The Rules of Disc Golf: A Simple Guide for New and Casual Players

Disc golf is easy to start and hard to master. One of the reasons it’s so accessible is that the rules are straightforward. But once you start playing leagues or tournaments, understanding the official rules becomes important.

Here’s a clear, practical breakdown of the core rules of disc golf—without the rulebook jargon. 

Did you know: The first rules of disc golf were made in 1978 specifically for tournaments (see picture for first official rules).

The Objective of Disc Golf

The goal is simple:

Complete each hole in the fewest throws possible.

Each throw counts as one stroke. Just like ball golf, the player with the lowest total score at the end of the round wins.

The Tee Throw

Every hole begins with a tee shot.

• You must throw from within the designated tee area (usually a tee pad or marked box).

• At least one supporting point (usually a foot) must be in contact with the teeing area when you release the disc.

• You cannot step beyond the front of the tee pad before releasing the disc.

Once the disc leaves your hand, that’s your first stroke.

Order of Play

After tee shots:

• The player whose disc is farthest from the basket throws next.

• This continues until all players finish the hole.

On the next hole:

• The player with the lowest score on the previous hole throws first.

• Ties maintain previous order.

Lies and Marking Your Disc

Where your disc lands determines your lie.

You play your next shot from:

• Directly behind where your disc came to rest.

• On the line between your disc and the basket.

You can:

• Leave the thrown disc in place and throw from behind it, or

• Mark it with a mini marker disc and remove the thrown disc.

Your plant foot must be:

• Within 20 cm (about 8 inches) directly behind the marker.

• On the line to the basket.

Putting Rules (Inside 10 Meters)

Inside 10 meters (Circle 1):

• You cannot step past your lie after releasing the disc.

• You must demonstrate balance before moving forward.

Outside 10 meters:

• You’re allowed to follow through past your lie after release.

This rule prevents gaining an unfair advantage by lunging forward on short putts.

Out of Bounds (OB)

If your disc lands out of bounds:

• You take a one-stroke penalty.

• Your next throw is from the last point your disc was in bounds.

Common OB areas:

• Water

• Roads

• Sidewalks

• Marked lines or stakes

Always check local course rules, as OB is defined by the course.

Mandatory (Mando) Shots

A mandatory requires your disc to pass a specific object on a designated side.

If you miss a mando:

• You receive a one-stroke penalty.

• You typically throw from a drop zone (if one is provided).

Mandos are usually there for safety or to shape the hole.

Lost Disc Rule

If you can’t find your disc:

• You have 3 minutes to search.

• If it’s not found, it’s considered lost.

• You take a one-stroke penalty.

• You return to your previous lie and throw again.

Pro tip: Always keep an eye on where your disc lands.

Foot Faults

A foot fault occurs when:

• You step past your lie before releasing the disc (outside Circle 1).

• You don’t have a supporting point within the legal lie area.

• You step beyond the front of the tee pad before release.

In casual play, players often give warnings. In tournaments, violations can result in penalty strokes if properly called and confirmed.

Courtesy Rules

Disc golf is built on respect and sportsmanship.

You should:

• Stay quiet while others throw.

• Stand out of a player’s line of sight.

• Help search for lost discs.

• Avoid throwing when the fairway isn’t clear.

• Avoid littering.

Courtesy violations can result in warnings and penalties in competitive play.

Safety First

Never throw if:

• Another group is within range.

• A pedestrian is in the fairway.

• You can’t see where your disc will land.

Always yell “Fore!” if your disc is heading toward someone.

Scoring

Common scoring terms:

• Par – Expected number of throws.

• Birdie – One under par.

• Eagle – Two under par.

• Bogey – One over par.

• Double Bogey – Two over par.

At the end of the round, add up all strokes. Lowest score wins.

Casual Play vs Tournament Play

In casual rounds:

• Players may take “mulligans.”

• Rules may be relaxed.

• Groups often use friendly interpretations.

In sanctioned tournaments:

• Official PDGA rules apply.

• Penalties are enforced.

• Scorecards must be accurate.

If you plan to compete, it’s worth reading the official rulebook at least once.

The Spirit of the Game

More than anything, disc golf relies on integrity.

Players call penalties on themselves.
There are no referees on most cards.
Honesty and sportsmanship are expected.

That’s part of what makes the sport special.

Final Thoughts

The rules of disc golf aren’t complicated. At its core:

• Throw from behind your lie.

• Count every throw.

• Add penalties when required.

• Respect other players and the course.

Once you understand the basics, you can focus on what really matters—improving your shots, managing the course, and enjoying the round.

Because at the end of the day, disc golf is about getting outside, throwing discs, hanging with buds and having a good time...and maybe a beer or two.