Disc Golf for Beginners
If you are looking for a fun, new backyard game that gives you an excuse to be outside and an opportunity for some exercise, give disc golf a try. The sport — a combination of frisbee and golf — is easy to set up and learn.
Disc golf was formalized as a sport in the 1970s and even has a Professional Disc Golf Association with 120,000 members across 54 countries. Disc golf leagues now compete on sanctioned courses in tournaments worldwide.
But this is a game that is suitable for anyone, regardless of your fitness level. You can start with one basket and work on mastering your shots, and then graduate to adding baskets in your backyard or in a park to increase the level of difficulty.
Regardless, you will get a decent workout, with some aerobic exercise and upper and lower body strengthening.
How do you play disc golf?
In disc golf, your goal is to throw the disc from a tee area and hit the target, an elevated metal basket. And just like golf, you want to hit the target with the lowest number of attempts. The player with the lowest number of throws wins the game.
On a public disc golf course, you would walk from basket to basket. Some would have obstacles or “mandos.” A mando, or mandatory, could be a tree, a group of trees, or a pole that must be passed by the disc on a certain side.
If you are playing in your backyard, you can either move one basket around and create different challenges or buy extra baskets and create a mini-course. Either way, be mindful of player safety and make sure other players or spectators aren’t within range.
Why are there different types of discs?
In golf, you have different clubs for different shots. It’s the same philosophy in disc golf. There are four types of discs: distance drivers, fairway drivers, midrange discs, and putters.
- Distance drivers are designed for maximum distance
- Fairway drivers are better for shorter drives that require more control and longer approaches
- Midrange discs provide accuracy for mid-range shots to the chain basket
- Putters are for short drives and final tries
Experts advise starting out with a few basic discs and focus on learning the basic disc throw and release techniques.
If you need more information about the sport, the equipment, or techniques, feel free to give us a call or email us at aocares@aloutdoors.com. Brandon, a team member from our Inverness store, also explains the game and player technique in this video.
