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Disc golf (sometimes called Frisbee golf, or frolf) is a disc game in which individual players throw a flying disc into a basket or at a target. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, "The object of the game is to traverse a course from beginning to end in the fewest number of throws of the disc.""Rules", PDGA.com, Professional Disc Golf Association
Disc golf is similar to traditional golf and uses much of the same rules and terminology. As in ball golf, a course usually consists of 18 holes. Unlike ball golf, most courses are located in public parks and are free to play, although some courses require a nominal fee, and the sport requires inexpensive discs instead of costly clubs and balls. Disc Golf: It\'s Not Actually Golf. Retrieved on 2006-12-10. The modern disc golf target consists of a metal basket with chains hanging over it and was invented in 1976.Disc Golf: The Re-discovery of an Aging Sport. Retrieved on 2006-12-10.
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Tee Pad - the area where the first throw of a given hole must take place. These are often concrete pads, but many courses utilize natural tees. It is not uncommon for a portion of a sidewalk or a parking lot to be used as a tee pad.
The Basket - often called the pin. Once a disc lands in the basket, the hole is considered completed.
Throw - the act of propelling the disc towards the basket. Throws must be made with one hand. Each throw is counted towards the player’s score. There are three types of throws: backhand, forehand (often called sidearm), and overhand. (styles of throw are explained later in this entry)
Lie - the spot where the disc comes to rest. This is often marked by a mini-disc marker.
Par - like in ball golf, each disc golf course has a posted par. The ‘par’ is the number of strokes that a scratch player would need to complete the hole. This is usually the number of throws it takes to reach the green + two putts. On a hole less than 400ft, the par is usually three, depending on the number of obstacles. For holes more than 400ft, the par is usually four. Most disc golfers disregard the posted par, in favor of a universal par of three. To the competitive disc golfer, every hole is a par three, making the total par for 18 holes always 54. This serves to simplify the game. And this helps the average disc golfer measure themselves against the pros. Most pros can finish any hole in three strokes.
Drive - any throw off of the tee pad, or a throw from the fairway designed for maximum distance.
Approach - usually the second shot of a hole, designed to place the disc within putting distance.
Putt - a throw is officially considered a putt if it is made "within the circle" (within 10 meters of the pin). Many players consider distances of twenty or thirty meter putts, and use their putting motion. There are special rules related to official putting however. (see below)
Ace - known as a hole in one in ball golf. An ace occurs when a player makes their first shot, or drive, into the basket. An ace in disc golf is fairly rare and much praise is given to those who have accomplished this spectacular feat. A common practice is to have all participants in the ace group or all spectators sign the "ace disc." Aces are more common in disc golf than ball golf as the top pros boast as many as 200+ aces in their careers.
The Circle - what is considered the green in disc golf. This is a circle ten meters in radius, with the basket at its center.
Unlike ball golf, disc golf is more able to utilize natural objects than ball golf. Forcing players to play through small holes in tree lines, or around hills and buildings, or through tight lines in the woods is not uncommon in disc golf. Having low canopies in the woods also provides an interesting challenge. Playing uphill or downhill is also common on the disc golf course. Some holes may be only 150ft, but there could be three lines, with clearance of only ten feet that the disc must fly through to get to the hole. A good disc golf hole has multiple lines that can be used to reach the basket, making the use of multiple shots an option. A good disc golf course, however, has a few holes that force a certain kind of shot. These holes force players to use a wide variety of techniques, rewarding a player who has taken the time to master many different shots.
Older disc golf courses are generally shorter than newer courses, and all courses are much shorter than ball golf courses. The top pros generally throw between 300 ft. and 500ft, while most amateurs throw less than 300ft. People simply can\'t throw a disc as far as a golf ball can be hit. Older courses were designed before technology allowed discs to fly as far as they do, and so they tend to be shorter, with more technical holes, usually only featuring one or two holes that are over 350ft or even 300ft. Most new courses often feature holes that are more than 500ft.
Rule differences with ball golf and disc golf:
Safety: Disc golf is usually played in a public park, thus bikers, hikers, children playing and campers are often on the course. On some courses, such as on a college campus, athletic activities often take place on fairways. Disc golfers have to be very careful to avoid pedestrians, and it is a generally accepted rule that pedestrians have the right-of-way.
The golf disc used today is much smaller than traditional flying discs. Also, general-purpose flying discs, such as those used for playing guts or Ultimate Frisbee, have a simple edge to them, whereas disc golf discs have extended lips. They also have a much smaller diameter and profile.
There are a wide variety of discs, divided into three basic categories: putters, mid-range discs, and drivers.
