What is Disc Golf?

Disc golf is a recreational sport played to broadly similar rules as traditional ball golf.

The Game

Instead of a ball and clubs, players throw a plastic flying disc into a standing metal basket (which has loose hanging chains to help catch the disc).  Players throw from a designated tee towards a target basket, and, as in ball golf, try to do so in as few throws as possible.  A course typically has 9 or 18 “holes” (fairways with tees and baskets).

​Disc golf “holes” are shorter than in ball golf, play is faster, and the game can be played in spaces shared with other users, such as public parks.

Discs are smaller and more streamlined than traditional beach “Frisbees”, and fly further.  There is a wide variety of different discs (they vary by design, plastic and weight).  Each type has different flight characteristics.  As a ball golfer has different clubs, so a disc golfer has a set of different discs (putters, mid-range, drivers).

​Disc golf is relatively quick and easy to learn. WIth a little practice you'll find that you rapidly improve in skill.

Disc golf can be played by yourself, in an informal group with friends, in Club social events and leagues, or in formal tournaments.  Players of differing skill levels can play together meaning a whole family can play together, or an inexperienced player can happily play in the same tournament as someone with years of experience.

There is no requirement to book a “tee time”, players are free to play as and when it suits them.  Not much equipment is needed: loose casual clothing, a bag of discs (1-3 is enough for a beginner), and suitable footwear (e.g. training shoes). 

It takes 50 to 90 minutes to play a recreational round of 18 “holes”.  Approximately 72 players can be accommodated on an 18 “hole” course at any one time.

​Disc golf started in California 1975, with the invention of the metal basket.  Innovations to plastic disc design followed in the 1980s and 1990s.  Since 2000, the game has been growing rapidly worldwide.  It is most popular in North America and Northwest Europe.  Finland, with a population not much larger than New Zealand, has over 700 courses.

There are over 100 courses in New Zealand, and the game is growing rapidly.