Know the Game
Disc Golf Rules, From Tee to Basket
Learn the essentials of scoring, throwing order, out-of-bounds, and penalties before your next round in Flagstaff.
A Quick Guide for Every Round
Understand the basics here; consult the PDGA for official, complete rules and rulings.
Four Steps From Tee to Basket
Follow this simple sequence to play each hole, then count every throw and applicable penalty stroke for your score.
1
Tee Off
Start within the designated tee area and throw toward the target. On the first hole, use the group's agreed-upon tee order.
2
Play the Lie
After teeing off, throw from where your disc came to rest, marking your lie as required. The player farthest from the basket generally throws next.
3
Check Boundaries
If a disc lands out-of-bounds, take the prescribed lie and add a penalty stroke. Check posted course rules and PDGA guidance for exceptions.
4
Finish and Score
Keep throwing until your disc comes to rest in the basket or chains. Add your throws and any penalties to record your score for the hole.
How to Count Your Score
- Count every throw you make.
- A tee shot counts as one throw.
- Each approach counts as a throw.
- Each putt counts as a throw.
- Count a throw even if it goes out of bounds.
- The hole ends when your disc rests in the basket.
- Add any penalty strokes to your throws.
- Out-of-bounds play typically adds one stroke.
- A missed mandatory route may add a penalty.
- Some rule violations carry penalty strokes.
- A rethrow still counts as a throw.
- Check the applicable rule before adding a penalty.
- Total throws and penalties for each player.
- Record each player’s score for the hole.
- Confirm scores before starting the next hole.
- Keep each player’s score separate.
- Add hole scores for the round total.
- Consult the PDGA rules for official scoring guidance.
Who Throws Next?
1
Start at the Tee
2
Play the Farthest Lie
3
Continue to the Basket
Understanding Out-of-Bounds Play
Know What Counts as OB
A disc is out of bounds when it comes to rest completely in an area designated OB.
Find the Boundary
Use course signs, maps, and marked lines or stakes to identify the boundary before throwing.
Choose a Legal Lie
After an OB throw, take relief at an allowed lie under the applicable rules or course instructions.
Add the Penalty
OB typically adds one penalty stroke. Check the PDGA rules and any posted course instructions for details.
Disc Golf Rules: Common Questions
Quick answers to common penalty questions. For exact rulings and exceptions, check the current PDGA Official Rules of Disc Golf.
What happens if my disc lands out of bounds?
An out-of-bounds throw generally adds one penalty throw. Your next lie is determined under PDGA rules, which may include the last point the disc crossed in bounds or a designated drop zone.
What if I miss a mandatory route?
Missing a mandatory route generally adds one penalty throw, and play continues from the designated drop zone or the lie specified by PDGA rules. Check course signage and event instructions before throwing.
What if I lose a disc or play from the wrong lie?
A lost disc generally adds one penalty throw and requires a rethrow from the previous lie. Playing from the wrong lie may bring a penalty or require a correction; the exact ruling depends on the current PDGA rules and the situation.
Explore the Official PDGA Rulebook
Read the Rules, Then Hit the Course
Review the PDGA Official Rules and Competition Manual before you play, then find Flagstaff-area courses and events where you can put the fundamentals into practice.