Basic Rules
Object of The Game - The object of disc golf is to play each hole in the fewest throws possible. The hole is completed when your disc comes to rest in the disc golf basket.
Tee Throws - Each hole begins with a tee throw. Your tee throws must be completed from behind the designated tee area.
Lie - The lie is the spot where your previous throw landed. Leave the thrown disc on the ground where it landed, or mark your lie with a mini marker disc. Your next throw is taken from directly behind the marked lie.
Fairway Throws - Must be made from directly behind the lie. A run-up and normal follow-through is allowed, unless the lie is within 30 feet (10 meters) of the target. Any shot within 30 feet of the target requires you to maintain balance and not move past the lie until your disc comes to rest.
Out of Bounds - If any part of your disc is touching the O.B. line, then the disc is considered out of bounds. A throw that lands O.B. must be played from a point up to three feet (one meter) in bounds from where your disc last crossed over the out of bounds line. Permanent bodies of water, roads, pathways, and private residential property are almost always out of bounds. Check the tee signs at the course and/or the UDisc app for local rules.
Mandatory - A mandatory, or mando, is one or more designated trees or other obstacles in the fairway that must be passed on the correct side as indicated on the tee sign. If your disc passes to the wrong side of the mando, either play from the previous lie or from a marked drop zone area if applicable and add a one throw penalty to your score.
Unplayable Lie - Any disc that comes to rest above the ground is considered an unplayable lie. Your disc must be thrown from the lie on the ground, directly underneath the unplayable lie.
Throwing Order - The player with the least amount of strokes on the previous hole is the first to tee off on the next hole. After all players have teed off, the player whose disc is farthest from the hole always throws first.
Completion of Hole - A disc that comes to rest in the disc golf basket or is suspended in the chains constitutes the successful completion of that hole.
This outlines the basic rules, but when you are ready for competitive tournament play, we recommend that you become familiar with the thorough set of formal rules laid out by the Professional Disc Golf Association.
Course Etiquette
- Always give non disc golfers the right of way.
- Be aware of your surroundings and ensure it is safe to throw before doing so.
- Stay behind the player who is throwing until their throw is complete.
- Remain quiet and avoid unnecessary movements while others are throwing.
- Allow faster groups to play through when possible.
- Do not alter or damage the course (move tee boxes, break tree branches, etc.)
- Properly dispose of any trash and recyclables.
- Be a positive ambassador for the sport and help new players to learn the rules.
