Disc golf is a fun activity year-round — especially in the spring! Here’s a beginner’s guide to this fun sport and which Metroparks have disc golf courses.
What is Disc Golf?
Disc golf is similar to traditional golf but played with frisbee-like discs thrown into metal baskets. The sport credits its beginnings to teens and college-age kids throwing frisbees at targets such as trees and signposts throughout their cities and campuses. Today, people play it on public and private courses in 40 countries worldwide. The United States tops the list for the number of courses, at over 6,000.
Disc golf’s growing popularity is likely due to the availability of free or inexpensive courses and the relative ease of learning how to play. It’s also a fun reason to spend the day outdoors. This makes it an excellent activity for beginners, teens, college students, and families!
With a few discs and a basic understanding of the rules and throwing techniques, you may have found a new favorite way to spend your time. And, with four courses right here in the Southeast Michigan area, you can get started learning right away! Here’s our beginner’s guide to disc golf.
Can I play with a regular frisbee?
While you can use frisbees for disc golf, the discs specifically designed for the sport will make the game more enjoyable. The smaller, heavier, and aerodynamic discs are easier to throw further and aim into the targets. It’s worth the small investment to purchase at least one long-distance, mid-range, and putter. Retailers often sell these in starter sets. You can also rent discs from the activity center at the Hudson Mills park.
What is the object of the game?
Like regular golf, the game’s objective is to get your disc into the basket in the least number of throws. Most courses have either nine, 18, or 24 baskets. Like traditional golf, there is a par designation for each hole.
Start at the teeing area, which is typically a concrete pad. Then, start each subsequent throw from where your disc landed, called the lie. Score your game by adding up how many throws it takes for you to get your disc in the basket above (positive points) or below (negative points) par. For example, three throws for a par 4 would be -1 point, and five throws would be one point.
What are the gameplay rules?
- You may run up to throw, but need to release the disc before the end of the tee or your lie.
- For your final throw, the disc must land in the basket or chains. Landing on top of the basket or bouncing off the basket and onto the ground does not end that hole.
- If a throw goes out of bounds, play from the spot it went out and add a 1-stroke penalty.
- When playing with more than one person, the player who had the lowest score on the last hole goes first. All players go in order of lowest to highest scores. For subsequent throws, the player with the disc furthest from the hole throws first.
What are some safety and courtesy rules?
- Stand behind any player who is throwing.
- Be quiet during other players’ throws.
- Allow single players or faster groups to play through or go ahead of you.
- Remove your disc from the hole after completion.
- Be respectful to courses by not littering, and help clean up the course by picking up and disposing of trash.
What are some tips for learning throwing techniques?
One of the best ways to learn is from other, more advanced players. Many communities have Disc Golf Clubs or Facebook groups where you can find out about or plan a meet-up. YouTube also has videos demonstrating throwing techniques. Look for videos by disc golf companies or associations.
What are some tips for teaching kids to play?
- Start by teaching kids to throw discs at your home or in an open field.
- Begin with one lighter disc.
- Consider purchasing a practice basket for your home, Or, practice by aiming at trees and other landmarks.
- Wait to bring kids to courses until they are old enough to walk the course independently.
- Start with shorter courses or with just a few holes.
Am I too old or out of shape for disc golf?
One of the best things about disc golf is that it is an excellent sport for players of all ages and abilities. A recent AARP article discussed the rise of popularity of seniors playing the game. In fact, the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) saw a 27% membership increase with people 50 and older. One 76-year-old player described how it helps her get exercise without it being strenuous and that “it’s a walkthrough nature, but you’ve got a goal.”
So, what are you waiting for? Come on out to one of Metro Parks’ four courses and check out the sport of disc golf. Find disc golfs to rent at the Hudson Mills activity center. Bring your kids, friends, or parents for multi-generational fun! And, while there, check out all of the other amenities the parks have to offer!
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