the basket in the fewest amounts of throws.

Different levels of players perceive disc golf differently. There is a wide range of dedication to the sport amongst its players, from beginners to grizzled veterans and professionals.

However, it is not uncommon to find all of the above players enjoying a round together for the love of the sport. Whether you are an experienced player or first timer, it is essential that you learn about the most overlooked rules in the game that will help you in becoming a more complete player.

Some players prefer learning with a coach rather than on their own. Getting in touch with an experienced golfer can help you learn the rules and etiquette so that you don’t embarrass yourself in the future.

Here are some of the most overlooked disc golf rules.

#1 Establish OBs in the beginning of the round

If you don’t want to face any disputes while the game is on, you should establish out of bounds (OBs) in the beginning of the round. At a PDGA tournament, the tournament directors establish OBs for the course. There are flags and signs to let players know about the location of the OBs and Mandos.

It is important for all players to follow the OB guidelines for a peaceful disc golf game. If you are not sure about the OBs on the course you will be playing, you should ask someone who has played on the course before.

#2 Stay quiet during a golfer’s throw

Where many will find it common sense etiquette, new players won’t know how important it is for a thrower to have silence. Beginners should learn to keep noise down and not move in a thrower’s line of sight. For golfers, it is frustrating to hear someone when you are about to make a shot.

No golfer wants to fall victim to such a situation since he is the only one penalized for the distraction. You don’t have to be rude to let the person know to stay quiet when others are throwing.

#3 Help golfers spot their inconsistent throws

It happens to everyone sometime, a throw gets lost in the brush, or in a stream or pond. Be courteous and watch others’ throws so that there is another set of eyes on a disc that gets away. It can help to get in touch with golfers after a round who lost their disc or may have seen you lose yours.

Everyone in the group ought to be observant when others are throwing to help them locate their disc after the round. This helps the round run more smoothly, and increases the level of enjoyment and camaraderie.

#4 Make your throws timely

This is very common and can be aggravating. How much time you take to make your throw has a lot to do with your game. As per PDGA, you have 30 seconds to establish your lie to throw. You might have seen many casual golfers, who spend a lot of time lining up their shots and doing some practice releases.

Don’t forget that there are usually 3 more players on the card who have to wait for your throw. Be courteous and ready to go when it is your turn.

#5 Throw from your lie

The lie is an 8 inch by 12 inch box centered behind your marker or your disc. It is important to mark your disc after it comes to a stop in tournament play. If you are using a mini marker, keep it on the front edge of the disc that is closest to the basket.

Keep your foot directly behind the marked lie when you are throwing your next shot. If it is in the bushes or brush, mark the disc and get behind the marker. Avoid a foot fault by making sure that your foot is kept directly behind your mark.

#6 Consider other golfers and bystanders

Most disc golf courses are in local parks. There are playground equipment, sidewalks, softball fields, etc. around the course. You must stay aware when you are playing in a local park, to watch out for runners, walkers, and cyclists before you throw your disc.

You must ignore making a throw in a rush. Respecting your fellow disc golfers is essential on the course and you must be ready to help each other during the game. You must help each other in locating the discs after the game.

#7 Do not litter on the course

Whether someone tells you about it or not, it is your duty to keep the golf course clean. You must be courteous enough not to litter while playing. Leave it in the original condition in which you found it. If you take a disc golf backpack you will have a place to keep your trash and if you find some on the course you can keep it in there until you find a trash can.

#8 Return the discs you find on the course

Losing a brand new disc on the course is every player’s biggest nightmare. You must be courteous enough to return the disc that you found on the course during the round. Think of how devastating it would be to lose your favorite disc, and be sure to make every effort to return a lost disc.

Even if there is no name or number on the disc, ask around to find the owner. Most courses have social media pages on which you can post about the found discs.

#9 Help players on the course

There are different levels of players in each disc golf game. It goes without saying that new players or beginners look forward to learning the game rules and etiquettes from the experienced players. It is important for any disc golfer to be true and honest, and hold others accountable.

It is essential that the acclaimed players guide the new players about the game. Whether it is about implementing rules, scoring, or course etiquettes, you should be honest because there are new players who are learning the game from you.

If you want to ensure that you don’t miss a shot on the course, you must follow all the rules of the game. Following the rules gives you the confidence to keep playing the sport and inspiring others, who will see you playing.