How to Play Disc Golf
Playing disc golf is much easier than it looks. Most new players feel unsure simply because they have never seen how a round actually works.
This guide walks you through how to play disc golf from start to finish. You will learn how a round flows, how scoring works, and what to expect your first time on the course so you can focus on having fun instead of feeling lost.
The Goal of the Game
The goal of disc golf is to complete each hole in as few throws as possible. Every time you throw your disc, it counts as one stroke.
You begin each hole from the tee area, throw toward the basket, and then continue throwing from where your disc lands until it goes into the basket. When the round is over, the player with the lowest total number of throws wins.
That is the entire game in one sentence.
What a Typical Hole Looks Like
Most courses have either 9 or 18 holes. Each hole has a tee pad where you start and a basket that serves as the target.
Some holes are short and open, while others are longer and more technical with trees, elevation, or narrow fairways. Courses are designed to test different skills, which keeps rounds interesting even as you improve.
How Scoring Works
Scoring in disc golf is very similar to traditional golf. If you finish a hole in fewer throws than the listed par, that is a good thing. More throws than par simply means you have room to improve.
Many casual rounds do not worry about par at all and just count total throws. That approach is completely fine when you are learning and keeps the game relaxed.
Basic Rules and Course Etiquette
Disc golf has official rules, but most casual rounds are simple and friendly. Take turns throwing, wait until the group ahead is clear, and be aware of other players on the course.
If you are new, do not worry about slowing things down. Most players are welcoming and happy to help if you have questions.
What to Expect Your First Round
Your first round does not need to be perfect. Missed putts, early tree hits, and learning how discs fly are all part of the process.
Focus on learning the flow of the game, enjoying the course, and getting comfortable throwing. Everything else improves naturally with time.
Keep Learning
These guides help new players make sense of discs and build confidence faster.
Disc Golf Flight Numbers
Learn what speed, glide, turn, and fade mean and how they affect how discs fly.
Disc Golf Guide
New to the game? Start with our Disc Golf Guide to learn the basics, how to play, and how to choose discs that make sense for beginners.