The putters are designed similar to discs you would play catch with: e.g., a Wham-o brand Frisbee®. They are designed to fly straight, predictably, and very slowly compared to mid-range discs and drivers. Mid-range discs have slightly sharper edges, which enable them to cut through the air better. Drivers have the sharpest edge and have most of their mass concentrated on the outer rim of the disc rather than distributed equally throughout. Drivers are the hardest types of discs to learn how to throw; their flight path will be very unpredictable without practice. Drivers are also often divided into different categories. Innova Discs, the most popular disc manufacturer, divides their discs into Distance Drivers and Fairway Drivers, with a fairway driver being somewhere between a distance drive and a mid-range disc. New players will find that throwing a distance driver accurately will require experience with disc golf disc response. It is better to begin play with a fairway driver and later incorporate distance drivers.
Discraft Discs, one of Innova\'s biggest competitors, divides their drivers into 3 categories: Long Drivers, Extra Long Drivers and Maximum Distance Drivers. The greater the distance of the driver the less control the disc golf player has on the disc. Therefore, an unexperienced player would most likely prefer to use a Long or Extra Long Driver while an experience player would go for a maximum distance driver if they were seeking longer throws.
Natural action of the disc: For a right-handed, back-hand thrower (RHBH), the disc will naturally pull to the left. For a right-handed fore-hand thrower (RHFH), the disc will naturally pull to the right. For a left-handed, back-hand thrower (LHBH), the disc will naturally pull to the right. For a left-handed, fore-hand thrower (LHFH), the disc will naturally pull to the left.
Over stable (AKA "hyzer"): A disc that is over stable will increase the natural angle of the disc. Thrown long enough, a good hyzer will perform an "S" shaped curve, and not just a single arc.
Under stable (AKA "an-hyzer"): A disc that is under stable will push against the natural angle of the disc.
Weight of the disc: Golf discs typically weigh between 150 and 180 grams (5.3-6.3 oz.), and measure about 21-24 cm in diameter. PDGA rules prohibit discs weighing more than 200 grams, or whose weight is more than 8.3 grams per centimeter of diameter. Lighter discs are more suited to less experience players, and heavier discs are more suited to experience players. This is not always the case however. A lighter disc will be more under stable then its heavier counterparts.
First, some basic terminology:
Distance Driving - a throw that is designed to produce a great deal of distance. When trying to throw for a max distance, the ideal flight path of the disc, for an RHBH thrower, is to turn slightly to the right, straighten out, and then fade to the left. This will look like a \')\' or an elongated ‘?’.
Approaching - if a player is not driving the disc, he is either approaching or putting. Professional players consider around a 200-250ft shot to be an approach. For many players, however, this is the length of their normal drives. For some players, a shot does not truly become an approach until around 100ft.
Putting - officially, a disc is being putt if it is being thrown within the circle. However, many players use their putting motion from much further away. There are many different types of putts which are explained below. As with anything, a disc golfer must find what is comfortable for them, and go with it. There is no ‘wrong’ way to putt. A good video of putting instruction can be found at this link: http://www.discraft.com/resources.html
Backhand - when throwing backhand, a thrower must determine for himself what kinds of discs work best for them, depending on how much ‘snap’ they throw with. ‘Snap’ is generated by high arm speed and by a player cocking his wrist and literally snapping the disc on the release. When thrown correctly, a disc will literally make an audible snapping sound upon release. Players who throw with a great deal of snap should throw over stable discs, whereas a player who doesn’t throw with a great deal of snap should throw under stable discs.
Forehand - As with backhands, players have to determine for themselves what sort of discs work for them. Generally, forehand throws generate more snap than a backhand throw, so usually, forehand shots require more over stable discs.
With both forehands and backhands, the throwing ability of different players will progress. For example, when a player first starts throwing, they do not throw with a great deal of snap, thus they should use under stable discs. However, the player will eventually learn how to throw with more snap, which will require them to move to more over stable discs. Players should not, however, remove that first disc from the bag, as it may now be good for turnover drives or anhyzers. Players have to learn their discs and learn what works best for them.
Hyzer - a hyzer is a throw that is designed to take advantage of the natural angle of the disc. For example, an RHBH hyzer is a shot that fades to the left. There are a few types of hyzers. A soft hyzer is a throw that gradually fades, whereas a spike hyzer is a throw where the disc fades hard and drastically. Spike hyzers can result in discs that are literally ‘spiked’ into the ground. These types of throws are used to navigate certain obstacles. A disc that is slightly over stable with a high glide, such as the Innova Valkyrie, are good for soft hyzers, whereas a disc that is very over stable with a low glide, such as Innova Firebirds, are best for spike hyzers.
