How to Play Disc Golf

A simple beginner guide to rules, scoring, throws, and what to do during your first round.

The basic goal

Disc golf is played like ball golf: start from a tee area and throw your disc toward a basket. Your score is the number of throws it takes to finish each hole. Lower scores are better.

Beginner rules

Throw from the tee, play your next shot from where your disc lands, count every throw, and finish the hole when the disc comes to rest supported by the basket or chains. Be respectful of other players and avoid throwing when people are in range.

What discs to start with

Most beginners should start with a putter, a neutral midrange, and an easy fairway driver. Avoid very fast distance drivers until your form is consistent.

Use the Disc Picker

Helpful next steps

Find a nearby course with the Course Finder, read Beginner Disc Golf Tips, and practice with the Putting Practice Tracker.