New to disc golf? The basic rules are simple: start at the tee, throw toward the basket, and continue throwing from where each previous throw came to rest. The goal is to complete each hole in the fewest throws.
Most importantly, have fun, play safely, and be courteous to other players and campus visitors.
Basic Rules of Play
- Start from the tee. Begin each hole from the designated teeing area. Your first throw must be released from within the teeing area and behind its front edge.
- Play from where your disc lands. After the first throw, continue from the spot where the previous throw came to rest. This spot is called the lie.
- Mark your lie. You may play directly from behind the thrown disc or mark the lie with an appropriate marker disc. Your next throw is made from behind the lie.
- If a disc comes to rest above the ground, such as in a tree or bush, the position of the disc is marked on the playing surface directly below it.
- Run-ups and follow-throughs are generally allowed. For throws outside the putting area, you may follow through beyond your lie after releasing the disc.
- Special rules apply when putting. A throw made from within 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) of the basket is considered a putt. After releasing a putt, you must demonstrate balance behind your lie before moving toward the basket.
- Complete the hole. The hole is complete when your thrown disc comes to rest supported by the basket tray or by the chains below the chain support. A disc resting on top of the basket does not complete the hole.
Count every throw. Your score for the hole is the total number of throws you made, including any penalty throws.
Out-of-Bounds Areas
Some areas of the course may be designated as out-of-bounds (OB). A disc is out-of-bounds when it comes to rest completely surrounded by an OB area.
An out-of-bounds throw adds one penalty throw to your score. Depending on the course and situation, play generally continues from the previous lie, from near the point where the disc was last in bounds, or from a designated drop zone if one is provided.
Follow any posted course or hole-specific instructions when they are available.
Safety & Courtesy
- Never throw when people are within range. Wait until the fairway and expected landing area are clear, including other players, pedestrians, and campus visitors.
- Be aware of your surroundings before throwing, especially near roads, parking areas, sidewalks, buildings, and other shared campus spaces.
- Give players ahead of you enough time to move safely out of range.
- Allow faster groups to play through when practical.
- Avoid distracting other players while they are preparing to throw.
- Respect trees, plants, wildlife, course equipment, and other campus property.
Take trash with you or place it in an appropriate receptacle.
Casual Play vs. Official Rules
These guidelines are intended to help recreational players understand the basics of disc golf. They do not cover every situation that can occur during a round.
Players who want more detailed information or who are participating in competitive play should refer to the PDGA Simplified Rules of Disc Golf or the Official Rules of Disc Golf .