Anhyzer - an anhyzer is a throw that is designed to go against the natural angle of the disc. For example, an RHBH thrower who throws a disc that fades to the right would be throwing an anhyzer. To execute an anhyzer, an RHBH would tilt the disc to the right when he releases the disc. Under stable discs are best used for anhyzers. As with hyzers, soft and spike anhyzers are options. The Innova ‘Roadrunner’ and ‘Stingray’ are good for anhyzer shots.
Helix - a helix throw utilizes both aspects of the throw to produce an "S" flight shape. For example, an RHBH thrower will release and overstable disc (natural flight that finishes to the left) to the right in order for it to return to the left at the end of flight. This is a highly skilled shot requiring knowledge of disc flight dynamics and multiple angles. A very useful shot to avoid the obstacles that grace the disc golf course.
Turnover - a disc is ‘turned over’ when it flies against the natural angle of the disc. For example, an RHBH thrower has turned a disc over if it flies to the right when released flat. This differs from an anhyzer because of the angle of release. Turnover drives are generally released flat or at a slight angle, whereas an anhyzer is released at a more drastic angle. Ideally, the disc will ‘flex’ back to the natural fade, creating an ‘S’ curve. Some curves are more drastic then others. A more under stable disc will turn over harder than an over stable disc. Depending on the shot, a certain type of turnover drive may be required. Lighter discs will turnover much easier than heavier discs. An ideal drive for max distance is usually slightly turned over. Depending on the thrower, many discs can be used for turnover drives.
Hammer/Tomahawk - an overhand throw where the thrower grips the disc much like he would a forehand. This throw has a unique flight pattern which is best learned by throwing a few out in a field. It is useful for going over difficult obstacles. Mid-range discs with high glide are best for hammers. The Innova Max and Roc are good discs for hammers.
Thumber - an overhand throw that involves placing the thumb inside the lip of the disc. Like the hammer, the thumber has a unique flight patter than is best learned by throwing a few out in a field. It is also useful for going over difficult obstacles. The Innova Monster is a good thumber disc.
Roller - this is a shot designed to travel a short distance in the air and then roll towards the target. Rollers can be thrown forehand and backhand, and should be considered a very advanced throw. Many disc golfers can roll a disc farther than they can throw it. Rollers are very effective in going under obstacles, such as a circle of trees around the basket. They are difficult to control, and require a great deal of practice. Innova Sidewinders and Roadrunners make good long distance rollers, and Innova Leopards and Cheetahs make for good mid to short range rollers.
In-line Putting - a style of putting where the plant foot is directly behind the lie marker and pointed right at the basket, and the other foot is placed behind the plant foot. The disc is thrown from the chest generally straight at the pin. Some in line putter throw the disc with a bit of snap and run right at the basket, while others try to float the disc into the basket. This is just a matter of personal taste or what the situation dictates. In-line putters almost always putt backhand.
Straddle Putt - a style of putting where one foot is placed behind the lie marker and the other is parallel, rather than behind, the plant foot. The putter often squats a bit an uses their legs to propel the discs. Straddle putts can be used to navigate around obstacles and provide a clear line to the basket. Some prefer the stability of straddle putting for shorter putts and many use the stance for jump putting. Most straddle putts are backhand putts, though they can be forehand putts.
Jump Putt - outside the circle, jump putting is used to generate more power. It is similar to straddle putting except the putter jumps forward with the release of the disc. This is a tough skill that requires some practice, but can be very effective. Many golfers do not bother with jump putting, though many use it very effectively. Jump putting is illegal within the circle. Jump putting is almost always done with a backhand throw.
Turbo Putt - an interesting style of putt where the thumb is placed in the middle of the disc and the fingers are rested on the outer rim of the disc. The putter spins the disc slightly with the release and pushes with his fingers to propel the disc. This style of putting is not very effective outside of the circle.
Kneeling Putt - in disc golf, the situation often dictates that a throw must be made from a kneeling position. Any point of contact is legal as long as it follows previously stated rules, i.e., in line with the marker disc, no closer to the hole and within the acceptable distance behind the marker.
When putting, golfers also use unconventional stances. Golfers sometime contort their bodies in unique ways to navigate around obstacles. Sometimes a lunge position is utilized to putt, either forehand or backhand. Sometimes the golfer\'s feet are each at a different level of elevation. By rule, it is technically legal for someone to completely lie on the ground and throw, assuming their foot is behind their mini marker, and they do not use their body to decrease the distance between their marker and the pin.
Stroke play is the most common scoring method but there are many others, including match play, skins, speed golf and captain\'s choice, which in disc golf is referred to as "doubles" (not to be confused with partner or team play).
