Last updated on March 11th, 2024 at 11:35 pm
Last updated by Maredith Damasco
As a newcomer to disc golf, you’re likely still learning various rules governing the sport. One rule worth understanding, due to its controversy, is the 2-meter rule in disc golf.
But what is this controversial rule? This unique disc golf rule is considered optional. Meaning, it will all depend on a particular tournament director and if they enforce the rule or not. But what is this rule about and why do many disc golfers dislike it? Let us find it out below.
What is the 2-Meter Rule in Disc Golf?
Under the two-meter rule, a disc golf player incurs a penalty stroke if their disc lands two meters above the playing surface but remains in-bounds. This often occurs in heavily wooded disc golf courses when a disc gets stuck in a tree.
The two-meter rule is found in the rule book under number 805.02 of the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) rulebook. There are certain points that you must remember about the two-meter rule.
First, this rule is not in effect unless the tournament director declares that it is in effect in a particular tournament. The tournament director may decide where the rule will be in effect and where it won’t be. Whether it is the whole course or some specific holes, or some individual objects.
Secondly, under the two-meter rule, a disc landing at least 2 meters above the in-bound playing surface results in a penalty throw. This determination involves measuring from the disc’s lowest point to the surface directly below it and positioning the next spot directly beneath the disc toward the playing surface.
Third, a disc is not subject to the 2-meter rule when it is supported by the discatcher for the hole.
When a disc golfer moves the disc before reaching a resolution, we presume that the disc landed in a position above two meters of the playing surface.The player then receives the penalty stroke.
But why is this rule so controversial? Why do so many disc golfers hate this rule? Let us find out as we go deeper into this article.
Why do Disc Golfers Hate the Two-Meter Rule?
The 2-meter rule is often viewed as a double whammy by disc golfers. When a disc lands above two meters from the playing surface, it takes you out of your preferred landing spot, and you also incur an extra penalty stroke. Most players consider this a double penalty, which is undesirable during a round. Furthermore, there are other issues and questions surrounding this rule that require attention.
For example, the rule grants the tournament director of a specific tournament the responsibility to decide whether or not to allow its use. This means they have complete discretion over the tournament’s execution, which can leave some players feeling disgruntled. Because of the discretion given to tournament directors, people feel that this becomes an opinion rather than a rule. Which adds to the controversy.
Generally it is unclear whether the disc is two meters above the surface or not. How do you precisely measure it? The truth is, there is no exact way to measure the distance between the disc and the playing surface. This ambiguity adds to the mixed feelings of this rule.
When this happens, the group will need to make a call by a majority decision. If a tournament official is in a position to examine the exact location of the disc and its distance, they can make the call as the rule states.
Is it possible to climb to the location of the disc and play behind it? A very tricky question. When the rule is not in effect, the card members will decide. And in my experience most people will not force another player to play their lie if it is in a tree. But if the two-meter rule is in effect, you do not have that option, as it dictates you move the lie directly below where it is. In this sense, the 2 meter rule saves you from playing some tricky lies.
The rule states that when a disc lands two meters above the playing surface, the player can continue from below it. Due to confusion and drama, the PDGA has changed the rule’s status from regular to optional.
Why is the two-meter rule controversial?
This rule sparks controversy among disc golf players for several reasons. Firstly, since players typically officiate the sport themselves, utilizing the two-meter rule can lead to debates, heated arguments, and conflicts among players.
Also, determining if the disc is within the 2-meters can be difficult since most players do not carry a measuring instrument. This can result in confusion and unnecessary tension among all the players in making the exact call.
There will be moments that the disc will land in a tree, but each player will have different luck once a disc hits a tree. Some discs will fall down eventually because of the wind and the movement of the tree. The not-so-lucky disc will just lay flat and stay in the tree.
In this situation, the players’ opinion with regards to the 2-meter rule can be very controversial. In fact, if the disc is stuck in the trees and stays there, it is not all about the skills. It is all about his luck which means some people argue that the player does not deserve the penalty. But that is just a part of the sport which we should live and accept.
Lastly, where the 2-meter rule is an optional rule, makes it controversial in itself. There are many disc golfers who want to abolish or remove this rule from the PDGA rule book. Other players want to move this rule into the regular status. Again, the debate of which is better, makes it very controversial.
Conclusion
The 2 meter rule in disc golf is a controversial rule that may be good to know and learn as part of your effort to learn more about disc golf. If you are a beginner, you should embrace and learn this controversial rule because it might be applicable to you in a disc golf tournament.
