The four “Disc Golf Numbers” or the flight rating system describes the flight characteristics of a disc. The disc golf flight rating system consists of four numbers: Speed Glide Turn Fade
What is the difference between disc golf and flying discs?
The PDGA prohibits discs heavier than 200 grams. Discs used for disc golf are designed and shaped for control, speed, and accuracy, while general-purpose flying discs, such as those used for playing guts or ultimate, have a more traditional shape, similar to a catch disc.
What are the different types of disc golf flight numbers?
There are multiple types of rating systems, including single number, 3, and 4 number. The 4 number rating system created by Innova Discs is the most commonly used disc golf flight number system in the world today. People are often confused by these mystical numbers and sometimes don’t even pay any attention to them!
What does glide mean on a disc golf disc?
Glide describes the discs ability to maintain loft during flight. Discs with more glide are best for new players, and for producing maximum distance. Beginners wanting more distance should choose discs with more glide. Discs with less glide are more accurate in high wind situations.
What is Frolf disc golf?
FROLF – A slang term used to describe disc golf, usually by non-disc golfers. Combines ‘Frisbee’ and ‘Golf’. Frisbee – The name for the traditional circular flying disc. The Frisbee is a trademarked product by Wham-O toys. Serious disc golfers don’t usually refer to golf discs as Frisbees.
What is the disc golf target called?
BasketBasket : A disc golf basket (also known as a disc golf target, pole hole, or disc entrapment device) is the “goal” for every disc golf hole. Discs golf baskets come in many shapes and sizes including permanent, portable, all-metal, and hybrid designs.
What are the three types of disc golf?
There is a wide variety of discs used in disc golf and they are generally divided into three categories: putters, all-purpose mid-range discs, and drivers.
What are the different types of disc golf discs?
There are four main types of disc golf discs - distance drivers, fairway drivers, midranges, and putters. Choosing the right type of disc for the right situation can make all the difference in your score!
What type of disc golf disc flies the farthest?
The Innova Boss is a truly a world record breaking disc. In 2016, David Wiggins Jr. threw a 156 gram RPro Boss 1,109.8 feet to break the “Longest Backhand Flight Distance (Men's)” record. Now granted this was thrown with tailwind and for maximum distance, but still, the disc went 1,108 feet!
What is the difference between disc golf discs?
Higher speed discs have thicker rims and are harder to throw accurately. Glide: Glide is a discs ability to stay in the air. Discs with higher glide numbers will generally fly farther than discs with lower numbers. Glide is good when you're going for distance, but can be a bad thing for putts and approach shots.
Can you use regular frisbees for 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.
How many types of discs are there?
There are two basic types of disks in the computer hardware realm: magnetic disks and optical disks.
Do heavier discs fly farther?
In general, lighter discs fly farther than heavier discs, but heavier discs may fly farther in a headwind due to their greater stability. A safe bet for the average player is to throw discs weighing around 160-165 grams for best distance.
How do disc golf discs fly?
A disc is like a gyroscope in that it uses gyroscopic inertia, the tendency of a gyroscope to keep spinning in the same plane without twisting and turning. With no spin, a disc is inherently unstable, and with no speed, no lift is generated, so a combination of these factors is needed for a disc to fly.
What disc throws the farthest?
The unofficial world record disc golf throw was set back in 2016 by David Higgins who was using a 158g R-Pro Boss. This throw was done so under conditions favorable to toss a record distance, such as the perfect wind and temperature..
What is the straightest flying putter?
The 7 best disc golf discs that fly straightOur #1 Pick: Innova XT Nova – Putt and Approach (2, 3, 0, 0)Latitude 64 Pure – Putt and Approach (3, 3, -1, 1)Infinite Discs Anubis (5, 5, 0, 0)Discraft Buzzz (5, 4, -1, 1)Innova Mako3 (5, 4, 0, 0)Innova Leopard (6, 5, -2, 1)Dynamic Discs Sheriff (13, 5, -1, 2)
What are Understable discs?
Understable is a term that describes the overall flight pattern of golf discs, i.e. where they land compared to their starting point. Understable discs are the most beginner friendly. They turn in the direction of their spin during the initial stages of their flight when thrown flat, straight and with average power.
How many types of discs are there?
