Some Basic Terms

In its simplest terms, the goal of disc golf is to “tee off” from one predetermined point and sink the disc into a basket placed at another point. The distance between these two points varies from one “hole” to the next, ranging anywhere from seventy-five to over three hundred yards. The basket you are aiming for is generally suspended from four sturdy metal chains, and hangs about three feet off the ground.

Like conventional golf, the idea is to sink nine or eighteen holes in the fewest throws, (or “strokes”), possible. Obviously, the guy with the fewest strokes at the end of the game is the winner. Most public disc golf courses have a sign at the tee telling you how many throws it should take to sink it into the basket on that hole. “Under par” means you’ve sunk it in fewer throws than expected, and “over par” means you took more.

In addition to “par,” several other terms carried over from conventional golf. A “hole in one,” for instance. Also, sinking the disc in one stroke less than par is a birdie, and two less than par is an eagle.

And disc golf also has essentially three kinds of throws, the tee off, the drive, and the putt. But there the resemblances end. Rather than the crisp white “walking shorts” or blazer you expect to see on the country club golf course, the average disc golfer is generally dressed pretty grubbily, and for good reason.

In disc golf, there are no “sand traps.” There are, however, water hazards that include streams, ponds, lakes, or bogs. Frequently, trees function as hazards, as well. Sometimes, its only one tree that you have to get around. Sometimes, you have to go through a small forest. And when you’re watching your favorite disc arc towards the creek, you’ll know that if you want it back, you’ll have to get it back yourself.