Disc golf history can be traced back to the early 1900s, with the first known use of a flying disc in Canada in 1926. Modern day Frisbee golf started in the early 1960s, and has recently started growing in popularity. "Steady" Ed Heady is now known as the father of disc golf. Heady designed and installed the first target course in California. Heady founded the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) in 1976. However, the first official tournament was held in California in 1969. The first PDGA tournaments were held in 1977 in Alabama and New Jersey. There are now several tournaments around the world just like traditional golf. Lavonne Wolfe founded the PDGA Hall of Fame in 1993. The inaugural United States Championship, which is a part of PDGA and held annually in South Carolina, was held in 1998. There are now more than 2,000 permanent courses in the United States, and more than 3,000 worldwide. In 2001, Frisbee golf became a featured event in the World Games in Japan. Ice bowls are held during the winter to support year-long sustainability for the sport and are charity events.

Each course will offer the same elements; targets, tee pads, signage, topography, and safety. The object of the game is to get the disc golf discs to the target, which is usually an elevated basket with chains, in the least amount of throws as possible. Heady would trademark the chain style baskets in 1976. Putters, mid-range all purpose, and drivers are the three types of discs. Backhand and forehand are the two basic throwing styles, but there is no standard on throwing. The tomahawk and the thumber are two alternative throws, but are mainly only used to avoid obstacles. The tee pad is where the player begins the hole. Signage tells the player the par count, distance, and any other pertinent information for the hole. Topography plays a big part on each course because of the natural element involved. Trees, shrubs, and any other obstacles can be a big factor. Safety is very important, because some courses are in parks, near people enjoying other activities or close enough to cars and roads. There are no hazards, just an out-of-bounds. Scoring is very similar to traditional golf, with medal play the most popular option. Doubles is another option and there are now team tournaments across the world, with the largest being held in Austin, Texas.