Disc Golf Glossary

A hole-in-one. Throwing the disc directly into the basket from the tee pad in a single throw. An ace is the most celebrated shot in disc golf. It is traditional (though not required) for a player who aces a hole to buy drinks for their playing group.

Completing a hole three strokes under par. It is also called a double eagle. Extremely rare in disc golf - typically requires an ace on a par 4 or completing a par 5 in two throws.

A release angle where the outside edge of the disc is tilted upward at the moment of release. For a right-hand backhand thrower, an anhyzer release causes the disc to curve to the right early in flight. It is the opposite of a hyzer release.

A throw intended to get the disc close to the basket from an intermediate distance - typically 100 to 200 feet away. Approach shots prioritize accuracy over distance and are usually made with a mid-range disc or putter.

The most common throwing style in disc golf. The disc is held with fingers curled under the rim and thrown across the body, releasing in front of the chest with a wrist snap. It produces a flight that curves left at the end for right-hand throwers (RHBH).

A disc golf bag used to carry discs on the course. Bags range from simple shoulder bags holding 8-10 discs to large backpack-style bags holding 20+ discs. Also used informally to refer to a player's disc selection, as in "what's in your bag?"

Completing a hole one stroke under par. On a par 3 hole, a birdie means completing the hole in 2 throws. One of the most common positive scores in recreational disc golf.

Completing a hole one stroke over par. On a par 3 hole, a bogey means completing the hole in 4 throws. Common among beginners and recreational players on more difficult holes.

When a disc hits the chains of the basket but bounces back out rather than dropping in. A frustrating result that does not count as holed. The disc must come to rest supported by the basket chains and below the top of the basket.

The metal chains hanging inside the disc golf basket target. The chains catch and slow incoming discs, dropping them into the basket to complete the hole. The sound of a disc hitting the chains is one of the most satisfying sounds in disc golf.

The area within 10 meters (33 feet) of the basket. Within Circle 1, players must demonstrate balance and control before releasing a putt. You cannot step through or fall forward after the throw. Most recreational putts are made from within C1.

The area between 10 and 20 meters (33-66 feet) from the basket. Outside Circle 1, players may use a run-up approach before releasing. Making a putt from C2 is considered a significant achievement and is sometimes called a "C2 bomb."

Completing a hole four strokes under par. The rarest score in disc golf and essentially impossible on a standard par 3 hole. Would require completing a par 5 in a single throw.

Another name for a fairway driver. This is a disc with a speed rating between 6 and 9, designed for controlled distance shots that don't require the arm speed of a full distance driver.

An outdoor sport played like traditional golf using flying discs instead of balls and clubs. Players throw from a tee pad and attempt to land the disc in a metal basket target in as few throws as possible. Governed by the PDGA.

The disc category designed for maximum distance off the tee. Distance drivers have a speed rating of 9-14, a sharp beveled rim, and require significant arm speed to fly correctly. Not recommended for beginners.

A hole that changes direction partway down the fairway, either to the left or right. Doglegs require players to choose between throwing around the corner or finding a line that cuts through the turn, often with a shaped shot.

Completing a hole two strokes over par. On a par 3, a double bogey means completing the hole in 5 throws. Sometimes called a "double" in casual conversation.

A designated area on a disc golf hole from which a player must throw after going out of bounds or missing a mandatory. Drop zones are marked on the course and specified in the hole's local rules.

Completing a hole two strokes under par. On a par 3 hole, an eagle means completing the hole in 1 throw, which is also an ace. On a par 4, an eagle means completing it in 2 throws.

The change in height between the tee pad and basket. Downhill holes allow discs to fly farther and with different flight characteristics than flat holes. Uphill holes require more power and often play longer than their measured distance suggests.

One of the four disc flight numbers, rated 0-5. Fade describes the disc's tendency to curve left at the end of its flight for a right-hand backhand (RHBH) thrower. A fade of 0 means the disc finishes straight. A fade of 5 means a strong hook left at the end.

A disc category with a speed rating of 6-9, designed for controlled distance shots. More forgiving than a distance driver and produces more distance than a mid-range. Often the first driver category beginners should add to their bag.

A backhand grip where the fingers are spread across the underside of the disc rather than curled under the rim. Provides more feel and control at slower speeds, making it ideal for approach shots and putting.

Throwing an overstable disc on an anhyzer angle so it initially curves in the anhyzer direction before the disc's natural fade pulls it back the other way - producing an S-curve flight. Used to navigate complex obstacles or reach specific landing zones.

The four numbers printed on every disc golf disc that describe its flight characteristics: Speed, Glide, Turn, and Fade. These numbers are standardized across manufacturers and allow players to compare discs before throwing them.

A rules violation that occurs when a player's throwing foot makes contact with the ground in front of their lie before the disc is released. Results in a one stroke penalty in sanctioned PDGA play.

Also called the sidearm or flick. A throwing style where the disc is released from the side of the body using a two-finger grip on the inside of the rim. Produces a flight that curves to the right for right-hand throwers. The second most common throw in disc golf.

One of the four disc flight numbers, rated 1-7. Glide describes how long the disc stays in the air. Higher glide means more airtime and generally more distance. Putters have low glide; distance drivers have high glide.

A local rule designation for specific areas of a course (such as mud, standing water, or maintenance areas) where a player may move their disc to a better lie without penalty. Ground casual areas are defined in each course's local rules.

Wind blowing toward the thrower - into the face of the throw. A headwind increases the effective stability of a disc, causing it to fade earlier and harder than it would in calm conditions. Players typically choose more understable discs in a headwind.

See Ace. Completing a hole from the tee pad in a single throw.

The right to throw first on a tee pad. Honor is given to the player who scored lowest on the previous hole. On the first hole, honor is typically determined by a coin flip or mutual agreement.

A release angle where the outside edge of the disc is tilted downward at the moment of release. For a right-hand backhand thrower, a hyzer release causes the disc to curve to the left during flight and fade harder left at the end. It is the opposite of an anhyzer release.

Throwing an understable disc on a hyzer release angle. The disc starts on the hyzer angle then "flips" to flat as it gains speed, resulting in a long, straight flight before a gentle fade. One of the most useful shots for maximizing distance and accuracy simultaneously.

Any area of the course that is not designated as out of bounds. A disc is considered in bounds if any part of it is touching or over in-bounds territory. It does not need to be completely inside the boundary.

The spot where a player's disc comes to rest after a throw. The lie establishes where the next throw must originate. The player's non-throwing foot must be on or behind the lie when releasing. If a mini marker is used, the lie is the front edge of the marker.

Course-specific rules that supplement or modify the standard PDGA rules for a particular disc golf course. Local rules cover things like designated OB areas, mandatory routes, drop zones, and ground casual areas unique to that course.

A required flight path designated on a specific hole. The disc must pass on a specific side of a marked obstacle or through a defined gate. Missing a mandatory results in a one stroke penalty and a re-throw from a designated position.

A disc category with a speed rating of 4-6, designed for versatile control shots from tee to basket. Mid-ranges fly slower and straighter than drivers and are the recommended starting disc for all beginners. Essential at every skill level.

A small disc placed directly in front of a player's disc to mark the lie before picking it up. Required when a player needs to retrieve their disc - for example, to let another player throw or to move the disc away from an obstacle. The front edge of the mini marker becomes the new lie.

A throw where the disc is released pointing downward (nose down), causing it to hit the ground almost immediately in front of the thrower. A common beginner mistake caused by releasing the disc at the wrong angle.

A release where the leading edge of the disc is angled downward at release. Causes the disc to dive into the ground rapidly. Players are often coached to release "nose up" or flat to avoid this.

Any area designated as outside the legal playing area. A disc must come to rest completely beyond the OB boundary to be considered OB. Results in a one stroke penalty. The player then plays from a drop zone or the last in-bounds point.

A specialty throw where the disc is thrown above the shoulder - either as a tomahawk or thumber. Used to navigate tall obstacles that neither backhand nor forehand can clear. Produces a high arcing flight path.

A disc that strongly resists turn and fades hard to the left at the end of flight for a right-hand backhand thrower. Overstable discs have a high fade rating and low (or zero) turn rating. Useful in headwinds and for forehand throws.

The expected number of throws for a skilled player to complete a hole. Most disc golf holes are par 3. Completing a hole in exactly par is called making par or "parring the hole."

Professional Disc Golf Association - the international governing body of disc golf. Founded in 1976, the PDGA maintains official rules, sanctions tournaments, assigns player ratings, and maintains a worldwide course directory.

A numerical score assigned by the PDGA that reflects a player's skill level based on their performance in sanctioned rounds. Ratings are used to place players in appropriate competitive divisions. A rating of 1000 represents scratch play at the professional level.

