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Disc golf: a beginner’s guide to discs, rules and courses

Learn the basic objective, start with a small set of discs, play safely and find a course before your first round.

Adapted from a guide first written for Quebec readers: passages specific to Quebec were removed. Rules in your province may differ.

Disc golf follows the basic logic of golf: throw from a tee toward a target—usually a metal basket—in as few throws as possible. Your next throw is taken from where the disc comes to rest, following the course rules. A full set of specialized discs is not necessary to try the sport.

A simple starter set

  • Putter: a controllable disc for short throws and approaches.
  • Midrange: a versatile option for learning straight flights.
  • Fairway driver: optional once your throwing form is more consistent.

A very fast driver can be difficult to control for a new player. Comfort and repeatable throws matter more than buying the longest-flying disc.

Basic etiquette and safety

  1. Wait until the fairway and target area are clear before throwing.
  2. Let the group ahead leave the landing area; warn others if a throw goes off course.
  3. Respect park users, marked boundaries and local course rules.
  4. Do not climb unsafe trees or structures to retrieve a disc.
  5. Pack out litter and yield where the course shares space with pedestrians or cyclists.

Find a course

Use the Professional Disc Golf Association course directory or a local club listing, then confirm access, opening hours, fees and any seasonal closures with the course operator. A map or scorekeeping app can help once you know that the course is open.

Make the first round enjoyable

Focus on a smooth, pain-free throw and keeping the disc in play rather than on distance or score. If a course is busy, play at a pace that respects other groups and allow faster players to pass when appropriate.

Professional Disc Golf Association course directory

Sources and limits

Sources: Professional Disc Golf Association rules and course directory, as referenced in the French companion guide. Local access and fees can change; verify with the course operator.

General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting.