Printable disc golf beginner handout

1. What to bring

• One or two discs is enough to start: a putter and a midrange. A fast distance driver is harder to control while you learn.
• Write your phone number on the bottom of each disc so a lost one can find its way back.
• Shoes with grip, water and a pencil or app for the score.

2. How a hole works

1. Throw your first shot from the tee. Your feet must be on the tee when you let go.
2. Walk to your disc. Your next throw starts from directly behind where it stopped.
3. Whoever is farthest from the basket throws next.
4. The hole is done when your disc rests in the basket’s tray or chains. A disc that bounces out does not count.

3. Your first backhand

1. Hold the disc with your thumb on top and your fingers curled under the rim.
2. Stand sideways, with your throwing shoulder pointing at the target.
3. Reach straight back, then turn your hips and pull the disc across your chest.
4. Let it go flat. Smooth, short throws first; distance comes later.

4. Putting near the basket

Inside 10 meters (about 33 feet), stay balanced behind your spot until the putt has left your hand and you are steady. No jump or step putts that close. Aim at one link in the middle of the chains.

5. Keeping score

Your score on a hole is your throws plus any penalty throws. Par on the tee sign is the expected number of throws. One under par is a birdie, one over is a bogey. Write whole numbers, such as 4, for each hole.

6. Common penalties (one throw each)

• Out-of-bounds: play from your previous spot or near where the disc went out.
• Lost disc: after three minutes of searching, throw again from your previous spot.
• Missed mandatory route: play from the drop zone, if the hole has one.

Casual groups can agree to play these more loosely while someone is learning.