What is Disc Golf | How to Play | Where to Play | Understanding Discs | Choosing Discs | Helpful Gear | FAQ | Disc Golf Terms

What is Disc Golf?

Disc golf is played much like traditional golf — but instead of hitting a ball into a hole, you throw discs (like frisbees) toward a metal basket. The basket's chains catch the disc and drop it inside. The goal is simple: complete the course using as few throws as possible.

Disc golf is easy to learn, fun for all ages, and often played on beautiful courses set in parks, forests, or open spaces. All you need is a disc to get started!

  • Played like golf, but with flying discs
  • Played in parks and nature
  • Great for all ages and fitness levels
"No experience needed. Just bring a disc!"
Disc golf course with basket and natural setting

How to Play

Disc golf is simple: start at a simple start at the beginning of a disc golf course that has metal basket, and keep track of your throws. Like golf, the goal is to finish each hole in the fewest throws possible. Most courses have 9 or 18 holes, and you can play solo or with friends.

Rules in short:

  • Throw from tee
  • Wherever your disc lands is your next throw spot
  • Land the disc in the basket to finish the hole
  • Lowest score wins!
"TIP: Starting out? Try discs around 150-160g."

Where to Play

Chances are there’s a disc golf course closer than you think! Most courses are free to play and are found in public parks, nature reserves, and recreation areas. The UDisc App is a great tool for finding nearby courses, checking course maps, and keeping score.

"No experience needed. Just bring a disc!"
UDisc logo

Understanding Discs

Discs come in different shapes and styles, each designed for different kinds of throws. Understanding the basics — like disc types, flight numbers, and weights — will make choosing your first discs easier and more fun.

- Disc Types

First off, a golf disc is not the same as the frisbee you play catch with on the beach. A golf disc usually weighs a little bit more and is more aerodynamically shaped to cut through the air faster. Golf discs are divided into four main categories:

Click to explore disc types

Putter & Approach

Putters flies slow and straight and will give you the most control. When you are within striking distance of the basket you want a putter you can trust and feel comfortable with.

Putter

Midrange

The midrange has a very predictable flight path, but you can still get a lot of distance with this disc, especially if you are a beginner. Great all-round disc.

Midrange Disc

Fairway Driver

Fairway drivers have a more narrow rim than a distance driver has which gives you less speed but more control and glide. If you are new to disc golf and want to try a driver, go for a fairway driver!

Fairway Driver

Distance Driver

Distance drivers are the fastest discs around. With a low and wide rim, they cut through the air at high speeds and fade hard at the end of the flight. They are not reallyl recommended for beginners.

Distance Driver

- Flight Numbers

Each disc has four numbers on it that hint at how it flies: Speed, Glide, Turn, and Fade. The numbers are a helpful guide — not exact science — and how a disc flies depends on how you throw it.

Click to understand flight numbers

Speed

How fast the disc needs to be thrown to fly well. Higher speed = more power needed.

Glide

How long the disc stays in the air. More glide = more carry and distance.

Turn

How much the disc curves right (for right-hand backhand throws) during the early part of the flight.

Fade

How much the disc curves left at the end of its flight.

"TIP: Beginner? Don't stress the numbers. Look for beginner-friendly discs."
Flight Numbers Diagram

- Disc Weight... and why it matters

Yes — disc weight affects how it flies.

Lighter discs are easier to throw and often fly farther for beginners or players with slower arm speed.

Heavier discs offer more control in windy conditions but can be harder to throw far without power.

"TIP: Starting out? Try discs around 150-160g."