What is Frisbee Golf?

Frisbee golf, more correctly known as disc golf, is a recreational outdoor activity that combines elements of traditional golf with the use of flying discs. Instead of hitting a ball into a hole in the ground like in traditional golf, players throw a disc into an elevated basket made of chains to complete each “hole”.

The sport has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its accessibility, low cost, and the physical and mental benefits it provides. Frisbee golf courses are typically found in public parks, forests, and dedicated facilities, making it easy for people to enjoy the game in various settings.

Rules and Scoring in Frisbee Golf

The basic rules and scoring system in frisbee golf are straightforward. Players can play individually or compete in small groups of up to 5 with the objective to complete each hole in the fewest throws possible. 

Courses typically consist of 9 or 18 holes, with 9 holes usually taking 1 hour to complete and 18 holes usually taking 2 hours.

At the end of the round, the player with the lowest total throws for the entire course wins, just like in traditional golf.

How to Play Frisbee Golf

1. Tee throws must be completed within or behind the designated tee area.
2. The player with the least amount of throws on the previous hole tees off first on the next hole. On the first hole, anyone can go first.
3. Fairway throws must be made from directly behind where the disc landed on the last through (the “lie”).
4. Within 10 meters (33 feet) of the basket, a player may not step past their lie until the disc comes to rest.
5. A hole is completed when the disc comes to rest in the basket or chains.

Frisbee Golf vs. Traditional Golf

While frisbee golf shares some similarities with traditional golf, such as the mental game, there are key differences that make it a unique sport:

1. Gameplay: Both sports aim to complete a course in the fewest attempts possible. However, frisbee golfers throw discs into elevated baskets instead of hitting balls into holes in the ground.
2. Equipment: Frisbee golf uses specialized discs (drivers, mid-range, and putters) instead of clubs and balls. These discs are designed for different distances and flight patterns.
3. Courses: Frisbee golf courses typically follow natural terrain in parks or wooded areas, while traditional golf courses are often manicured and artificially designed. Frisbee golf holes are generally shorter, ranging from 200 to 500 feet.
4. Accessibility: Frisbee golf is more broadly accessible due to lower costs. Many courses are free to use, and equipment is less expensive compared to traditional golf.
5. Atmosphere: Frisbee golf is known for its relaxed, social environment with fewer formalities than traditional golf.
6. Physical activity: Frisbee golf often involves more walking and movement across varied terrain, providing a different type of exercise compared to traditional golf, where many players use carts to get around.
7. Skill development: While both sports require practice, frisbee golf focuses on mastering various throwing techniques and understanding disc aerodynamics.

These differences make frisbee golf a unique and appealing alternative to traditional golf, offering its own set of challenges and rewards.

Essential Frisbee Golf Equipment

To play frisbee golf, all you need is access to a disc golf course and at least three disc golf discs: 

• Drivers are meant to go the most distance (250 feet and more), split into more advanced “distance” drivers and easier to control “fairway” drivers.
• Mid-range discs are versatile discs capable of good control and are often used between 150 and 250 feet.
• Putters are meant to fly straight without deviation for low distances (within 150 feet) as the player approaches the basket

More skilled players are able to throw each type of disc greater distances. Distance will also depend on disc plastic quality, which can range from flimsy to premium. Disc golf discs are generally thicker and firmer than recreational Frisbees, designed for specific flight characteristics and distances useful to disc golf.

Optional items that can enhance your experience include:

• A disc carrying bag
• Mini marker disc to mark your lie after a throw
• Sharpie for marking your discs
• Scorecard and pencil for keeping score
• Water and snacks
• Towel

Locating Frisbee Golf Courses

Frisbee golf courses can be found in public parks, forests, dedicated disc golf facilities, and on college campuses.

If you’re looking for others to play with, you can often find local disc golf groups through Facebook or through websites like Meetup.com.

Benefits of Frisbee Golf

Frisbee golf offers numerous physical and mental benefits. Physically, disc golf offers a low-impact cardiovascular workout that engages multiple muscle groups. It aids in weight management and improves overall fitness. Mentally, the game offers stress relief, promotes mindfulness, reduces anxiety, and improves mood.

The combination of outdoor activity, social interaction, and strategic gameplay makes frisbee golf an excellent choice for those looking to improve their overall well-being in a fun and low-stakes way.

Tips for Frisbee Golf Beginners

The basic concepts of frisbee golf are generally easy to grasp, but mastering the game requires practice and dedication. New frisbee golf players often face common challenges. Here are some tips to overcome them:

• Practice maintaining a straight throw by focusing on proper grip and release techniques.
• Improve accuracy and distance by developing a consistent throwing motion.
• Master proper technique by starting with shorter throws and gradually increasing distance.
• Understand different disc types and their flight characteristics. Get an intuitive sense for how different discs glide and whether they tend to hold a straight path or deviate.
• Key skills to develop are:
• Turning the shoulders and rotating the body during the throw
• Proper footwork, such as the side shuffle and keeping the back foot anchored to the ground
• Generating spin and speed when releasing the disc. 

Remember that improvement takes time, so be patient and enjoy the learning process. While beginners can start playing and enjoying the game quickly, developing advanced techniques and improving accuracy may take several months to  over a year of consistent practice.

Competitive Frisbee Golf

At the highest levels, disc golf offers opportunities for competitive play, such as the Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) with notable events like the Ledgestone Open or the Green Mountain Championship, the PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships, collegiate disc golf club teams, and regional or local tournaments open to all skill levels.

Why Try Frisbee Golf?

Frisbee golf's appeal lies in its accessibility, low cost, and the physical and mental benefits it provides. It's a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, offering a fun and challenging outdoor activity that combines exercise with strategic gameplay.

Whether you're looking for a new recreational activity, a way to stay active, or a competitive sport to pursue, frisbee golf offers something for everyone. So grab some discs, find a local course, and give it a try – you might just discover your new favorite pastime!