Disc Golf Essential Tips

Disc golf and frolf are among the fastest growing sports worldwide. Over 3,000 courses are available for avid fans of the sport. Beginners, intermediates and pros all use a few basic tips to play a great game.

Disc Selection
There are 3 categories of discs: driver, midrange and putter. Drivers are used for distance, midrange for accuracy and fairway shots, and putters for shorter distances, like shooting for the basket. Whether playing a relaxing round of frolf with friends or getting serious on a rigorous course with seasoned players, having quality disc golf discs for each part of the course is essential for the winning player.

Putting or Distance for the Win?
Distance is of no value without a solid putting technique, and getting distance is necessary for keeping overall scores low. Good putting and driving techniques are equally valuable. Having a small selection of discs keeps the game exciting and enjoyable.

Putting is sometimes where the game is won or lost. Putters are smaller in size than midrange or distance discs, and have more of a dome-like shape designed to slow it down and to avoid overshots. The edges of a good putter are rounded and thick, enabling it to catch the chains, knocking it into the disc golf target.

Drivers are shaped more like a discus and are designed for maximum distance. While pros might tee off with distance drivers every time, many intermediate players prefer a midrange disc on the tee for greater accuracy. A fairway driver is often the best selection for the novice.

Grip
Having a good grip is key to making accurate shots, whether at the tee or shooting for the basket. Playing a decent game of frolf or disc golf can be directly attributed to the grip employed by the player. Nose-down trajectory is necessary for maximum distance, while wrist and forearm position will make or break any shot.

Thumb Positions
There are three basic thumb positions every player needs in their arsenal.

Neutral, where the thumb is held just inside the rim.
Out, where the thumb is held close to the rim.
In, where the thumb is held extended well onto the flight plate.

Placement of the thumb becomes more natural and becomes less important the more often a player plays. Beginners often start with Thumb Neutral and make small adjustments as their game improves. Keeping the thumb closer to the edge makes it easier to get the nose down when launching.

Having an exciting and fun game is easier when employing these few basic guidelines.