In every form of play, the goal is to play as few strokes per round as possible. Scores for each hole can be described as follows:
| Term on a scoreboard | Specific term | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| -3 | Albatross (or double-eagle) | three strokes under par |
| -2 | Eagle (or double-birdie) | two strokes under par |
| -1 | Birdie | one stroke under par |
| 0 | Par | strokes equal to par |
| +1 | Bogey | one stroke more than par |
| +2 | Double bogey | two strokes over par |
| +3 | Triple bogey | three strokes over par |
A snowman (perhaps 4 over par on a par 4 hole) is an informal term in some countries for a score indicating that 8 shots were taken at a single holeDefinition of snowman in golf. MiMi.hu. Retrieved on 19 August, 2007.
Doubles play is a unique style of play that many local courses offer on a weekly basis. In this format, teams of two golfers are determined. Sometime this is done by random draw, and other times it is a pro-am format. On the course, it is a \'best-disc\' scramble. Meaning both player throw their tee shot, and then decide which lie they would like to play. Both players then play from the same lie, again choosing which lie is preferable.
The major disc manufacturers (in alphebetical order) are as follows:
Different types of plastic:
The first plastic listed in each entry is the Innova line, the second is the Discraft line, and the third is the Gateway line.
1. DX/Pro-D/S - this is the economy line of plastic. It is generally very grippy when worn, but it will wear very quickly. It is easy to warp and bend these discs. They do not maintain their flight characteristics for too long. Many players use DX plastic for mid-range discs, but not in drivers. Many also prefer putters in this plastic, citing the added grip as their reasoning.
2. Proline/Elite-X/H - A plastic more sturdy than economy plastics. Players often prefer the feel of these over the economy line.
3. Champion/Elite-Z/E - A premier plastic that is extremely durable, more expensive, and due to the high percentage of polyurethane, often translucent. It will maintain flight characteristics even after a great deal of abuse. Players often find it is easier to control a Champion of Elite-Z disc and that they can get more of a reaction out of the disc with less effort.
4. Glow - this plastic glows in the dark when held up to a fluorescent light. It is a bit more durable than DX plastic, but not quite as durable as Pro-Line plastic.
5. Star/ESP - A very durable plastic that maintains flight characteristics a bit longer than Champion or Elite-Z plastic and that is a grippier plastic. Some players prefer the feel of Champion or Elite-Z plastic, while others prefer Star or ESP.
6. ESP FLX (Discraft) - A very flexible plastic offered only by Discraft. The disc can literally bend in half and spring right back into its original form. The grip it offers is superb. The discs also do not bounce far. When the hit a tree, they tend to fold and drop to the ground, rather than carry deeper into the woods. They also grip the chains very well.
Disc golf, in some form, has probably been played informally since the early 1900s, according to Victor Malafronte\'s, "The Complete Book of Frisbee." But modern disc golf started in the late 1960s, when it seems to have been invented in many places and by many people independently. Two of the best-know figures in the sport are George Sappenfield and "Steady Ed" Headrick.
For example, George Sappenfield, a Californian, realized that golf would be a lot of fun if played with discs. He set up an object course for kids to play on, and other early courses were also of this type, using anything from lamp poles to fire hydrants as targets. A year later, Sappenfield introduced the game to many adults, and courses began to crop up in various places in the Midwest and the East Coast (some perhaps through Sappenfield\'s promotion efforts, others probably independently envisioned). Some of Sappenfield\'s acquaintances are known to have brought the game to UC Berkeley. It quickly became popular on campus, with a permanent course laid out in 1970.http://library.thinkquest.org/25034/intro-history.html] The discs were given to friends and family, and some were sold with all proceeds going toward funding a nonprofit "Steady" Ed Memorial Disc Golf Museum at the PDGA International Disc Golf Center in Columbia County, Georgia. One of the discs that contains Headrick\'s ashes will be permanently placed on the roof of the center. When asked why this was to be done, by a member of the local media, PDGA Executive Director Brian Graham quoted an old Frisbee addage, "Old Frisbee players are like old Frisbee\'s ... They don\'t die, they just land up on the roof."
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While there are more male than female players, the Women\'s Disc Golf Association exists to encourage female players and arrange women\'s tournaments. A PDGA survey states that out of its 11,302 members in 2006, 8% are female, or about 900.
A disc resting in the basket
A list of all disc golf world champions, United States champions, world doubles champions, and PDGA award winners . PDGA Professional World Champions
United States Disc Golf Champions
PDGA Hall of Fame Members and the year of induction
For more information, visit the website of the Disc Golf Hall of Fame.
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia
