How Disc Golf Scoring Works
Disc golf uses the same scoring system as traditional golf. Every throw counts as one stroke. Your score on each hole is the total number of throws it took to get the disc into the basket. At the end of the round, all hole scores are added together. The player with the lowest total wins.
Scores are expressed relative to par. Par is the number of strokes an expert player is expected to need to complete a hole. Most disc golf holes are par 3, though longer courses include par 4 and par 5 holes. A complete 18-hole course typically has a total par between 54 and 63.
Score Names
| Score Name | Strokes vs. Par | Example on Par 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Condor | 4 under | Ace on a par 5 (extremely rare) |
| Albatross | 3 under | 1 throw on a par 4 |
| Eagle | 2 under | 1 throw on a par 3 (an ace) |
| Birdie | 1 under | 2 throws on a par 3 |
| Par | Even | 3 throws on a par 3 |
| Bogey | 1 over | 4 throws on a par 3 |
| Double Bogey | 2 over | 5 throws on a par 3 |
| Triple Bogey | 3 over | 6 throws on a par 3 |
Stroke Play: How a Round Works
The standard format for disc golf is stroke play, where every throw on every hole counts. Players keep a running total across all 18 holes and the lowest total wins. This is the format used in PDGA sanctioned events and most recreational rounds.
Order of Play
On the first tee, the group decides who throws first. After the first hole, the player with the lowest score on the previous hole throws first. This is called having the honor. After teeing off, the player whose disc is farthest from the basket throws next.
The Lie
After each throw, your disc lands and establishes your lie, which is the spot from which your next throw must be made. You must place your non-throwing foot on or behind the lie when you throw.
Mini marker discs: If you need to pick up your disc, first place a mini marker disc directly in front of where your disc landed. Your lie is then the front edge of the mini marker.
Completing a Hole
A hole is completed when your disc comes to rest supported by the chains and basket of the target. The disc must be below the top of the basket. A disc that lands on top of the basket without dropping into the chains does not count as holed.
Out of Bounds (OB)
Out of bounds areas are designated by the course and are typically marked with lines, stakes, or natural boundaries like roads or bodies of water. Any disc that comes to rest completely beyond an OB line is out of bounds. Water hazards function as OB in most cases.
OB Penalty and Procedure
Option 1: Drop Zone
If the course has a designated drop zone near the OB area, you may play your next throw from there. The penalty stroke has already been added to your score.
Option 2: Last In-Bounds Point
Play from the last point where your disc was in bounds before crossing the OB line. You must stay within one meter of that boundary and add one penalty stroke.
Unplayable Lie: If a disc is in a genuinely dangerous or unreachable position, the player may declare an unplayable lie and take a one stroke penalty, playing from a reasonable nearby location.
Mandatory Routes (Mandos)
Some disc golf holes have mandatory routes, which are gates or obstacles the disc must pass through or around on the way to the basket. Missing a mandatory means you failed to follow the required flight path.
Missing a Mandatory
Take a one stroke penalty and play your next throw from either the previous lie, the designated drop zone for that mando, or a position on the correct side of the mandatory.
Common Penalty Situations
Most recreational disc golf is played on the honor system. In PDGA sanctioned play, fellow competitors can call violations. Here are the most common penalty situations you'll encounter.
Out of Bounds
Disc comes to rest completely beyond an OB boundary or in a water hazard. Play from drop zone or last in-bounds point.
Missed Mandatory
Disc passes on the wrong side of a mandatory marker. Play from designated drop zone or re-throw from previous lie.
Foot Fault
Throwing foot makes contact with the ground in front of the lie before the disc is released.
Lost Disc
If a disc cannot be found within 3 minutes (PDGA), it is declared lost. Take a penalty and play from the previous lie.
Unplayable Lie
Disc is in a genuinely unreachable or dangerous position. Player declares unplayable and plays from a nearby reasonable location.
Courtesy Violation
Repeated unsportsmanlike behavior including distracting players, not maintaining pace of play, or other conduct violations in sanctioned play.