Ted is the Chief Writer at Infinite Discs. He is responsible for the State of Disc Golf Survey articles and most of the "best discs" posts. Ted runs all kinds of local disc golf leagues and tournaments and tournaments in Northern Utah.
Disc golf involves more than just throwing discs toward a basket. Players must familiarize themselves with rules, gameplay strategies, techniques, equipment, terminology, and even flight ratings. For beginners, understanding the variety of discs, flight numbers, and plastic options can feel overwhelming. Among these essential tools is the mini marker disc, a small but significant part of the game. Here’s everything you need to know about disc golf mini markers
What Are Mini Marker Discs Used For?
The primary role of a mini marker disc, often called a “mini,” is to indicate the position—or lie—of a thrown disc once it has landed. In disc golf, every throw changes the player’s position on the course. To continue play, the next throw must be made from the lie, which is the designated area behind where the previous disc landed.
If a player doesn’t use a mini, the lie is marked by the original disc, and the playable area is a rectangle measuring 20 cm x 30 cm directly behind it. When a mini is used, it is placed just in front of the disc (toward the basket). The disc is then removed, and the lie becomes the rectangle behind the mini. Using a mini marker effectively shifts the lie forward by about 8-9 inches, giving a slight advantage.
Are Players Required to Use a Mini Marker?
The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) doesn’t require players to mark their lie with a mini in most situations. However, there are two exceptions:
Out-of-bounds discs: If a disc lands outside the boundaries, a mini must mark the new lie.
Rule-mandated adjustments: When a rule requires or allows a change in the lie’s position, the player must use a mini to mark it.
Beyond these exceptions, using a mini marker is optional. In fact, it’s possible to play an entire tournament without one. That said, mini discs are affordable, portable, and worth carrying—especially for competitive play.
Why Use a Mini Marker?
Using a mini marker has a few practical advantages:
Closer positioning: Marking your lie with a mini gives you a slightly closer position to the basket, which can be helpful in tight situations.
Consistent routine: Some players find placing a mini helps establish a rhythm before their next throw, allowing a moment to reset mentally.
Improved focus: Writing a motivational phrase or mantra on the mini can help players get into the right mindset.
Clearer visuals: A mini marker offers a smaller profile compared to a standard disc, giving players a less obstructed view of their footing.
While these benefits come down to personal preference, many players find mini markers improve their overall gameplay experience.
What Are the PDGA Rules for Mini Discs?
According to the PDGA’s technical standards, mini discs used in professional play must meet the following criteria:
Diameter: 7 to 15 cm.
Height: Less than 2 cm.
Beyond these specifications, there’s plenty of room for creativity. Mini discs can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, wood, metal, foam, or even glass. Custom designs are also acceptable, as long as the mini complies with the size standards.
Common Questions About Mini Discs
Q: What is the purpose of a mini disc golf marker?
A: Its main function is to mark the lie, providing a clear and consistent spot from which to make the next throw.
Q: Are players required to use a mini?
A: No, except when marking out-of-bounds throws or adjusting the lie due to a rule.
Q: What are the benefits of using a mini disc?
A: Minis provide a slightly closer lie, help players maintain focus, and create a clear routine.
Q: What materials and designs are allowed for mini markers?
A: Any material is permitted, provided the mini falls within the PDGA’s size guidelines (7–15 cm in diameter and less than 2 cm in height).
Ready to Add a Mini to Your Gear?
Check out our collection of affordable, high-quality mini discs here. Whether you prefer classic designs or custom styles, you’re sure to find one that suits your game!
Many people play disc golf for fun, without bothering to keep score. To those people, it is enough that they are spending time outdoors. However, some of us like to keep score when we play. It is a good way to gauge skill improvement. And if you’re in a tournament, you have to keep score.
Keeping score in disc golf is similar to ball golf: the player with the lowest score wins. This article will break down how scoring works in disc golf, highlighting some key terms and rules, whether you’re playing casually or competitively.
Key Disc Golf Scoring Terms
In disc golf, many scoring terms mirror those in ball golf, though there are a few unique twists. Here’s a quick overview of the basics:
Par: The expected number of strokes to complete the hole.
Birdie: Finishing the hole in one stroke less than par.