There are two basic types of disks in the computer hardware realm: magnetic disks and optical disks.
How many golf discs are there?
In the game of disc golf, there are 3 discs that you actually need in order to play.
How many disc golf discs are there?
Types and Uses of Disc Golf Discs There are primarily four different types of golf discs: distance drivers, fairway drivers, midrange discs, and putters. For new disc golfers, it's the distance the disc provides that matters most.
What does Overstable and Understable mean in disc golf?
Stability is a description of the disc's flight path. Understable means a flight that turns right ( RHBH throw). Stable is a flight that doesn't turn. Overstable refers to a flight that turns left ( RHBH throw). Spike/Spike Hyzer is a shot that lands almost vertically and doesn't skip.
What is disc golf?
Disc golf is a flying disc sport in which players throw a disc at a target; it is played using rules similar to golf. Most disc golf discs are made out of polypropylene plastic, otherwise known as polypropene, which is a thermoplastic polymer resin used in a wide variety of applications. Discs are also made using a variety ...
When was disc golf invented?
Disc golf was first invented in the early 1900s. The first game was held in Bladworth, Saskatchewan, Canada in 1927. Ronald Franklin Gibson and a group of his Bladworth Elementary School buddies played a game of throwing tin lids into 4-foot wide circles drawn into sandy patches on their school grounds. They called the game Tin Lid Golf and played on a fairly regular basis. However, after they grew older and went their separate ways, the game came to an end. It was not until the 1970s that modern disc golf would be introduced to Canadians at the Canadian Open Frisbee Championships in Toronto and Vancouver, BC.
What is a disc golf tee box?
A disc golf tee (commonly referred to as a tee box or the box) is the starting position of a hole. The PDGA recommends that the tee box be no smaller than 1.2 meters wide by 3 meters long. The tee box is usually a pad of concrete, asphalt, rubber, gravel, or artificial turf. Some courses have natural turf with only the front of the tee position marked or no tee boxes at all and players begin from a general location based on the course layout.
What was the first disc golf target?
Ed Headrick's Flying Disc Entrapment Device Patent 4039189. The first disc golf target made with chains that became the standard for disc golf. In 1977, Headrick and his son Ken developed the modern basket catch for disc golf, US Patent 4,039,189, [4] titled Flying Disc Entrapment Device, which they trademarked "Disc Pole Hole". The Disc Pole Hole created a standardized catching device that had a chain-hanger that held vertical hanging rows of chain out and away from a center pole. The vertical rows of chain came together forming a parabolic shape above and angling down towards a metal basket that attached to and surrounded the center pole, and could catch a disc from all directions.
How many holes are there in disc golf?
Disc golf courses. Most disc golf courses have 9 or 18 holes, and exceptions most often have holes in multiples of three. Courses with 6, 12, 21, 24 or 27 holes are not uncommon. The PDGA recommends that courses average 200–400 ft (61–122 m) per hole, with holes no shorter than 100 ft (30 m).
What is the most common type of target in disc golf?
Targets. A disc resting in a basket, the most common type of target. Main article: Basket (disc golf) Although early courses were played using trees, fence posts, or park equipment as the target, standard disc golf baskets are by far the most common type of target on modern courses.
How many disc golf courses are there in the world?
There are disc golf courses on every continent, including 24 in Latin America, 8 in Africa, and one in Antarctica. The Åland Islands have been defined as the world's largest single disc golf park, with one course in each of the 16 municipalities of Åland. Country. DGC.
What is a frisbee disc?
Frisbee – The name for the traditional circular flying disc. The Frisbee is a trademarked product by Wham-O toys. Serious disc golfers don’t usually refer to golf discs as Frisbees. Frisbee Golf – Another term for ‘disc golf’ that is typically used by recreational players.
What is an albatross in golf?
Albatross (double eagle) – When a player completes a hole three under par. Anhyzer (Anny) – When a player throws a disc at an angle (for a RHBH player) that has the left side of the disc higher than the right upon release. The goal in using this type of throw is to get the disc to fly to the right initially.
What is a hyzer flip?
Can be used to hyzer flip a disc or increase the amount of fade to the left. Hyzer flip – When a disc is thrown on a hyzer angle and it rota tes (flips) and flies flat.
What is a basket in golf?
