One of the best things about disc golf is how easy it is to get started. You can grab an inexpensive disc, head to a free course, and you’ll enjoy our amazing sport. Once you get the bug, you might have questions about how to take the next step, or the next. What discs are best for you? How can you get involved with a club? What do you need to compete in disc golf?
In this blog we’ll give you some tips on disc selection as a beginner. We’ll also recommend some accessories, and talk about getting more involved in disc golf. We’ll cover:
- Basics for beginners
- Disc selection tips
- Equipment tips
- Competition tips
Disc Golf Basics for Beginners
Disc golf is a fun sport that pits the skills of the player against the obstacles on the course. It is played similarly to ball golf, with the objective being to get your disc (ball) into the basket (hole) in the fewest number of throws (swings).
Disc golf is governed by the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) who make the rules for the sport. The rules are supposed to be strictly followed at sanctioned tournaments, which are tournaments that are given a tier-rating by the PDGA. If you want to play in a sanctioned tournament, it would be good to take time to read through the rule. (Found HERE)
At an unsanctioned tournament the rules are not strictly enforced, but you are still supposed to be obeying most of them. It is good to know at least the basic rules, so read the rules regarding the following:
As you can see, the rules don’t take too long to read, but knowing them will give you confidence to play with other people. Take a few minutes to get to know them!
Disc Tips for Beginners
When you start to play more often you will likely want to pick up a few more discs to play with. The choices can be overwhelming, but understanding disc types and flight ratings can help you decide. Disc weight can also be a factor in helping you select the right disc for your skill level. To learn more about flight numbers, check out (this blog). To learn about disc recommendations for beginners (click here).
Check out our discs for beginners list of starter sets.
Look for discs with lighter weights, more turn, less fade
Avoid premium plastics at first, since most of them add more stability
Make sure to get your discs at Discount Disc Golf to get the most discs for your money.
Disc Golf Tips for Beginners: Gear
Now you have your discs picked out, it’s time to consider what accessories you want to make your disc golf round more enjoyable. Although very few accessories could be considered strictly necessary, some are very desirable.
Bag
When you’re first starting out in disc golf, you don’t need a big bag with lots of storage space. Check out the EZ Bag, E-1, or E-2 bag. These provide enough space for a few discs, and even a snack or two. As your need for more discs and storage increases, you can move up to a backpack bag, and still use your starter bag for short rounds.
Mini Marker
Although a mini marker isn’t always used in casual rounds, it’s an inexpensive item to carry around. Technically, you need a mini to mark your lie if your disc goes OB, if you’re following the rules. You also have the option to use it to mark your lie after every throw. Check out mini markers HERE
Towel
If your discs gets muddy or wet, it’s nice to have a towel handy to keep your disc clean and dry. Same with your hands. Sweaty hands for hands that are dirty or wet from handling your disc can affect your grip. Get a towel that hangs from your bag and you’ll always have relief within reach.
Marker
Every year, disc golf discs are lost and found by the hundreds in our club. Most of those discs don’t have a name or number on them when they’re found. By keeping a marker with you when you play, you’ll always be in a position to mark a new disc you just picked up. You can also help others to do the same. This suggestion is kind of minor, but you’ll thank me when your disc gets returned!
Competition Tips for Beginners
While disc golf is a sport that can be played alone when you want to take a break from the world, it is also something fun to do with friends. Beyond casual rounds with your buddies, you can also get into playing in a club or at tournaments.
The thought of playing with a group of people might be intimidating for many people. I frequently invite people to our club’s league day only to be told that they ‘aren’t good enough’. While there are likely people in a club who are better than a beginner, most clubs have divisions for newer players. Don’t worry about your score and ‘winning’. By showing up you’ll end up meeting new players in your area and develop friendships that make participation easier.
As for tournaments, there are many types of tournaments that are perfect for beginners. These types of tournaments that are less about the competition, and more about trying out some new discs. For the price of your entry fee, you’ll get a couple discs that you’ll use in the tournament. Participating in this type of tournament can help you get the feel of bigger tournaments. And, again, help you meet new friends. Want to get more involved in competitive play? Here are a few tips:
- Do a Facebook search for clubs in your area
- Ask people on your local courses about clubs
- Do a search on Disc Golf Scene for tournaments. You can filter by distance from a specific zip code.
- Search for disc golf stores in your area, and get more information from them.
Conclusion
Learning about discs and how they fly, as well as desirable accessories, will help you on your journey to becoming a better disc golfer. Taking a little time to learn the rules will help you feel comfortable joining a league or play in a tournament. Disc golf is a fun sport and once you learn a few of the basics, you’ll be ready to hit the course with confidence!