Eagle: Completing the hole in two strokes less than par.
Albatross: Three strokes under par.
Ace: A hole-in-one, where the disc lands in the basket on the first throw.
Hazard: A challenging area that incurs a penalty stroke; players may throw from where the disc landed.
Out of Bounds (OB): If a disc lands in a designated out-of-bounds area, the player takes a penalty stroke and throws from where the disc entered the zone.
Penalty Stroke: An extra stroke added due to a rule infraction or entering a restricted area.
For official tournament rules, the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) outlines the latest guidelines. Notably, as of 2024, every player is now required to keep score for the entire group, though they may have a caddy assist with this.
Scoring in Casual vs. Tournament Play
Disc golf scoring is straightforward: each throw counts as one stroke. At the end of a hole, players tally up their strokes for that hole and then add up all the holes for the total round score.
Casual Play
Most people play disc golf casually, often with friends, in a relaxed setting where rules around boundaries and hazards are loosely enforced. In this environment, scorekeeping is optional and often informal, focusing more on enjoying the game and the outdoors than achieving a perfect score.
Tournament Play
In competitive play, every throw counts, and rules are strictly enforced. Players keep each other accountable, with every participant on a “card” (group) tracking everyone’s score after each hole. Scoring can be done on a paper scorecard or through an app, and players confirm each other’s scores at the end of each round to avoid discrepancies.
Rules That Impact Scoring
Since there aren’t referees to enforce rules during tournament play, players and their card mates self-monitor for rule adherence. Breaking a rule typically results in a penalty stroke. Common infractions to watch for include:
Foot Faults: Incorrect footing while throwing.
Putting Violations: Not observing proper stance within the putting circle.
Courtesy Violations: Disrupting other players.
Failing to follow these rules can quickly add to your score. For more details, check out PDGA’s comprehensive rule guides on these topics.
Ways to Keep Score
Whether you’re playing a casual round or in a tournament, there are two main methods for keeping score:
Paper Scorecard: A simple, classic way to track strokes, where you write each player’s score for each hole.
Score keeping Apps: Many players prefer apps for easy tracking and automatic score calculation.
Apps are handy since they’re on your phone, making it easy to track scores wherever you go. Regardless of the method, keeping accurate scores helps build a fair and enjoyable disc golf experience for everyone involved.
By understanding disc golf scoring terms and rules, you’ll be well-equipped for your next round—whether it’s a laid-back game with friends or a competitive tournament!
When I first saw ads for the Mojoh Ryzer, I thought it was a great product idea. When I saw it in person, I was impressed by its design and light weight. When I got to try one, I was hooked! I like any disc golf product that makes my round a bit easier to play. The Mojoh Ryzer does that. In addition to reducing fatigue from constantly bending down to pick up your bag, I also found several instances where the Ryzer was a life saver – or at least a bag saver. I’m a big fan. In this blog I’ll review the Mojoh Ryzer bag stand.
An Attached Bag Stand
The Mojoh Ryzer is a bag stand that attaches directly to your bag. Its legs extend when needed, and retract when not in use. It weighs just 2.6 lbs and can be swapped to your other bags by purchasing an inexpensive hardware kit.
Using the Mojoh Ryzer
To use the Ryzer, simply pull the cord to extend the three legs that are recessed in the Ryzer base. Then set the bag on the ground and release the cord. When you’re ready to carry the bag again, just lift the bag and the legs automatically retract into the base. You can also flip a switch and the legs will remain extended until you manually release the switch. That may come in handy if you need to move your bag and don’t want to extend the legs again.
The motion of pulling the cord while setting your bag down didn’t take long to become automatic. After a couple rounds you don’t really have to think about it. And when you’re ready to move again, your bag is sitting nice and high, making it easy to grab and sling over your shoulder.
The Ryzer in Action
Depending on your bag and how you carry it, you might not even feel the Ryzer when your bag is on your back. Either way, the Mojoh Ryzer has attached padding that will cushion your back. I honestly didn’t even notice the Ryzer after just a few holes.
One concern I had was that of stability. Since your bag sits higher when using the Ryzer, I thought there might be tipping issues. Fortunately, the design of the Ryzer lends a lot of stability to the products. By orienting your bag so that the side of the Ryzer with two legs is on the downhill side, the bag is actually very stable on even steep angles.
