What Is Disc Golf?

DISC GOLF - GIVE IT A SPIN

Hello new disc golfer! On this page you'll discover everything you need to know to get you started in this rapidly growing sport.

What is Disc Golf?

Disc golf is played much like golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, though, players use a flying disc (a bit like a frisbee). It shares with golf the object of completing each hole in the fewest strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, fewest throws)

How do you play? A golf disc is thrown from a tee area to a target, which is the "hole." The hole can be one of a number of disc golf targets; the most common is an elevated metal basket. As a player progresses down the fairway, they must make each consecutive throw from the spot where the previous throw landed. Finally, the "putt" lands in the basket and the hole is completed.

Backhand Throws: the most common throw in disc golf: grip the disc how it feels good, reach back away from your target, pull the disc through in a straight line towards the target and give it a flick as you release to send it flying!

Forehand Throws: The other main throw in disc golf is the forehand. Grip with two fingers on the inside rim of the disc and thumb on top. Stand side on, reach back and whip the disc towards the target. Try and keep the disc flat on release for better flight distance and control.

Types of Disc Golf Disc: There are three main types of disc golf discs - drivers, midranges, and putters. Drivers have sharper rims, will go the furthest but are hard to control. Putters have the bluntest rim, and will go the straightest but not as far. Midranges are somewhere in between. Putters and midranges are both great beginner discs.

Spirit of the Game: A key element of disc golf is Spirit of the Game. Play fair, support each other, and most of all, have fun. “whoever has the most fun wins” (Steady Ed Headrick - father of disc golf)

Disc Golf has exploded in popularity over recent years. Discover Disc Golf is looking to encourage new communities and demographics to play this activity for 2 main reasons: 1. It will enrich the already strong community of disc golfers here in the U.K. and across the world. 2. It will allow people from all walks of life to enjoy the huge benefits disc golf has to offer.

The only thing you need to play disc golf is a disc. That’s it! You don’t even need an established disc golf course – you can take your disc to practically any uncrowded open space and turn it into a disc golf course

Where Can I Buy Equipment?

Disc Golf Associations

The British Disc Golf Association (BDGA)

The BDGA, started the Discover Disc Golf initiative in 2022. They are the governing body for England and Wales. The BDGA also run a series of tour events for all player levels and ages which begins in April and culminates in the BDGA Championships in October.

Scottish Disc Golf Association (SDGA)

The governing body for disc golf in Scotland. The SDGA help to run the Quaiche Tour in Scotland and is a great first port of call for anyone looking to play disc golf in Scotland.

All Ireland Disc Golf Association (AIDGA)

Ireland's regulatory body who host the Irish Open (part of the British & Irish Majors Championships). They'll be happy to answer any enquiries from anyone looking to play disc golf in Ireland.

The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA)

The PDGA is a membership-based organisation and the governing body for the sport and sanctions competitive events for players of every skill level. They've put together this great PDGA DISC GOLF GUIDE FOR PARENTS

UK Women's Disc Golf Association (UKWDGA)

Set up with the aim of creating a strong women's disc golf community, the UKWDGA host events, runs a bag tag league and have done an amazing job of promoting the women's game at all levels. Check out their club directory to see if there is an active disc golf club near you.

Why Play Disc Golf?

There are so many reasons to play disc golf. It's very easy to learn the basics and, like most sports, challenging to master. It's an outdoor sport which is played in parks and private courses, many of which are in beautiful countryside or woodland. Disc golfers tend to be very open and welcoming people and it's easy to make new friends within the sport. Add to this that it's good for your health, potentially a lifelong sport, great for families, cheap to play, a low environmental impact and the sheer exhilaration of watching a well thrown shot fly and you start to see why so many people are choosing disc golf as their new hobby.

Where Can I Play?

There are over 100 courses in the UK alone. Here is a link to Udisc who's website documents all disc golf courses around the world: UK Courses UDisc: It's a good idea to contact the course before turning up and playing as the conditions and facilities at different courses may vary. If in doubt, contact us at secretary@bdga.org.uk or get in contact with one of the disc golf associations below.