Disc golf 101 is a fun, user-friendly, and low-entry game that is very affordable and, increasingly so, accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. Unfortunately, it may seem complicated, but you will find yourself coming back once you try it. Well, all players seem to have the same trouble in the beginning, so if you have been thinking about trying this exciting sport for some time, now is the best time to learn a thing or two.
Rules of the Game
Knowing the rules is essential when learning how to play disc golf. Let’s go through the basic rules of playing disc golf that you will have to adhere to regardless of where you play. You should also adhere to any rule that is specific to where you are playing or the tournament you are playing in.
Stroke/Point – Disc golf also has strokes just like regular golf. The strokes are the number of throws that you make to get the disc golf into the basket. The main objective of playing this thrilling game is to throw the disc into the basket in as few strokes as possible.
Tee Throw – Tees are placed at the beginning of every hole. A first throw of any hole shall be thrown from the tee box or behind the marked area of the tee.
Throwing Order– In tournament rounds there typically isn’t even an established practice as to decide who throws first. Most participants end up drawing for it or just going wherever their luck takes them. In match competitions, at this point it then becomes who throws the lowest on the past hole should first be to toss first (the tee-off), when all player throws off then the player whose ball happens to be the largest distance from that hole should next go.
Lie – This is principally the spot where a player’s throw lands. It may be marked by a mini-disc or just let your previous disc lay on the ground so that the next time you throw you must throw from behind the marked line.
Unplayable Lie – This is a situation where your disc lands in an unplayable spot such as in a large bush, on a tree, or in water. In such a situation, you should throw as close to that spot as possible.
Fairway Throw – You will typically pick up a couple of extra feet if you are throwing off the fairway. Although you are required to back up the lie, you may run up to the lie as long as your disc is released behind the lie.
Mandatory – The main purpose of a mandatory is to ensure that you throw across the course in a very specific way. Mandatories are usually used for safety reasons or to make the course harder.
Out-of-Bounds (OB) – These are areas that you aren’t allowed to throw into and out of such as public roads and water features. If it happens, you have to move 3 feet in bounds from where your disc went OB and an additional stroke will be added to your score.
Completion – The hole is marked completed once your disc golf disc is in the basket.
Score- Count the number of throws that you have and after completing the hole, write how many throws you completed for the hole.
Play Nice – Like traditional golf, there are proper rules and standards as to how disc golf ought to be played. So it’s always in everyone’s interest that you do observe the etiquette and play in such a manner as is fair and fun to those with whom you play.
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Disc Choice about Stability and Weight
As we’ve just remarked, getting the right disc will enhance your play. Throw a few discs before you make a purchase. You want to be sure the disc you select will feel just right for your hand and your style of throwing. As a beginner, you want to head out with a disc that has a stability rate close to 0. When you get the overall throwing stance and form, you can then start working with a disc that fades in the direction of your natural body plane, for instance, to the left if you are left-handed, and vice versa. Other Discs You Should Carry to the Golf Course. There are four different types of disks needed:
- Distance drivers
- Fairway control drivers
- Midranges
- Putters
How to Throw a Disc Golf?
The following are the steps on how to throw disc golf.
Step 1: Use your four fingers to grip below the disc with the thumb located close to the edge at the top of the disc. See to it that your grip is strong and solid, ensuring the release of the disc to have full control over it.
Step Two – Make a short run of just about three steps to where you should release the disc. Remember that the three-step run is the heart of a good disc golfing technique. Start and end the run with your dominant foot. Make sure that your shoulders are square and each step is even and smooth to give you accuracy.
Step 3 – Throw the disc to the height of your chest at the first step. This is crucial in the turn of the body as you curve the disc into your chest.
Step Four – Take the next step and align the disc perpendicular to your target. Coil your back, move your hips and shoulders, and bring the disc behind you. This is to give you power from your back and legs as you throw.
Step 5- Move the weight of your body on your stronger foot as you uncoil your body: As you make the turn, bring your arm across your body, keeping the disc flat in your hand, and release it in a straight line at the shoulder height with your elbow bent, then unbend the elbow as it moves away from your body.
Conclusion
No matter how long you’ve been around or if this is your first trip to the disc golf course, one thing will always remain clear: disc golf is an electrifying game that you cannot leave once you’ve started it. Add the fact that it’s a cost-friendly and health-enjoyable pass-time activity with no other good reason for not starting it. All you need to do is grab a disc, and bottle of water, take a friend with you, go to the nearest disc golf course, and you’ll never regret this decision!