Disc Golf Study Guide

Disc Golf Study Guide
History
Disc Golf is a new sport that was first played in the state of California in the late
1960’s. The game is called disc (disk) golf because the name Frisbee is a
trademarked name and cannot be used. The Professional Disk Golf Association
(PDGA) was formed in 1976. The purpose of the PDGA was to promote the
sport, govern rules, and sanction competitive events. The sport of disc golf is
unique because it can be played by people of all ages and is not limited to just
the young.
It is also a relatively inexpensive game to play. Many courses are free to play and
a beginner only needs a disc to play. There are three different classifications for
discs—driver, mid-range driver and putter. Only one disc is needed to play disc
golf. However, many beginners start with two discs- a driver and a putt/approach.
More experienced players are likely to carry six or more discs in their bag to use
on any given course.
Rules of Play
Object—To have fun and play the course from beginning to end in the fewest
throws possible.
Tee Off—Tee shots (drives) must be released from within the designated tee
area
Lie-- The spot where the disc comes to rest.
Throwing order—The player with the lowest score on the previously played hole
tees off first at the next hole and then the second lowest, third lowest, etc. After
the tee shot, the player whose disc is farthest from the hole shoots next. To be
safe and courteous, all players should remain behind the player about to shoot.
Fairway throws—Must be made from where the disc lands (lie). A run-up and
follow through is permitted.
Putt--- A player may not step past the lie when making a throw.
Completion of a hole-The hole is completed when the disc is in the basket or
supported by the chains
Courtesy—Do not throw until the players and all other students are out of range.
Do not attempt to distract players.
Keeping score—Players count the number of throws used to get the disc into
the basket and record the number of throws on the score card by their name.
Once a player has played all 12 holes, he/she should total the scores for each
hole together to come up with their score on the course.
Hole Marker- Located at each hole to provide information about the hole. The
marker tells you the hole number, par for the hole and tee distance(s). If there
are two distances listed on the marker, there are two tee areas at the hole.
Normally, the long tee is the men’s tee area and the shorter tee is the women’s
tee area.

Captains Choice- Team play as opposed to individual play with traditional golf.
In a captain’s choice formatted game of disc golf, each player tees off on each
hole. The best of the tee shots is selected and all players play their second shots
from that spot. The better of the second shots is determined, and then all play
their third shots from that spot, and so on until the disc is in the disc catcher.
Players should be designated Player A, Player B, and Player C, and so on
depending
on the total number of players in a group. Players should then play the each shot
in the order A thru D until the hole is completed.
Match Play -In match play, each hole is a separate competition. The player with
the fewest strokes on an individual hole wins that hole; the player winning the
most holes wins the match.
Stroke Play - The stroke total for 9 (18) holes simply doesn't matter in match
play. Stroke play is more a player vs. the course approach; match play is directly
player vs. player, or side vs. side. There is one opponent you must beat, and that
is the course.
Other Rules:
A player may not step past the lie of the previous throw when attempting her/his
next throw.
No follow-through steps are allowed within 30 feet of the pin.
Terms-
Par- the average number of throws for an experienced player to complete a hole.
The standard score for a hole.
Birdie- one stroke under par
Eagle- two strokes under par
Bogey- one stroke over par
Double bogey- two strokes over par
Drive- a long distance shot towards the hole
Putt/Approach- short distance shot toward the hole
Lie- the spot where the disc lands and the next shot is taken
Mulligan- Free throw that does not cost a stroke
Fore- Protect your head
Pin- Hole or object that is made or hit
Hole in One – Made in one throw
Away- Player farthest from the hole