The Disc Golf Beginner Guide

Disc golf, also called frisbee golf by some, is one of the world’s fastest growing sports. Why? Well mostly because seeing a disc fly is a beautiful thing. It is also an affordable and easy-going activity that suits everyone – no matter if you are an experienced player or a fledgling beginner looking to have fun and getting some exercise outdoors. 

Disc Golf, also called Frisbee Golf, is all about getting the disc in the basket in the least amount of throws.

WHAT IS DISC GOLF?

Disc golf is played similarly to the game of golf. Instead of clubs and balls you play with discs/frisbees. And instead of a hole you have a basket, where metal chains slow down the disc so it lands in the basket. The goal is to get through the course with the least amount of throws. 

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF DISCS?

First off, a golf disc is not the same as the frisbee you play catch with on the beach. A golf disc usually weighs a little bit more and is more aerodynamically shaped to cut through the air faster. Golf discs are divided into four main categories: 

DISTANCE DRIVER | The fastest discs around. With a low and wide rim, they cut through the air at high speeds and fade hard at the end of the flight. Not recommended for beginners.

FAIRWAY DRIVER | These have a more narrow rim than a distance driver has which gives you less speed but more control and glide. If you are new to disc golf and want to try a driver, go for a fairway driver!

MIDRANGE | The midrange has a very predictable flight path, but you can still get a lot of distance with this disc, especially if you are a beginner. Great all-round disc.

PUTT & APPROACH | Putters flies slow and straight and will give you the most control. When you are within striking distance of the basket you want a putter you can trust and feel comfortable with.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT PLASTICS?

Yes, we have a wide selection of plastics and different effects. But these three below are our main plastics you should know about. 

Retro – Great grip and beginner friendly flights. This is the perfect blend for your first disc. 

Zero – Our putters plastic – has the best grip and comes in three different stiffnesses: soft, medium and hard.

Opto – Our premium plastic. This plastic combines the best durability with great grip.

Dive deeper into our big selection of different plastics and additives here »

WHAT’S THE ONE BEST DISC FOR A BEGINNER?

You can of course play disc golf with just one disc, then we would recommend a midrange disc. This category of discs have the perfect mix of speed and control and can do it all. 

• Fuse is the perfect all-round starter disc for most people. Shop now »

• Pearl is a great choice for kids and people with slower arm speed. Shop now »

WHAT ABOUT A FULL STARTER SET OF DISCS?

We have two great starter sets, and both of them include a fairway driver, a midrange and a putter. A great way to get to know how the different discs flies. 

• Latitude 64 Beginner Starter Set
Suits kids and those with slower arm speed. Shop now »

• Latitude 64 Advanced Starter Set
Suits those with faster arm speed. Shop now »

WHERE CAN I FIND A DISC GOLF COURSE?

Finding a local disc golf course is easy, depending on where you live of course. Some courses are full 18 hole courses, and some are 9 hole courses. The latter are usually more beginner friendly with shorter holes. The best thing is that disc golf courses are usually free to play. There are some pay to play disc golf courses – and these are usually of very high standard. So find a course that suits you, bring a friend and go for a round! 

Here is a good place to find a disc golf course near you » 

QUICK LINKS

Professional Disc Golf Association – A member based organization. The PDGA regulate the official rules of disc golf and also sanctions events.

Dynamic Discs – Good friends of ours, they are the official distributor of Latitude 64° discs in the US.

Udisc Course Directory – The best way to find a disc golf course near you. Also available as an app for both Android and Iphone.