The standard backhand grip for full-power throws. All four fingers are curled tightly under the rim of the disc with the thumb pressed firmly on top. Maximizes wrist snap and spin at release.

The disc category with a speed rating of 1-4, designed for short-range basket attempts and close approach shots. Putters have a blunt, rounded edge that produces a slow, predictable, stable flight. Also used for driving on shorter holes.

An informal approach to play where players throw when it is safe to do so rather than waiting strictly for honor order. Ready golf keeps the pace of play moving and is the standard approach in most casual recreational rounds.

Right-Hand Backhand - the most common throwing style in disc golf. Flight number descriptions (turn, fade) are written from the perspective of a RHBH thrower. Left-handed backhand throwers experience the opposite flight directions.

Right-Hand Forehand - a forehand throw made by a right-handed player. For a RHFH thrower, the disc naturally curves to the right, making overstable discs the standard choice for forehand shots.

A specialty shot where the disc is thrown so that it lands on its edge and rolls along the ground rather than flying through the air. Rollers can cover significant distance and are used to navigate low obstacles or reach landing areas that can't be reached through the air.

Another name for the forehand throw. The disc is released from the side of the body using a two-finger grip. Called sidearm because of the side-arm throwing motion, similar to a sidearm pitch in baseball.

One of the four disc flight numbers, rated 1-14. Speed describes how fast the disc must travel to achieve its designed flight. Higher speed discs require more arm speed to fly correctly. Beginners should start with low-speed discs (4-6).

A disc's tendency to curve during flight. Overstable discs fade left at the end of flight (RHBH). Understable discs turn right early in flight. Neutral discs fly relatively straight. Stability is a combination of a disc's turn and fade ratings.

The standard competitive format in disc golf where every throw counts and the player with the lowest total stroke count at the end of the round wins. Also called medal play. Used in all PDGA sanctioned events.

Wind blowing in the same direction as the throw - from behind the thrower. A tailwind decreases the effective stability of a disc, causing it to turn more than it would in calm conditions. Players typically choose more overstable discs in a tailwind.

The designated starting area for each hole on a disc golf course. Tee pads are typically made of concrete, rubber, or packed gravel. Players must release their first throw from within the tee pad boundaries.

An overhead specialty throw where the thumb is placed on the inside rim of the disc. Produces a high arcing flight that curves in the opposite direction from a tomahawk. For right-handed throwers, a thumber curves left and fades right.

An overhead specialty throw where the disc is held vertically with the thumb on the outside rim and thrown overhand. Produces a high arcing flight that curves to the right and fades back left for right-handed throwers. Used to navigate tall obstacles.

One of the four disc flight numbers, rated −5 to 0. Turn describes the disc's tendency to curve to the right early in flight for a right-hand backhand (RHBH) thrower. A rating of 0 means the disc resists turning; −5 means it turns hard right. Also called high-speed turn.

When a disc rolls completely onto its top during flight and crashes to the ground. Usually caused by throwing a disc that is too understable for the player's arm speed, or releasing with too much anhyzer angle. A common beginner frustration with distance drivers.

The most popular disc golf app, available free on iOS and Android. UDisc allows players to find courses, keep digital scorecards, track statistics, and access course maps. Used by millions of disc golfers worldwide.

A disc that turns to the right early in flight for a right-hand backhand (RHBH) thrower. Understable discs have a high negative turn rating and low fade. More forgiving for players with slower arm speeds and recommended for beginners.

A situation where a disc has come to rest in a position that is genuinely dangerous or impossible to throw from - such as wedged in a tree at height or in a hazardous area. A player may declare an unplayable lie, take a one stroke penalty, and play from a nearby reasonable location.

Any body of water on a disc golf course - ponds, streams, lakes, or flooded areas. Water hazards typically function as out of bounds. A disc that lands in a water hazard results in a one stroke penalty and play from a drop zone or last in-bounds point.

Wind significantly affects disc golf flight. A headwind increases stability and shortens distance; a tailwind decreases stability and can add distance; crosswinds push the disc laterally. Reading wind and adjusting disc selection and release angle accordingly is an advanced skill.

A popular overstable approach disc made by Discraft, often used as a generic term for overstable approach discs. "Throwing a zone shot" refers to an overstable approach thrown on a hyzer angle that fades reliably to the left - used to navigate obstacles or land in a specific position near the basket.