Disc Golf. It's one of the fastest growing sports around, and great for pretty much anyone!
With its skyrocketing popularity, you probably have a general idea of what disc golf is and the rules of disc golf so we won't go into it here. Instead we'll touch on a few things to keep in mind when you're out there huckin' plastic. If you're looking for a deep dive into specific disc golf topics we've included some great resources for you in the sidebar.
When Playing Disc Golf...
Please remember: As long as it is still played in public parks, disc golf remains a privilege, and we need to play nice with all the other park users. Here is a brief list of things to think about which will help you, and everyone else, enjoy the course/park together:
- Just wait... Do not throw your golf disc if it could even possibly hit someone. No one likes to get hit by a disc, so the people in your group (and the group behind you) should understand if you wait.
- Ask, don't yell... If there is someone in the way, point out that there is a disc golf course, and politely ASK if they would move aside. They usually do, and most don't even know about the course. Don't act like you own the park.
- Skip it... If there is a group activity on the course nearby your fairway (soccer team, picnic), consider just skipping that hole.
- FORE!.. If you throw your disc and it looks like it may come close to someone, immediately yell "FORE!". You could be held responsible if someone is injured. (it really happens)
- Play through... If you notice a group playing faster than yours, offer to let them play through. This helps the entire course flow more smoothly.
- Yield... If you come to a spot where two holes cross, the group further along (higher-numbered hole) should go first. This helps to prevent groups from getting bottle-necked, and once again helps the entire course flow freely.
- When you find a disc:
- Look around before picking it up... the owner probably just threw it there!
- Dial the number... If noone's playing the shot, first check with the group ahead of you. You can ask them to describe it before showing it to them if you want. Then, check to see if there is a phone number on it and call that person. It could be their favorite disc! (You know how bad it is losing that one, favorite disc)
- Post it... If there's no number on it, post it here in our forums or in our Facebook group. If you find the owner they may even offer a reward for your trouble.
- Once you've done your best to return it with no luck, congratulations, you have a new disc!
- When you lose a disc:
- Offer... Look for a couple minutes, but then offer to let the group behind you play through while you continue looking.
- Hands off... When retrieving discs from trees/water/etc., NEVER rip limbs off trees or bushes!!! (That goes for street signs too, buddy!) Your disc is far less important than the course obstacles and park features. Don't ruin the course for everyone else. This is, of course, against park rules as well, and gives disc golfers a bad reputation. There are many disc-retrieval devices to help with this.
- Hook it up!... If you lose a disc, and someone is kind enough to call you, offer a reward of some kind! They could have just kept it you know...
- Most of all, have fun!