In this blog post, we want to give you an understanding of the 10 most important rules on the disc golf course. – The netiquette
Short version of the 10 most important rules on the disc golf course
- Play smart
- Pay attention to the course
- Represent the sport
- Do not disturb other players
- Warn in case of danger
- Stick to the course plan
- Make sure the game runs smoothly
- Use spotters
- Return found discs
- Be fair
For the first 3 of the 10 most important disc golf course rules, let’s stick to the PDGA.
1. Play smart
Never throw in a direction you can’t see. Always make sure that no other players, spectators, pedestrians, other course users or animals are standing in your throwing path or can cross it.
Appoint a spotter to watch the flight of the target and warn you in case of danger. This prevents injuries and helps to find stray discs.
It is advisable to make contact with other players, spectators and passers-by. If they are regularly in the vicinity of the course, they will get to know disc golf and be aware of the dangers.
If you still feel uncomfortable approaching people, skip the course in question and play it later or at another time.
2. Pay attention to the course
Always treat the course as if it were your own.
Observe the course rules, don’t leave any garbage lying around and treat the equipment and nature with care.
Never alter the course, break branches or gain any other advantage. However, the removal of “dead” objects such as broken branches or stones is permitted.
3. Represent the sport
Be friendly and take responsibility for the sport.
This can be expressed in many ways:
- If someone approaches you and you are able to, explain the sport and try to express and pass on your enthusiasm. Many passers-by want to hold the targets in their hands. Encourage them to take a shot.
- Ask people who are in “your way” to stand aside in a friendly manner.
4. Do not disturb other players
Keep quiet directly in front of and during your teammates’ throws and do not cross their field of vision. Avoid loud cheers or outbursts of anger – this can not only upset you, but also other groups.
Even if someone is putting, try not to stand in their field of vision and stay calm.
Similarly, stay calm if a nearby group is putting or teeing off.
5. Warn in case of danger
If one of your discs unexpectedly goes in an undesired direction, shout “FORE” loudly and clearly to warn other people. This is usually the same call as in golf.
If you hear the call, duck down and protect your head with your hands.
6. Stick to the course plan
If the course is very busy, start your “hole” at the designated tee pad and finish at the basket. Don’t cross other people’s holes and stick to the course plan.
If the course is less busy, you can let your creativity run free and invent your own holes as long as you don’t endanger anyone.
7. Make sure the game flows smoothly
Be ready when it’s your turn. The tee order is determined as follows: The player with the best score on the previous hole starts. If the scores are the same, the score of the previous hole counts. At the first hole, the order of play is determined by the scorecard.
After the first throw on a hole, it is always the turn of the player who is furthest away from the basket.
Do not form too large a flight. Especially when there is a lot going on, never try to form flights consisting of more than 5 players. As a general rule, if a faster flight comes up, let it go first on the next tee shot.
Do not enter your scores until the next tee pad and clear the basket quickly for the next group. Never take breaks at the basket, but around the next tee pad, then a faster flight can pass.
Do not throw any more discs after your first throw if the next group is already waiting. You often want to make a second throw in a practice round after the first one has failed. It is better not to do this, firstly it is not allowed in a tournament and secondly the targets from the second throw tend to get lost.
8. Use spotters
Especially on new or densely wooded courses, it is advisable to spot: Position yourself so that you have a good view of the “dangerous” zones, but are protected yourself. This avoids dangerous situations, saves you and the whole group time and shortens the time it takes to search for discs.
9. Return found discs
One of the most important of the 10 most important rules on the disc golf course is to return found discs.
If you find a disc on the course, look around first. If there are other players nearby, speak to them and ask if it is one of their discs. If this is unsuccessful, check the disc for contact details and try to contact the owner.
If this is also unsuccessful, there is a “Lost Disc Box” on most courses, where someone will take care of returning the discs. As a last resort, you can post the discs in one of the Facebook, WhatsApp or Signal groups.
10. Be fair
Disc golf is based on honesty. In principle, everyone is responsible for their own scores and should therefore count their throws accurately. Also, when marking the next throw, be careful not to shift the position unfairly. Ultimately, you are only cheating yourself.
Now that you know the 10 most important rules on the disc golf course, it’s time for your first starter set:)
Related links:
Blog post “What is disc golf?”
You can also find more tips and the basic rules in this video!
The most important disc golf rules
Gender note: For reasons of better readability, the masculine form is used for personal names and personal nouns on this website. Corresponding terms apply to all genders in the interests of equal treatment