Outdoor Games
How to play Disc Golf
Play from each tee to its target in as few throws as possible, adding penalties to determine the lowest total score.
What you need
At least one suitable disc, a marked course, a score record and a mini marker when marking a lie
Set up the game
- Read the course map and tee signs for targets, out-of-bounds areas and mandatory routes. Wait until the throwing area is clear.
- Agree on tees and the full set of holes to play. This introduction follows ordinary singles stroke play, not doubles or match play.
Playing Disc Golf
- Throw from the designated teeing area. Continue from the lie established by where your disc comes to rest, marking it under the rules before moving the disc.
- After tee shots, the player farthest from the target normally throws next. On later tees, lowest score on the previous hole throws first; tied players retain their earlier order.
- For a marked lie, the lie is a 20-centimetre-wide, 30-centimetre-deep rectangle behind the marker, centered on the line of play. At release, have a supporting point within it, no support nearer the target than the marker’s rear edge, and all support in bounds.
- For a basket, finish by releasing the disc so it comes to rest supported by the tray or chains below the chain support. A disc resting on top does not complete the hole.
- Record throws plus applicable penalties, then play the next tee. The lowest total wins the round.
A chain hit that stays outside
Your third throw hits the chains and falls onto the ground. The hole is unfinished. If your next throw legally rests in the basket, record four throws before any penalties. The sound of a chain strike is not the finishing condition.
Marking is different from moving closer
Keep the location of the lie identifiable. The disc is not a free starting zone you can shift sideways to improve a blocked approach. For a tree, boundary or other complication, check the relevant relief rule before changing your throwing position.
Use par for context, throws for your score
Par provides a reference for a hole. If you take four throws on a par-three with no penalty, record four, or one over par on a relative score display. A penalty changes that total even when your actual throw count stays the same. Compare scores using one consistent recording method.
Beginner decisions
- A controlled lay-up that leaves a short putt may be a better choice than a long attempt with a steep drop behind the basket.
- Start with a comfortable, controllable disc. More discs do not solve a release that changes on every throw.
Common rule mix-ups
- Picking up an unmarked disc and approximating the next lie.
- Treating a missed putt that hits chains and falls out as a completed hole.
Questions about this game
Can I step past the lie on a putt?
Within 10 metres, establish balance behind the lie before advancing; a falling putt can be a stance violation.
What happens out of bounds?
An OB throw normally adds one penalty throw. Use the applicable relief options and course instructions rather than automatically playing from where the disc lies.
Sources and edition notes
PDGA Official Rules of Disc Golf, online rules consulted October 14, 2026: introductory singles stroke play. The PDGA Simplified Rules are a separate ruleset and do not automatically apply at sanctioned events.
Sources and stated format checked October 14, 2026. This records a document check, not a claim of hands-on testing.
- PDGA Official Rules of Disc Golf
- PDGA 802.07: stance
- PDGA 807: completing the hole
- PDGA 802.02: order of play
- PDGA 802.06: marking the lie
- PDGA 806.01: putting area
- PDGA 806.02: out of bounds
- PDGA 802.05: lie dimensions