Full Answer
What should I wear to my first disc golf tournament?
The most important part of you attire is your shoes! The terrain on disc golf courses is almost always hilly and rough. Even when it’s not, you need to have good grip. I personally use Merrell sport hiking boots. They’re basically tennis shoes with grip. You can also wear outdoor shoes like the Adidas Terrex R2 GTX shoes. Those will work fine.
What is a medium difficulty disc golf course?
This includes a range of scores on a typical 18 hole course at a PDGA Tour event. Such a course would require a variety of discs and shots, and may be described as being of medium difficulty or harder, and as having a pro par of 54, with holes ranging from 200-500 feet, significant elevation changes, obstacles and rough.
How to play disc golf with discs?
When you throw the first disc, go to the spot it landed. Your next throw will be from that spot. Continue by throwing another disc then go to that spot. Throw again and again until you’re able to throw the disc into the basket or the basket chains. Take your score and put it on a scorecard.
What is the minimum age to play disc golf?
Required division for male amateur players under 40 years of age with ratings >= 935. Tournament experienced players who have played disc golf for several years, and developed consistency. Throw 300-450 feet, make 5-7/10 putts from 25-30 feet, have different shots in their arsenal.
How do I prepare for my first disc golf tournament?
Tournament Strategy TipsDO YOUR HOMEWORK. Sadly, we can't play disc golf all day every day. ... PRACTICE WITH A PURPOSE. In the days or weeks leading up to your event, make sure that you are practicing all of the different shots that you'll need for the tournament. ... GET YOUR BAG READY. ... GET YOUR BODY READY. ... HAVE FUN.
How do you mentally prepare for a disc golf tournament?
The 7 best mental disc golf tipsMake sure that you're mentally prepared to play. So this tip is probably about as general as I can get. ... Don't rush yourself. ... Focus. ... Be confident. ... Keep a positive mindset. ... Playing against someone else can make you better… ... Be patient.
What does a beginner need for disc golf?
The only thing you need to play disc golf is a disc. That's it! You don't even need an established disc golf course – you can take your disc to practically any uncrowded open space and turn it into a disc golf course of your own. More than likely, however, there is a disc golf course near you.
What discs should beginners throw?
Some excellent disc choices for new players are: Aero, Aviar, Leopard, Polecat, Wombat, Manta, Stingray, Skeeter, and Mamba. Our DX 3 Pack Starter Set is also a very good choice for beginners.
How do you train for disc golf?
Tips for Improving Your Disc Golf GameDevelop mental focus. ... Build total-body strength. ... Practice, practice, practice. ... Static Stretches:Dynamic Stretches:Plank Knee-to-Elbow Touches (alternating): 20 reps/3 sets.1 Arm Dumbbell Row-to-Presses: 15-20 reps each side/ 3 sets.More items...•
How do you get good at golf tournaments?
How To Prepare For A Golf TournamentBe Careful With How You “Label” An Upcoming Tournament. ... Feel Prepared. ... Visualize Success. ... Take Your Mind Off Golf The Evening Before. ... Be Aware Of Tension. ... Prepare for A Grind. ... Make The Mental Game The Goal. ... Don't Get Technical In Your Physical Warm-up.More items...•
Is disc golf hard on the body?
Among the 715 injured disc golfers in the Nelson study, 46 percent experienced injuries to the elbow, followed by the shoulder at 43 percent. The study by Rahbek and Nielson also found that the elbow and shoulder were the first and second most common problem areas.
How many discs should a beginner have?
In order to play disc golf, you need at least 3 discs: a driver, a mid-range, and a putter. But you should carry at least 6 discs (2 of each type) with you whenever you go out to play a round.
Can you use Frisbees to play disc golf?
Yes, you can play disc golf with a frisbee. You cannot play competitively, but you can use regular frisbees to practice on the course to improve your accuracy and your distance.
What is the best weight for a disc golf driver?
Lighter discs work well for players at all levels. Many of the competing players use under 170 gram drivers, especially when throwing uphill or in moderate wind conditions. The most used weight class, apart from Blizzard discs, in distance throws is 165-169 grams.
Why are Understable discs good for beginners?
* Understable discs are the most beginner friendly. * They turn in the same direction of their spin during the initial stages of their flight when thrown flat, straight and with average power.
What is the most Understable disc?
The Mamba is one of the most understable disc golf discs ever made and sports a ridiculous -5 turn rating (turn ranges from 1 to -5, with -5 being the most turn). The Mamba is the best disc on the market for roller shots.
How to play a shotgun start?
Check in at Tournament Central. If you are playing a “shotgun start” where all players start at the same time, there will be a board numbered 1-18 (to coincide with your assigned first hole). This contains the names of all players in the event/pool. Your name will be grouped with other names under a number and an official scorecard. If your name is the first name in the group/on the card, it is your responsibility to get that card and begin the scorekeeping for your group. The “card” refers to both the physical scorecard and the people in your group.
Where to mark lie in a disc game?
Mark your lie directly below where your disc is in the tree and play from that lie without penalty unless a two meter rule is in effect, which is rarely used and must be declared by the Director beforehand.
