Rules, Ettiquette, and Safety

Safety First

• Never throw if other players or pedestrians are within range.

• Always give pedestrians the right of way.

• Stay aware of your surroundings and environment at all times.

Scoring

Each throw of the disc counts as one stroke. The goal is to finish each hole in as few throws as possible. The player with the lowest total number of throws at the end of the course wins.

Tee Throws

Each hole begins with a tee throw. Tee throws must be completed within or behind the designated tee area.

Lie

The spot where the player’s previous throw has landed. Mark each lie with a mini marker disc or leave the thrown disc on the ground where it landed. The player’s next throw is made from directly behind the marked lie.

TIP: During casual play, players will often just flip their disc forward to mark their lie, then stand behind it for their next shot.

Fairway Throws

Fairway throws must be made from directly behind the lie. A run-up and follow-through, after release, is allowed, unless the lie is within 10 meters of the target. Any shot within 10 meters of the target requires that the player maintain balance and not move past the lie until the disc comes to rest.

Adaptive Stances & Mobility

For players using mobility devices or other adaptive equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, crutches), PDGA Appendix F may modify how you establish and maintain balance behind the lie. Refer to Appendix F for specific allowances that accommodate different needs while maintaining the integrity of the game.

Completion Of Hole

A disc that comes to rest supported by the basket tray, or chains below the chain support constitutes the successful completion of that hole.

Throwing Order

• The player with the fewest throws on the previous hole tees off first on the next hole.

• After teeing off, the player whose disc is farthest from the target throws next, continuing until all players finish the hole.

Out Of Bounds

If any area of O.B. is visible between the disc and O.B. line, then the disc is considered O.B. A throw that lands out of bounds, must be played next from a “drop zone” if indicated on the map,  otherwise, a point up to 1 meter in bounds from where the disc crossed over the out of bounds line. O.B. zones are indicated on the course map, however, permanent water hazards, roads/parking areas, and property boundaries are also considered out of bounds. Players incur a 1 stroke penalty for a throw that comes to rest out of bounds.

Courtesy

• Remain quiet and still while others are throwing
• Stand behind the player who is throwing
• Help new players learn the rules
• Allow faster groups to play through when possible
• Pick up rubbish and put in proper receptacles
• Do not alter the course (trees, bushes, etc.) in any way
• If you find someone’s disc, check the underside for contact info

Additional Resources

While the rules, etiquette, and safety guidelines above are a solid start, you’ll encounter situations requiring more detailed rulings, like whether a putt counts if the disc wobbles on the rim, or how to handle movable obstacles.

The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) maintains the most up-to-date, comprehensive rules. If you ever plan to run a PDGA-sanctioned event, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with these rules.

• PDGA Official Rules of Disc Golf
  The complete set of rules in an easy-to-navigate hierarchy.

• PDGA Official Rules and Regulations of Disc Golf
  The main landing page with annual rule change information and revision notes.

• PDGA Appendix F: Adaptive Rules of Disc Golf
  Guidelines for players who use assistive devices or require special accommodations. These rules ensure fairness and inclusivity while preserving the spirit of the game.

By staying informed about both standard and adaptive rules, you can ensure that everyone has a fun, safe, and fair experience on the disc golf course!