Basket – A device designed to catch a disc by using a number of chains to stop its flight. Bead – A ridge or edge on the bottom of the rim of a disc. Birdie – When a player completes a hole one under par. Black ace – When a player throws from a tee pad into an unintended basket in one throw.
What is a jump putt?
Jump putt – A technique used for putting outside of the 10-meter circle. A player jumps toward the basket while putting to give the disc more speed and a longer flight.
What is a fairway driver?
Fairway driver – A disc that has a speed rating of 6-9. Commonly used for shorter holes or on second throws on a long hole. This is a driver, but does not have a rim as thick as a distance driver. Fairway ace (Field ace) – Throwing the disc into the basket from a long ways away, but not from the tee pad.
What is fade in discs?
Fade – The last number of the common four-number flight rating of a disc. Refers to how far the disc drifts to the left (RHBH throw) as it slows down near the end of its flight (low speed stability).
What is fade in disc golf?
Fade is a characteristic of flight that occurs during the later phases of disc flight , represented with our numbers 0 to 5. Fade occurs when a disc begins to drop and forces of air on the bottom wing of the disc begin to exceed the lift forces keeping the disc in flight. As a result of Bernoulli’s Principle exerting more lift on the bottom left wing of the disc (for a right-hand backhand thrower), the disc will fade towards the left during this later phase of flight. A disc with a fade of 0 will finish the straightest and see the least amount of left movement towards the end of their flight. While a disc with a fade of 5 will see a hard hook to the left at the end.
What is a low speed disc?
Glide is the measure of how well a disc retains loft in relation to the amount of power of the throw. Low-speed discs with a higher glide rating are easier for new players to achieve longer flights. A disc with a lower glide rating will be more resistant to wind, and players will be able to achieve more consistent lines in windy conditions.
What is the turn of a disc?
Turn is an early characteristic of disc flight, represented with our numbers +1 to -5, that occurs as a result of the aerodynamic forces exceeding the gyroscopic forces of the disc. As a result of Bernoulli’s Principle exerting more lift on the upper left surface of the disc (for a right-hand backhand throw), the disc will drift towards the right during this phase of flight. A turn of +1 will fight wind and resist turning over the most. While a disc with a turn of -5 will turn over the most and are useful for large sky anhyzer shots or quick turnover rollers.
What is the difference between speed 10 and speed 13 discs?
However, the skill necessary to achieve the optimal flight of a speed 13 disc is greater than that of a speed 5 disc.
What is a hyzer in golf?
Hyzer is the angle you release the disc on, relative to flat. Most disc golf throws require the disc be thrown close to flat. Even small changes to the hyzer or anhyzer angle have a large impact on the flight shape the disc will make.
What does the number on a disc mean?
The numbers indicate the expected flight shape, when thrown on flat ground, in calm air, on a flat, straight line, with a Right-Hand Backhand throw, using the power the speed rating of the disc requires .
What is glide disc?
Glide describes the discs ability to maintain loft during flight. Discs with more glide are best for new players, and for producing maximum distance. Beginners wanting more distance should choose discs with more glide. Discs with less glide are more accurate in high wind situations.
What is the speed of a disc?
Speed is the rate at which a disc can travel through the air. Speed 14 Distance Drivers are the fastest, having the PDGA maximum legal wing width. Faster discs cut into the wind with less effort and are best when throwing up wind. Slower discs take more power to throw upwind, but they’re easier to throw more accurately and may actually go farther downwind. High speed discs are not recommended for beginners as they require more power to fly properly.
What is the difference between stable and overstable discs?
Stability is a description of the disc’s flight path. Understable means a flight that turns right (RHBH throw). Stable is a flight that doesn’t turn. Over stable refers to a flight that turns left (RHBH throw). Spike/Spike Hyzer is a shot that lands almost vertically and doesn’t skip.
What is a skip shot?
Skip is a shot that is meant to fly after it hits the ground. Understable discs are much more speed sensitive than stable or overstable discs. An understable disc will often fly stable to overstable at low speed. Beginners tend to throw discs at lower speeds.
Where does disc golf start?
A disc golf hole begins from a tee area and ends at a target, the most common of which is an elevated metal basket. As a player progresses down the fairway, he or she must make each consecutive throw from the spot where the previous throw landed. In group play, the farthest away player always throws first.
