point(s) at time of release are behind the tee markers, and no farther back than 3 meters behind the tee markers. The player may step past the tee line once the disc has been released. This shot is known as the Drive. The player may run up to the line prior to throwing the disc. This is generally referred to as the run up.

The next shot, known as the approach shot, is thrown from the spot where the drive or previous shot came to rest, and must be thrown from a place that is behind the spot marking the leading edge of the disc. Players generally mark the leading edge of the disc with a mini, or marker, disc prior to picking up their previous shot, although a marker disc is not required. In fact, during casual play, players sometimes mark their lie simply by turning over the disc from their previous shot. The player farthest from the hole throws first. For approach shots of 200′ or less (generally speaking), many players will use Multi-purpose or Mid-range discs. These disc are designed to fly with more control than a driver. The player may again run up to throw the disc, as long as the player’s foot is behind the marker disc, and within 30 CM (~12 inches) of it when the shot is released. Once again, the player may step past the marker disc once the shot has been released.

Most disc golf courses feature an elevated basket with chains to stop an incoming disc, generally referred to as the target, basket, or Pole Hole®. A putt is considered any throw that originates within 10 M of the basket. The rules for throwing putts are slightly different than drives and approach shots. When putting, a player may not run up, and must maintain control of his/her body position after releasing the putt. Putters are generally used for the final shot of the hole and are designed to fly slower and straighter than mid-range discs. When putting, players are not allowed to step past their marker disc even after releasing the shot. The hole is finished when a player’s disc comes to rest in the basket. The score for each player is recorded immediately after completion of the hole, and reflects the number of shots thrown from the tee until the disc came to rest in the basket.

Disc Selection

Most golf discs are manufactured in a variety of weights, resulting in the commonly asked question, “what weight should I choose?” While there is no answer that is right for everyone, there are some guidelines that we follow in helping players select the best disc weight for their game.

Golf discs can vary in weight from 120 to 180 grams. While some models come in this wide array of weights, a more common selection for most discs is 165 – 175g. Many new players to the sport assume that the best weight to start with is 175g, as this is the weight of most traditional Frisbees ® (ultimate discs). This, however, is not the best way to select the proper disc weight.

For players who are just starting out, the most important factors in selecting a disc weight are the players age, size, and strength. The table below summarizes our recommendations for selecting an initial driver. Please note that these recommendations are geared towards new players. Once you have started playing, you will be able to experiment with the weights that suit your throwing style the best.

Player Type	Disc Type	120-144g	145-159g	160-169g	170-172g	173-176g
Children 7 and Under	Drivers	Best	OK
	Mid-Range	Best	OK
	Putters	Best	OK
Boys 8-12, Girls 8-18	Drivers		Best*	OK
	Mid-Range		Best*	OK
	Putters		Best*	OK
Women 18+, Boys 13-16	Drivers		Best†	Best*
	Mid-Range		Best†	Best*†
	Putters		Best†	Best*†
Boys/Men 16+	Drivers		OK	Best*	Best†
	Mid-Range				Best*	Best
	Putters				Best*	Best

*	Players who are smaller in stature or who have less than average strength should also consider one weight class lighter.
†	Players who are large in stature or who have greater than average strength may also consider one weight class higher.

In general, lighter discs will have more glide and will travel farther than heavier discs. In addition, a heavier disc will behave as if it is more stable since it takes more force to get the same spin on a heavier disc. Heavier discs also perform better in windy conditions. Since mid-range discs and putters are generally not thrown full-force and are more susceptible to wind, we sometimes recommend moving up one weight class for these discs.