I was able to test its stability on a hilly course in Southern Idaho (Bengal Ridge) and I intentionally sought out the steepest ground. The stand felt stable up to the point where even bags without a Ryzer might tip because of the angle. Although it does have its limits, you should still be able to use the Ryzer nearly all of the time. If you did have a situation where the ground were too steep or uneven, you could simply set the bag on the ground without extending the legs.
Benefits at the Course
One of the first times I tested the Ryzer was at a course that highlighted some of the benefits of using the stand. There were a couple holes that had sage brush, and the bag sat above the shrub. And on another hole the bag sat above the tall grass. This reduces the likelihood of picking up a hitchhiking bugs, like ticks or spiders.
On yet another hole on the same course, the fairway had a couple inches of standing water. I had no problem keeping my bag dry since it sat high above the water. It would do the same thing with early morning dew. And it will keep my bag out of the snow in the winter. It also kept my bag clean on the muddy holes.
Some Assembly Required
When you first get your Mojoh Ryzer you will have to do some light assembly, including attaching your bag to the Ryzer. There is an instructional video on the Mojoh Ryzer website that will walk you through each step. It also gives you some optional ways to attach it to your bag. It attaches differently depending on if you have a putter pocket in the front of the bag.
Once you get the bag installed, there is a video that tells you how to use it. That video shows you ways to use the Mojoh Ryzer on hills or when there are obstacles in the way. There is a separate video for maintaining and cleaning the Ryzer.
Perfect Product?
I like the Ryzer and plan to use one every time I’m not using a cart (which is a lot). I also want to point out a few things to consider when purchasing a Mojoh Ryzer: First, I had to make some adjustments to one of the legs shortly after I got it. This may be necessary to take up slack created with its first few uses. Either way, there is a video on the Mojoh Gear website that shows you the easy way to tighten the cables to make the legs extend to the correct angle. It only takes a few minutes.
Second, I recently had to make another adjustment recently after months of heavy use. I took the opportunity to tighten some loose-ish screws, as recommended in the video. Again, not difficult nor a big time commitment. You should plan on checking out your Ryzer occasionally, just to keep everything tight and in proper order. I just want people to know that you will have to do it from time to time.
Check Out the Mojoh Ryzer
Check out the Mojoh Ryzer and discover its many benefits. From making your bag easier to reach and lift, to keeping your bag out of mud, water and snow, the Ryzer is something that will make your disc golf life a little easier.
Last year we posted a survey asking you which disc you reach for if you want the longest drive possible. Well, we want to know if your farthest flying disc has changed, so we’re asking again. And like last year, we’ll randomly select a few of you to win a $50 Infinite Discs gift card. you can read last year’s results below. Then post your response to the questions:
What mold and plastic do you reach for when you want to get the longest distance possible (assume that wind is not a factor)?
About how far are you throwing on a max drive attempt?
Is your max drive a forehand or backhand?
Here are the results for last year.
Farthest Flying Disc Golf Discs
We’ll take a look at the top discs for backhand throws, forehand throws, and which disc was number one for certain distance ranges. We’ll also look at the top molds from the survey to find out the max distance drivers from each manufacturer. Here are the survey results!
Farthest Backhand Disc
Taking first place with the most people choosing this disc as their farthest flyer with a backhand throw is the Innova Destroyer. This perennial fan favorite regularly takes the title of most discs sold at Infinite Discs. It has been a hot seller since it was introduced a decade and a half ago. The speed 12 disc flight gives disc golfers a gentle turn with a solid fade, allowing for lots of power while still creating the S-curve that we love when we’re throwing for distance.
Spoiler alert: The top four molds for farthest flying backhand disc are the same as the top four forehand molds, but in a different order. Taking second place is the Infinite Discs Pharaoh. Third place goes to the Innova Wraith, with a similar flight to the Destroyer, but slightly lower speed. Forth place is the Infinite Discs Emperor, which also has a flight similar to the Destroyer. Rounding out the top five is the Discmania DD3, another mold whose flight delivers the long S-curve.