What is the difference between a golf disc and a Frisbee?
When compared to a Frisbee, a golf disc travels faster and farther which may make it more difficult to control.
How many discs are needed for disc golf?
The beauty of disc golf is that it only takes one disc to play. One disc is recommended in the classroom when first introducing disc golf. It makes it easy to teach and for the group or individual to learn. Implementing different discs too soon will work against the group, individual, and instructor.
What is the most popular technique in disc golf?
The most popular throwing technique in disc golf is the backhand throw. The backhand is what most people think of when they think of throwing a Frisbee.
How many people play disc golf?
The PDGA annually presents four separate world championship: Professional, Professional Masters, Amateur and Juniors. It is been estimated that 8 to 12 million Americans have played disc golf and that over half a million play regularly. The majority of these players participate at the amateur and recreational level.
Why is disc golf so easy?
One disc allows the new player to focus on throwing technique, disc angles, and repetition which accelerates the learning curve. One disc is also easier for kids to keep track of when playing a course or in the classroom. Equipment responsibility is part of the game.
How much has disc golf increased in popularity?
Disc golf has steadily increased in membership popularity by 15 percent over the last seven years. The game of disc golf has a 72 percent course growth rate, and tournament play has increased by 90 percent. These stats translate to an all-time high for disc selection and courses to play.
Overview
Disc golf is a flying disc sport in which players throw a disc at a target; it is played using rules similar to golf. Most disc golf discs are made out of polypropylene plastic, otherwise known as polypropene, which is a thermoplastic polymer resin used in a wide variety of applications. Discs are also made using a variety of other plastic dice golf types that are heated and molded into individual discs. …
Disc golf courses
Most disc golf courses have 9 or 18 holes, and exceptions most often have holes in multiples of three. Courses with 6, 12, 21, 24 or 27 holes are not uncommon. The PDGA recommends that courses average 200–400 ft (61–122 m) per hole, with holes no shorter than 100 ft (30 m). The longest holes in the world measure more than 1,500 ft (460 m) long. Course designers use trees, b…
Gameplay
The sport of disc golf is set up similar to a game of golf. A "round" is played on a disc golf course consisting of a number of "holes", usually 9 or 18. Each hole includes a tee position for starting play and a disc golf target some distance away, often with obstacles such as trees, hills or bodies of water in between. Players begin by throwing a disc from the tee, without crossing over the front …
Disc types
Disc golf discs are smaller than Ultimate flying discs or general-purpose recreational frisbees. They typically measure 21–22 cm (8.3–8.7 in) in diameter and weigh 130–180 g (4.6–6.3 oz). All PDGA-approved discs measure 21–30 cm (8.3–11.8 in) in diameter and weigh no more than 200 g (7.1 oz). Discs used for disc golf are designed and shaped for control, speed, and accuracy, while g…
Throwing styles
While there are many different grips and styles to throwing the disc, there are two basic throwing techniques: backhand and forehand (or sidearm). These techniques vary in effectiveness under different circumstances. Their understanding and mastery can greatly improve a player's game, and offer diverse options in maneuvering the disc to the basket with greater efficacy. Many players use what is referred to as a run-up during their drive. This is practiced to build more forw…
Scoring
Stroke play is the most common scoring method used in the sport but there are many other forms. These include match play, skins, speed golf and captain's choice, which in disc golf is referred to as "doubles" (not to be confused with partner or team play).
Regardless of which form of play the participants choose, the main objectives of disc golf are conceptually the same as traditional golf in the sense that players follow the same scorekeepin…
Tournaments
Tournaments are held nationwide and year long in the United States. Sanctioned Tournament play is communicated through the Professional Disc Golf Association Membership. The PDGA provides international, professional, and amateur disc golf tournaments as well as communicates event results, opinions and other information beneficial to the sport via electronic and printed media. I…
Popularity
Disc golf is a rapidly growing sport worldwide, and is the 4th fastest growing sport in United States, behind mixed martial arts, roller derby, and parkour. DGCourseReview.com, which tracks courses worldwide along with opening dates, shows a rapid increase in installed permanent courses with an average of more than 400 new courses added each year between 2007 and 2017. The sit…