What happens if you lose a disc in a card game?
If the disc is declared lost, the player returns to their previous, approximate lie as agreed upon by the card and throw with a one stroke penalty. If the disc is lost off of the teepad, the player must re-tee because that was the previous lie.
Is disc golf a sport?
Disc golf as a sport relies on its players to self-referee and we help legitimize our sport when we do so courteously.
What is advanced disc golf?
Advanced - the top amateur division, available to all amateur players. Required division for male amateur players under 40 years of age with ratings >= 935. Tournament experienced players who have played disc golf for several years, and developed consistency. Throw 300-450 feet, make 5-7/10 putts from 25-30 feet, have different shots in their arsenal.
How does disc golf improve?
As players become more proficient at the different disc golf skills, including putting, driving, approaching, and learn other shots such as rollers, overhands, and forehands, their scores will improve. As their scores improve, their rating will increase, moving them up through the Amateur levels.
What is PDGA Tour Player?
The PDGA Tour Player system is based on Professional, Amateur, and Junior Divisions with both Mixed divisions (Male & Female) and female-only divisions. Professionals compete for money, Amateurs and Juniors for trophies and prizes.
What is the rating for a pro master?
Seasoned veterans who throw 250-350 feet, make 5-8/10 putts from 25-30 feet, have good shot variety. Ratings Guideline: 900+;
How many feet does a world class golfer drive?
A world class Open player has many years of tournament experience, drives at least 350 feet, makes 7-9/10 putts from 25-30 feet, rarely makes a mistake, and has a shot for every situation. Ratings Guideline: 1000+
What is the advanced women's golf division?
Advanced Women - the top women’s amateur division, available to all female amateur players. Required division for female amateur players under 40 years of age with ratings >= 825. Upcoming players who have played 2-3 years and are gaining consistency and experience. Throw 200-300 feet, make 4-6/10 putts from 25-30 feet, developing different shots.
What is a TD in a pro?
Depending on whether events are sanctioned as Pro/Am, Pro only, or Amateur only, a Tournament Director (TD) may offer all or a subset of the possible divisions. Some specialized events will only offer very specific subsets of divisions – Junior Only events, Senior Only events, etc. PDGA guidelines stipulate that events offering registration for a specific division must hold that division if there are four or more registered competitors. TDs will often make exceptions for the Women’s and Junior divisions to encourage attendance as participation may typically be less than four players.
Do you need to pre-register for PDGA Majors?
Pre-registration is required for PDGA Majors, Elite Series/National Tour, A-Tier events and is recommended for all other tiers. A player is not officially entered in the event until their entry fee has been received and confirmed by the event.
Can TDs offer early registration?
TDs may offer early registration to volunteers for their work in prepping the course etc., for the event at a level determined by the TD. That volunteer opportunity must not be exclusive and must be publicly posted so anyone can meet the requirements to be part of the Volunteer Exception if they so choose.
Can PDGA affiliate clubs be publicly posted?
PDGA Affiliate Clubs with large numbers of members may run a PDGA sanctioned event where registration is open only to the paid members of the PDGA Affiliate Club. Club membership must not be exclusive and must be publicly posted so anyone can meet the requirements to be part of the Affiliate Club if they so choose.
What is the first factor in selecting the right discs for golf?
The first factor in selecting the right discs is disc type. During your rounds, you will use three types of discs. The picture below will show you the difference in two types of discs, just so you can see the physical difference. The picture shows the difference between a distance driver (left) and a putter (right).
What is disc golf 101?
Disc Golf 101: A Step by Step Beginner’s Guide. Written by Red in disc golf 101. Disc golf is an awesome game already. It’s starting to gain traction as a pro sport and is hugely popular all over the world. Now you want to know how to play disc golf. That’s great because in this 37 step guide, you will learn the game in every way.
What is a mid range disc?
2. Mid-range: this disc is used mainly for approach shots close to the basket and for tee shots when the basket isn’t too far away. The main goal of a mid-range is accuracy and glide (a disc’s ability to maintain loft or stay in the air).
How to play disc golf?
When you play disc golf, you will try to throw your disc from a designated tee pad into an upright basket. Each hole has a certain number of throws, or strokes, to get your disc into the basket. If you get your disc into the basket in the correct amount of throws, that’s called par.
What is fade in golf?
Fade: fade is a disc’s tendency, for a right hand backhand (rhbh) thrower, to hook left at the end of the its flight. Fade is judged from 0-5. Beginners want a disc that flies straight, so from 0-2 is best. If you want to improve, the best beginner discs to get will have low speed, high glide, high turn, and low fade.
How to get a disc out of a basket?
Make sure you line up with the basket. Next, have a putter ready to go. Stay focused and take your time so that you won’t miss and have to putt again. Now push the disc out and let it fly toward the basket. Hopefully you heard the “ching” and can go grab your disc! Remember: whoever is farthest from the basket putts first.
How many holes does disc golf have?
The player with the least number of strokes in a round, which is 18 holes, wins. But disc golf differs immensely from ball golf and is a fun alternative to the monotony that can be seen in many of ball golf’s rounds of play.