Top Five Farthest Flying Discs for Backhand Throws
Taking the top title for farthest forehand disc is, once again, the Innova Destroyer. I think it’s safe to say that this disc will go far for most players. The stability of this mold helps fight the torque off the tee that a forehand throw generates, so it can get a long flight and a reliable finish. The Destroyer’s little brother, the Wraith, picked up second place for forehands. Two Infinite molds occupy the third and fourth spots, the Emperor and Pharaoh respectively. The long-flying Discraft Nuke holds the last of the top five spots.
Connor has a couple tips to get MORE FOREHAND DISTANCE. Watch this video to improve your sidearm throw.
The Farthest Flying Discs for Each Arm Speed
In our survey we asked what is your max distance, then we took the disc you threw to achieve that distance. While the Destroyer was the farthest flying disc overall according to our survey results, not all of us have the arm speed to get a Destroyer Max Distance.
So what are the best discs for distance for beginner and intermediate players? This chart shows the flight range for max throws, and the most popular disc to achieve that distance.
Backhand Max Distance by Arm Speed
Low Arm Speed – Less than 300 Feet Total Distance
Although there are lighter-weight discs in the faster molds, I would expect to see a few different molds for the shorter max distances. For those of us who throw a max drive of less than 300 feet, the Innova Valkyrie is our most popular choice. The Valkyrie has a lot of turn and a mild fade. That extra turn helps players who don’t have the speed to generate the longer drives that more experienced players have.
Moderate Arm Speed – 300-350 Feet Distance
Another Innova mold was the preferential disc for those people who throw 300-349 feet. The Innova Mamba is an understable driver that can be thrown on a hyzer angle to achieve extra-long turnover drives. Thrown flat, the Mamba can be amazing roller disc, too. For more info, check out this list of best distance drivers for beginners.
Intermediate Arm Speed -350-400 Feet Distance Range
The disc at the top of the list for the 350-399 foot range is also the number one choice for backhand and forehand shots. The Innova Destroyer is what more people reach for overall, and for those who max distance is 350-399 feet. The Destroyer was easily in first place, winning by quite a margin.
Max Distance for High Arm Speed Throwers
The number one disc for people who throw 400+ feet was a close race. I would have assumed that the Destroyer would be in first place, but the Destroyer came in second, behind the most popular choice. Taking the top spot for the big arms is the Infinite Discs Pharaoh. The Pharaoh doesn’t fade as much as a Destroyer, but it has plenty of glide for some smashing drives. That mold is available in a variety of plastic types and weights, including some signature discs.
For the sidearm drivers out there, the Innova Wraith is number one among disc golfers who throw under 300 feet. The second place overall winner is a speed 11 disc with a glide, turn, and fade that is similar to the Destroyer. The Wraith was also the top disc for people whose max drives are in the 300-349 foot range.
Forehand Throws between 350 and 400 Feet
Extending the max forehand range to 350-399 feet we find the Destroyer once again on top of the list. Since this distance range was the most popular, it allowed the Destroyer to end up as the most popular forehand disc overall. However, it was not the most popular for the 400+ range.
Sidearm Throws 400+ Feet
For those players who can flick a disc more than 400 feet, their disc of choice is the Infinite Discs Emperor. The speed 12 Emperor was released in 2019 and has become a staple for many disc golfers. It has a lot of glide and a strong, reliable fade. People who can throw 400+ will appreciate the Emperor’s ability to keep from overturning, while allowing a nice s-curve. Lesser- distance players will find the mold is still excellent in lighter weights.
So far in this survey we have only seen a few different manufacturers mentioned. There were actually many brands that received at least one vote. Here are the top 10 manufacturers, with the total number of molds that people chose as their farthest flying disc.
It is never a surprise to see Innova at the top of any disc golf list. They have been around for four decades and offer more high-speed drivers than many smaller brands have total molds available. As we’ve seen in our annual State of Disc Golf survey, smaller brands are definitely taking an increasing amount of market share from Innova. However, Innova is still offers such a variety of discs that it will still end up on the top of lists like this.
Top Selling Distance Drivers by Brand
Check out the top selling distance drivers offered by the top 10 brands in the links below”
The farthest discs from each disc golf manufacturer
And finally, we look at which molds from each manufacturer that were selected the most times in the survey. Did YOUR farthest flying disc make the list?
