Beginners Guide To Disc Golf

A Beginner’s Guide to Disc Golf: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started

So you’ve heard about disc golf—maybe from a friend, a YouTube video, or someone casually tossing plastic in a park—and you’re thinking, “That looks fun, but where do I even start?” You’re in the right place. Disc golf is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and for good reason: it’s affordable, beginner-friendly, and a fun for all ages. This guide is here to walk you through the basics so you can hit the course with confidence.

What Is Disc Golf?

Disc golf is like traditional golf, but instead of hitting a ball into a hole, you throw a disc (similar to a frisbee) into a metal basket. The goal? Get your disc from the tee pad to the basket in as few throws as possible.

Courses typically have 9 or 18 holes and can be found in public parks, private facilities, and even wooded trails (like the Canmore Nordic Centre course). The sport combines precision, strategy, and a good walk in the outdoors—no golf clubs or collared shirts required.

What You’ll Need to Start

One of the best parts about disc golf? You can start playing with just one disc. But to level up quickly, here are three types of discs that cover all your bases:

1. Putter – Slow, accurate, and great for short throws and putting into the basket.

2. Midrange – A good balance of distance and control; perfect for beginners.

3. Driver – Fast, designed for long-distance throws; not essential when you're starting out, but fun to experiment with.

Pro Tip: Start with a putter or midrange. High-speed drivers are tempting but harder to control for beginners. Check out our blog Understanding the Different Discs for more info.

Basic Rules of Play

1. Tee Off – Start at the tee pad. Each throw from there counts as a stroke.

2. Throw Towards the Basket – Play your next shot from where your previous one landed.

3. Complete the Hole – Your disc must come to rest in the basket or chains to complete the hole.

4. Lowest Score Wins – Just like traditional golf, the player with the fewest total throws wins.

Simple Techniques to Get You Started

• Backhand Throw (RHBH) – The most common throw. To figure out the best grip, throw the disc up vertically and catch it. That will be your natural grip, then add an extended forefinger on the rim – where the finger points the disc will go. To throw – grip the disc and reach back  away from your body with a straight arm. Pull the disc close along your body/chest and release the disc. Similar feeling to flicking a towel away from your body.

• Forehand (RHFH) – Held more like a sidearm throw; it’s useful for certain angles and situations. Grip with 1-2 fingers with pressure on the inside rim. Cock your wrist back of your elbow and rotate thru the fulcurm of your elbow finishing with a dramatic wrist flick. Similar to a side arm throw.  

• Putting – Short, controlled tosses aimed at the basket. Use your legs and keep it smooth.

 Don’t worry about mastering every technique right away. The key is to throw often and have fun learning.

Where to Play

There are thousands of disc golf courses around the world. Use apps like UDisc to find local courses, track your scores, and even get driving directions. Many courses are free to play, and you’ll often find a welcoming community of players of all skill levels.

Some of our favourite beginner friendly courses in Calgary are:

1. Front 9 holes Baker Park, Bowness, NW Calgary (Back 9 longer more challenging)

2. Currie Reservoir DG, SW Calgary

3. Big Marlborough, NE Calgary

4. Southview Links SE Calgary

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 RHBH trying to flick your wrist (inconsistent release point), the disc should be ‘torn’ out of your grip as it slides across your body and away to increase the accuracy/consistency of the release point .

🚫 Rounding/curling of the arm around the torso: RHBH Goal: reach back away from your torso with a straight arm while looking back at the disc! Stay looking backwards (do not move your head) until the disc is released at the front.

.🚫 Focusing too much on distance – accuracy and consistency of release matter more. The distance will come.

If you want to learn more come to an Intro to DG Clinic. We will offer these monthly at the Norseman over the warmer months.

Final Thoughts: Just Get Out and Throw!

Disc golf is all about getting outside, having fun, and challenging yourself in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re out solo, with friends, or meeting new folks on the course, you’ll find that the disc golf community is one of the most inviting around.

So grab a disc, find a course nearby, and start throwing. You might just find your new favourite hobby.

Want help choosing your first disc or finding your local course? Send us a note or pop in to chat with us! You can check out all our discs and other resources we offer here.