How to get started in disc golf?
1. Build Confidence. Confidence on the course is a must. If you don't have confidence in yourself and your abilities, you'll fall short every time. But confidence is hard to achieve in disc golf.
How to become more competitive in disc golf?
Be Goal-Oriented. If you want to achieve anything in life, you should have goals. They are fundamental to measuring your success and allow you to keep track of where you are and where you're going. So you should definitely have goals if you're thinking about trying to become more competitive in disc golf.
Why do people quit disc golf?
Many players quit competing in tournaments because they get discouraged. It’s really tough to play against a lot of good disc golfers and come out on top. So you need to have the patience to drudge through your first tournament, continue to build your skills, and continue playing competitively.
What is disc golf?
Disc golf is, at its core, a mental game. No matter how fit you are physically or how far you can throw the disc, your mindset plays a major role in determining how well you will perform. And when it comes time for your first tournament, your mental game is tested on a whole new level. New nerves, new stress, and, of course, new ways to screw up.
What are some short term goals for disc golf?
Your short term disc golf goals should be a couple of specific things you want to achieve in your first tournament. An example would be: I want to at least make par on every hole and try to place in the top 5 or 10 players. Again, achievable, realistic, and specific. That's what you want. That's how you win.
What to do when your round goes downhill?
If your rounds starts to go downhill, or you have a really bad throw, take a minute. Breath, relax, and look to the next throw. Tell yourself that the round is going to get better and continue staying positive. This is really the only way to turn things around when you hit a rough patch.
How to get better at shooting?
It takes a lot of time to perfect. Continue to play and practice, keeping yourself on one task: focusing on the shot. You can do that with something simple like telling yourself, “concentrate on the shot,” or “focus.”. Your ability to get better at this will expand over time, especially if you work on it.
What is disc golf pro tour?
The Disc Golf Pro Tour is an event series for the Open and Open Women's divisions. The Disc Golf Pro Tour events showcase the sport, its leading events, and its top players, with the goal of increasing sponsorship and media coverage.
When is PDGA membership required?
Current PDGA membership required to compete (after January 1, 2022).
What are the tiers of PDGA?
There are several levels of PDGA-sanctioned events, referred to as Tiers. Each Tier has its own set of requirements and regulations based on the PDGA Tour Standards. Higher Tiers of events, which include World Championships, PDGA Majors, Elite Series events, A-Tier events, and (beginning January 1, 2022) B-Tier events require current PDGA membership in order to participate. PDGA Majors and Elite Series events also require that the competitors have passed the PDGA Certified Official Rules Exam and registered as a Certified Rules Official with the PDGA. For C-Tier events (and B-Tier events held prior to January 1, 2022), any player who is not a current PDGA member may participate by paying a per-event fee of $10 (unless playing in a Junior division in which case there is no such fee). Players who are not current PDGA members may play in PDGA Leagues without any additional fee.
What is a PDGA major?
PDGA Major. PDGA Major events include World and National Championships with the competitors based on invitations and qualification. Qualification to World Championships and Majors are awarded according to previous year Tour Points and other qualifying criteria. Current members who do not earn an invitation to the World Championships may still gain ...
What are PDGA points?
PDGA members will receive PDGA points, which is the primary criterion for earning an invitation to World Championship events.
What is the National Tour Elite Series?
The National Tour Elite Series is an event series for the Open and Open Women's divisions developed by the PDGA and its marketing partners. The National Tour events showcase the sport, its leading events, and its top players, with the goal of increasing sponsorship and media coverage.
How long is a PDGA league?
PDGA Leagues run once a week, on the same day of the week, for a duration of 6-10 weeks. PDGA members who compete receive PDGA Player Ratings from each round just as they would at a typical PDGA event, and accrue PDGA points depending on their place in the field each week.
Important Notes About These Rules
The first thing we should note is that some of these rules might change depending on the environment and who you’re playing with. The PDGA has an official rulebook that covers every little detail that you might come across during a tournament round.
General Rules of Disc Golf
Since there are too many rules and regulations to fully understand, here’s a simplified guide of which rules you should know to play disc golf.
Disc Golf Scoring Rules
For scoring and winning disc golf rounds, the player with the lowest total score after the round is the winner.
Rules for Your Equipment
There are regulations for each type of disc golf disc, from putters to drivers. For local and official tournaments, it’s important to follow the PDGA standards to avoid throwing an illegal disc.
Who Throws Their Disc First?
When starting a new hole, the first person to throw from the tee is the player who had the best score on the previous hole. The lowest score takes the box and will continue to hold it until they get beaten out on one of the next holes.
Final Thoughts
This was a simplified overview of the important disc golf rules that every player should follow. There are a lot of regulations and specifications that go into each rule, so if you’re interested in learning more you can visit the official rules of the PDGA.
Best Discraft Fairway Drivers
The Undertaker has become the instant favorite for many disc golfers that have given it a throw or two. Any player with enough arm speed should throw this fairway driver to see how easy and predictable it is to use.