We asked YOU about your farthest flying disc, and you responded by the hundreds! We randomly selected 5 winners to receive an Infinite Discs gift card. Each person was contacted via email. Congrats to the winners for 2023:
Mason K
Jerry B
Joshua T
Jacob R
Matt Y
Now it’s your turn to contribute to the 2024 results. Comment below to let us know the answers to the following questions:
What mold and plastic do you reach for when you want to get the longest distance possible (assume that wind is not a factor)?
About how far are you throwing on a max drive attempt?
Is your max drive a forehand or backhand?
We tallied the votes and picked a few winners. The most popular disc from your voting is the Shryke, with most Shryke voters picking Star plastic. The Star Corvette was in second place.
We randomly selected five people who commented and awarded them an Infinite Gift Card. The winners are:
Jason F who reaches for his Champion Shryke when he wants to go for distance.
If you’ve been playing disc golf very long odds are that you own a disc golf bag. Some of us gravitate toward a cart, but most of us use a bag to carry our discs and accessories.
Bags come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They have different carrying capacities and serve different purposes. In this blog we’ll look at sales and product review data to find the best disc golf bags for 2023. We’ll look at the different bag types, from small bags up to backpack bags, and find out which bag is the best for each type of bag.
Types of Disc Golf Bags
There are bag sizes and types on the market to fit every need. Some of us are minimalist golfers who just need a bag big enough for a couple discs. Others of us carry backups for our backup discs and every possible accessory available. Most of us are somewhere in between those extremes. Let’s look at the bag types and what they do.
Small bags
This type of bag carries around 10 discs and maybe a water bottle. It can have a shoulder strap or attach to your waist. These are the smallest of bags, although some of them are still capable of carrying a lot of discs and accessories.
Large bags
You can hold up to 15+ discs in a large bag, with additional room for snacks or accessories. This size bag can be carried with a single shoulder strap, or backpack type shoulder straps.
Economy Backpack
If you like backpack style bags but don’t want to carry a lot of discs, then Economy backpacks are the way to go. Even though smaller than regular backpack bags, economy bags still carry a lot of discs and a few other accessories.
Backpack Bags
These are the largest bag choice. They can hold over 20 discs, with room for snacks, accessories, retrievers, and even stools or umbrellas. They have two shoulder straps that help you carry a lot of discs more comfortably
The Easy Bag is a minimalist bag and the perfect size for a quick round of disc golf when you only need a few discs. It is inexpensive, but made from a durable material. The Easy bag is popular with beginners, and more experienced disc golfers who just want a quick round with a few discs. Despite its small size, the Easy Bag can still hold 8-10 discs. Plus, it has a pocket for your phone or maybe an energy bar. The Easy Bag has a 4.8-star rating.
The Infinite Discs Tournament Bag holds 18-22 discs in its main compartment, and a few more in the putter pocket. It comes with a padded shoulder strap. The bag features room for two water bottles, and a pocket for accessories. It also has a scorecard pocket, and pockets for minis and pencils.
While not technically a bag, the Disc Tote is listed in the Large Bag category, and it deserves a mention. Capable of holding several dozen discs, the Disc Tote is perfect for organizing your trunk, closet, or wherever you store your discs. The Tote can be stacked to safely store even more discs! The pockets around the outside can be used to stash other goodies, such as minis. When not in use it collapses to just a few inches thick.
The Slinger Deluxe is the big brother to the Slinger bag. It has an increased disc capacity, a flat bottom so it will sit upright, a water bottle holder, and a zippered pocket for accessories. The Slinger Deluxe is an inexpensive backpack bag that holds a lot of discs and all the things you need for a round of disc golf.
The Dynamic Discs Commander is a great example of a quality bag at an affordable price. It has all of the features you’re looking for in a disc golf bag: space for 20 discs with room to spare for accessories or snacks. There is room for two large water bottles, and a large pocket that can hold a jacket or some backup towels. If you want a quality Ogio bag at a great price, check out the Commander.
As fall colors start to appear in the trees and the daylight hours shorten, it means a lot less disc golf for most of us. For some it becomes difficult to find time when it’s still light. For others it means rearranging schedules to squeeze in a round here and there. But, it also means the Halloween season is upon us, with numerous brands coming out with themed disc stamps that celebrate the spooky holiday. This year was no exception.
