What's a Disc Golf Discovery Zone?

A Disc Golf Discovery Zone is a welcoming, accessible environment where everyone can learn or refine disc golf skills. Each component—whether a hole, a putting station, or a standalone practice feature, teaches a specific shot or technique that you’d also use on larger disc golf courses. We strive to meet or exceed the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, ensuring players of all abilities feel comfortable and supported in exploring this fun and exciting sport.

Our Commitment to Accessibility & Adaptive Disc Golf

We believe disc golf is for everyone, regardless of age or physical capability. That’s why we do our best to offer:

  • Accessible pathways and tee areas suitable for mobility devices where possible

  • Adaptive disc golf equipment and stations designed for various skill levels and physical needs

  • Thoughtful layouts that reduce uneven terrain and other barriers

By proactively meeting ACA and ADA considerations, our goal is to enable participants with a broad range of abilities to share in the fun, fitness, and camaraderie that disc golf provides.

So, what is disc golf?

Disc golf basket or targetDisc golf (often called Frisbee golf or frolf) is a low-impact, family-friendly sport that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages and abilities. It promotes a healthy, active lifestyle in the great outdoors! The rules mirror traditional golf: instead of hitting a ball into a hole, you throw discs into a metal basket with hanging chains that help “catch” the disc. Each throw (or incurred penalty) counts as one “stroke.” The objective is to finish each hole with the fewest throws, and the player with the lowest total score wins!

Terminology

  • Stability: How well a disc holds the path on which it’s thrown.
  • Understable: The disc tends to turn toward your body.
  • Stable: The disc flies straight without turning.
  • Overstable: The disc tends to turn away from your body.

This is just a brief intro to the terms we use in disc golf, check out our comprehensive glossary of disc golf terminology!

Understanding Discs

Winding up to throw

Disc golf is played with golf discs, which are smaller but heavier than a Frisbee. There are a variety of golf discs for different situations such as short or long throws or discs that need to turn one way or another. The same disc will often come in different weights and plastics too!

Discs use a series of four numbers, the “flight rating”, to describe how hard you need to throw them and what the disc will typically do in the air when thrown neutrally (flat). Other things like wind and release angle will also affect the flight, but in general this rating system allows us to compare one disc to another and understand their differences. These numbers are...

  • Speed [1 to 14]: the higher the speed, the harder you are intended to throw it.
  • Glide [1 to 7]: the ability for the disc to stay in the air, higher glide will fly longer.
  • Turn [1 to -5]: the tendency to veer toward the body in the early flight, 1 resists turning.
  • Fade [0 to 5]: the tendency to turn away from the body at the end of the flight, 0 has no fade.

The “speed” of the disc generally falls into one of four groupings or classifications...

  • Putter: 1 to 3
  • Mid-Range: 4 to 6
  • Fairway Driver: 7 to 9
  • Distance Driver: 10+

Because they’re easier to control, putters and slower mid-range discs are ideal for beginners and adaptive disc golf players, just right for Disc Golf Discovery Zones.

Discovery Course

A Discovery Course includes several holes, each designed around a specific type of throw or shot (like backhand, forehand, hyzer, or anhyzer). You’ll be encouraged to play these short holes multiple times to practice different throws and techniques. Each sign also suggests a “scramble” shot option for when you’re pinned behind a tree or other obstacle.

Putting Station

A Putting Station features a single basket and a sign explaining the rules of putting and outlining various putting styles. You’ll find fun, skill-building games you can play solo or with friends and family, perfect for boosting confidence and accuracy.

What You’ll Need

If you don’t have your own discs, click here for help finding a retailer or borrowing a few. While any flying disc will do in a pinch, golf discs are recommended.

  • For a Putting Station: All you need is a putter. Many players like to carry a few copies of the same putter so they can practice multiple throws from one spot.

  • For the Discovery Course: Though you can play with just a putter, adding a pair of lower-speed mid-range discs (one understable, one overstable) alongside a stable putter creates a well-rounded starter set.

Be sure to “ink your disc” (write your email or phone number on the underside) so others can help return it if it ever goes missing.

 

 
Fluent Disc Sport, the creator of the Disc Golf Discovery Zone concept, provides professional disc golf course design, assessment, renovation, and equipment services to clients around the world. We’re dedicated to bringing the sport to new audiences while helping established courses reach their highest potential. If you’d like to learn more about introducing a Discovery Zone or need expert support for your disc golf project, contact Fluent Disc Sport today!
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