A Beginner's Guide to Disc Golf: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started!

Thinking about trying disc golf but don't know where to begin? Well, frisbee disc golf is an amazing outdoor activity that combines the fun of throwing discs with the challenge of navigating courses.

It is also one of the fastest-growing sports in the world that offers a great way to enjoy nature, stay active, and compete with friends or family in a relaxed setting. Exciting right? Want to learn more about how to get started? In this blog post, we've covered everything you need to know about the game. Let's get you ready for your first round!

Disc Golf Equipment You Need for the Game

The great thing about disc golf is you don't need a lot of expensive gear to get started. Here is the essential equipment:

Discs

Discs come in a variety of plastics, sizes, shapes, and designs to produce different flight patterns. As a beginner, you just need two types of discs to play a round:

• Putter - Used for short shots. Putters are slower and more stable for controlled, accurate throws. Great for beginners learning proper throwing mechanics.

• Driver - Used for longer distance shots. Drivers have sharp rims and pointed profiles that cut through the air at high speeds. Beginners should choose fairway driver models with lower speed ratings.

You can build a starter pack with just 2-3 discs: 1-2 putters and 1 fairway driver.

Footwear

Trail running shoes or hiking shoes work well for gripping varied terrain. Comfortable athletic shoes with good traction are fine too. Many courses require sturdy closed-toe shoes.

Mini Marker Disc

Small discs used to mark your lie (spot where disc lands) when throwing from off the tee pad. It is also handy for marking your score.

Optional Gear

• Bag - Holds discs, water, snacks, etc.

• Water bottle - Hydration is key! Reusable bottle recommended.

• Trash bag - For picking up litter to keep courses clean.

• Bug spray/sunscreen - Depending on climate and time of day.

• Portable stool - Nice for resting between holes.

• Towel - For drying discs if playing in rain.

How to Play Disc Golf?

Disc golf follows traditional ball golf rules and scoring but uses discs instead of clubs/balls. Here's an overview of basic disc golf play:

Throwing

The throw itself is similar to a Frisbee toss. Grip disc with fingertips on rim's underside, arm cocked back, rotate hips and torso leading with elbow, and release flat across chest.

Key techniques like the backhand, forehand, and putting will be covered later. Wind, terrain, and obstacles all affect shots, so creativity and situational adaptability are key.

Drive Off Tee

Each hole starts by driving (longer throw) from the tee pad towards the basket. Aim to land in the fairway in a good position for the next shots.

Upshots & Approaches

Follow drive with mid-range upshots to get closer to basket while navigating obstacles. When near basket, use putters for approach shots.

Putting

Finally, putting to complete hole. Straddle putting is popular, using step through motion. Focus on accuracy over speed.

Par & Scoring

Par means expected number of throws to complete a hole. Scoring works like ball golf:

• Par = Expected throws

• Birdie = Par minus 1

• Bogey = Par plus 1

• Double Bogey = Par plus 2

Lowest total score after all holes wins.

Taking Turns

Disc golf is played with groups of 2-5 players. After teeing off, player whose disc is farthest from basket throws next. Continue until hole is completed.

Basic Throwing Techniques for Disc Golf

Learning proper form and technique takes practice, but here are the basics to get started:

Backhand

The backhand throw is the primary technique for drives and approach shots. Steps:

1. Stand sideways to target.

2. Grip disc firmly with fingertips under rim.

3. Bring disc across chest, elbow out and cocked back.

4. Shift weight to back foot, rotating hips and torso forward to power throw.

5. Release flat and level across chest. Follow through towards target.

Forehand

The forehand (or sidearm) is useful for curving shots around obstacles. Steps:

1. Feet planted perpendicular to target line.

2. Pinch top rim of disc with thumb knuckle on outside. Index finger on inside rim.

3. Pull disc straight back until elbow hits 90 degrees.

4. Whip elbow forward, releasing disc with snap of wrist. Follow through.

Putting

Putting is all about touch, focus, and practice. Steps:

1. Straddle stance, opposite foot pointed at basket.

2. Pinch putter's rim between thumb and finger.

3. Bring disc to center chest, elbow in, eyes on basket.

4. Step forward, extend arm towards basket on release. Follow through straight.

5. Use soft, smooth strokes. Let putter glide.

Practice putting from 10-20ft until you can reliably hit center chains. Focus on form and consistency.

How to Improve Your Disc Golf Game?

Once you get the basics down, here are some tips to quickly improve:

• Use putters for short drives, approaches, and putting to refine form.

• Play shorter courses to work on accuracy over distance.

• Practice putting - Makes the biggest impact on scoring!

• Analyze other players with good form and technique.

• Record throws to critique form and release.

• Join a league to challenge your skills and make connections.

• Take a clinic or lessons to reinforce proper mechanics.

• Have fun! Disc golf is best enjoyed with friends, family, and meeting new people on courses.

The great thing about disc golf is you can get started easily and see rapid progression in just a few months if you practice regularly. It brings a lifetime of enjoyment for recreational play or competitive advancement.

Bottom Line

Disc golf is a wonderful way to enjoy nature, get exercise, and have fun with friends and family. This guide covers everything you need to start playing disc golf as a beginner. Grab a disc from Disc Store right away and get ready to throw!