Halloween Disc Golf Stamps 2024
I always look forward to seeing the spooky artwork and the interesting Halloween designs. I’ve been collecting them for years, and I’m always willing to add a couple more cool stamps to the collection. A lot of people love finding throwers that have Halloween stamps and colors. Let’s take a look at the stamps that are being released this spooky season.
Infinite Discs
G-Blend Halo Pharaoh Racing from the depth of Hell, the Pharaoh of the Dead leads an army of demons. And they’re headed your way! The Pharaoh is a bomber disc with tons of glide. Grip and rip a deadly Pharoah with this haunting stamp!
C-Blend Glow Centurion – The only thing worse than a zombie is a zombie with a weapon, body armor, and a bad attitude. The Centurion is a speed 7 fairway driver with enough turn to give the disc a nice s-curve, and a solid fade. The scary stamp is the icing on the zombie cake.
D-Blend Alpaca – This Alpaca is hangry! We’re not sure how it acquired its taste for human flesh, but watch out, it’s right behind you! The Alpaca is a wildly popular putter that feels great in your hand. It has a strait flight that is great for driving or putting. You’ll want to grab a few of these Halloween stamps for your bag.
Innova
R-Pro Pig – This Were-Pig has claws and fangs and a determined look in its eyes! This overstable mid features our custom Halloween stamp. The Pig is an awesome headwind disc can be used for hitting precision upshots, or hitting the basket with a hyzer putt. You’ll want to add this scary stamp to your pig-stamp collection!
Classic Color Glow Nexus Aviar – The Haunted Pumpkin makes it’s way to you for its annual Halloween appearance on an Innova disc. The Aviar is a staple in the disc golf community, and the favorite putter among many of us. With this cool stamp and glow plastic, you’ll be banging chains day or night!
Proto Color Glow Champion Gorgon – What do you get when you cross a pumpkin-ghoul and Medusa? We don’t know, but you should hope that you never run into it on a dark night! The Gorgon is a driver that can easily give you serious turning ability and massive distance. It is a speed 10 disc, so it might be the perfect disc for you if you need a smaller rim than faster drivers. This Halloween Gorgon comes in the amazing Proto Glow plastic, perfect for night rounds.
Proto Glow DX Roc – The mythical Roc was said to carry off animals as large as an elephant. It would have no problem carrying a few disc golfers! The Roc is a classic midrange disc that delivers wind-crushing stability and a solid fade. Many players have a variety of Rocs in their bag for a variety of needs. Try one today with the Halloween stamp.
Continuing their tradition of offering creative, colorful Halloween discs featuring a different horror movie theme each year. This year they give a nod to the new Beatlejuice movie. Discraft offers their Halloween Buzzz with three options: SuperColor, single foil, and triple foil. The Buzzz is one of the most popular discs of all time! If you haven’t thrown one yet, a Beatlejuice stamp would be a great one to try! (available Oct. 11)
Prodigy
Check out the Grim Rippit stamp on the understable putt/approach disc, the Prodigy PA-5. The PA-5 is an amazing hyzer-flip disc that will slice through the woods on a straight line. The Grim Rippit stamp on 300 Soft Color Fractal looks amazing and is available in several good-looking colors!
Prodigy D3 is a high-speed driver with a bit of turn in its flight. Boasting a lower profile than its driver brothers, the D3 has the flight numbers that make for a versatile disc golf tool. Nab one today with the awesome Grave to Green stamp and kill it on the course! The Halloween stamp comes in ReBlend Plastic, which is their 100% recycled / regrind premium plastic blend. Available in several stamp and plastic color options
MVP
Introducing the Tour of Terror Team Series from MVP. Four molds are included in the series. Three of them are glow discs, and one of them is in a plastic type that its never been in before!
James Conrad – Eve of the Mothman
Is it a myth? Is it a legend? The Mothman may be a myth, but James Conrad is certainly a legend! This scary stamp sits on an Eclipse Detour. Master your backhand turnover lines with the understable midrange. Beginners will love its straight flight. Experienced players will love its easy shaping.
