Disc golf is a game that is growing in popularity across the country. Some consider it a cross between golf and basketball played with flat flying discs. The game can be played by two or more people. It can be a casual get-together with friends or more formal, like disc golf tournaments.

Courses

There are several different parts to the course. As of 2010, there were more than 3,000 official disc golf courses in the country. They range in size, length and difficulty, often featuring nine, 18 or 27 holes. Courses are often free and are located outdoors in parks and recreational areas. Most courses are available to public. There is no age or gender limit for players. The ability to move from hole to hole and throw disc golf discs toward targets are the necessary physical requirements of the game.

Components

There are basic components to the course; the basket, tee pad and tee sign. The most noticeable part of the course is the basket. It is tall, like a basketball hoop, but has metal chains and a wire basket surrounding it. These disc golf targets typically have a number tag on them. When players are in unfamiliar territory and cannot find the first or next hole, this is usually the best clue that a course not only exists, but at what point of the course it is. The tee pad is usually a cement pad built into the ground. Some courses offer rubber tee pads, and the least formal feature a patch of dirt. The players begin the hole drive from this location. Next to it is typically a tee sign. This usually informs the players of how long the holes are, and where the targets are located. Some have simple markings on a post, with arrows to the next hole, while others are more ornate and provide a place to mark down scores.

Rules

Disc golf courses offer a different par for each hole. This is the number of shots the player should take to complete the hole and put the disc into the basket. Points are scored for each stroke. The typical par for 18-hole disc golf courses is 54. The object of the game is to have the lowest score of all players in the group at the end of the game. Additional stroke penalties are given for putting discs into water hazards, throwing them out of bounds or losing them during the course of play. After the initial throw from the tee, each player throws from where his previous throw landed. Called a lie, players throw from this spot using discs of different sizes and weights to achieve different distances and effects.

Those new to the sport can find experienced players to help them learn, or simply grab a friend and some discs, read the rules, find a course and learn as they go.