Simon Lizotte – Bridgewater Triangle
Celebrate the mysteries of the world with this new Halloween stamp from MVP. Southeastern Massachusetts, home of Simon Lizotte, reports a variety of paranormal activities in the area. From UFO sightings to poltergeists. There have even been Bigfoot sightings! The haunting stamp that gives a nod to these phenomena adorns the Eclipse Pixel. The Pixel is the second disc in the Simon Line. It has a micro bead and a wonderful straight flight. Pick up a Pixel today and see why Simon loves it so much!
Silva Saarinen – Beneath the Wave
The Iku-Turso sea monster supposedly lurks below the murky waves of Finnish waters! This creature has been terrorizing mankind for centuries. Now you can celebrate the monster and support Silva by picking up an Eclipse Wave. The Wave is MVP’s most popular driver. With a flight similar to the popular Wraith, the Wave will help you shred the fairways and achieve your longest throws. With the Tour of Terror Eclipse edition of the Wave, you’ll be bombing the course on glow rounds, too!
Eagle McMahon – Flying Thrills
The dark is when gargoyles and other creatures take flight. You’ll never see them coming until it’s too late! Then your world will be filled with beasts, shrieks, and shivers! Enjoy this Mike Incho created stamp on a Fission Pyro. This is the first time the Pyro has been made in Fission plastic. The Pyro is an overstable midrange that has good glide and a solid fade. The Fission plastic will give you an enhanced flight and adds a new feel to the Pyro.
Discmania’s Spooky Series returns with a tasty selection of signature discs with spooky stamps. Check them out before they disappear!
Colton Montgomery’s Last Howl PD
Fight headwinds and creatures of the night with Colten Montgomery’s Last Howl PD. This haunting stamp comes on a Swirly S-line mold. The PD is overstable and reliable, yet at a slower speed to allow people with a variety of skill levels to make good use of its flight.
Make no bones about it, the Vanguard was meant to be thrown with power! Its flight is straight as a sword, or a femur, and the fade isn’t as aggressive as more stable discs. Support Kyle and get a great disc with a scary stamp!
This spooky Jack-O-Lantern has come to life! Seeking revenge for generations of carved pumpkins, the ghoulish stamp on a Horizon S-line would make a great addition to your bag. What is not scary is the flight of the DD3. Sporting the most popular flight numbers in disc golf, the DD3 will quickly become your go-to driver.
These possessed animals are part of the Scariest Show On Earth! You are their treat! Get this stamp on a Swirly S-line disc, and get to know the versatility of the FD. Shape shots and carve lines with this popular fairway driver.
When I first started playing disc golf, I got to a hole on a course in northern Utah which had a sign on it that was new to me. The sign said ‘Mando’ and had an arrow pointing left of the tree it was attached to.
I looked to the left and saw a wooded fairway that was tight with lots of trees. To the right there were no obstacles. I didn’t know what the sign meant; it looked Spanish to me. So, I took aim to the right and let my disc fly… over a sidewalk and near a playground and parking lot. I’ve since learned about the ‘mando’, and although it does mean ‘command’ in Spanish, its name’s origin has a different meaning.
Mando are important to the game of disc golf. Among other things, they ensure that discs are going in a certain direction on certain holes, while protecting other people and property. In this blog we’ll learn about what mandos are, why we have them, and how they work. Let’s learn about the mando!
What is a Mando?
In the sport of disc golf, a mando is short for ‘mandatory’. In practice, that means that it is mandatory that you throw your disc on only one side of the obstacle or pole that the mando sign is attached to. If you don’t throw on that side of the mando, you get penalized.
A majority of the mandos that you see on a course are left or right mandos. That means you are required to go either left or right of a pole, tree, or whatever the arrow is attached to or rules indicate are the mando feature. If there are two arrows present, it is called a double mando. Typically, your disc has to travel between two mando arrows (or more specifically, between two objects that the arrows are attached to). There are also triple mandos, which are two side mandos and something across the top which limits the height that you can throw your disc.
In rare occasions, such as unsanctioned tournaments, you’ll see a quad mando. This is basically a rectangle shape that you have to be able to throw your disc through. I’ve only seen quad mandos at casual, funsy tournaments.
The most common indicators of a mando are arrows pointing either left or right. Sometimes they will have the word ‘mando’ on the sign, though not always. They might also be marked with a ribbon or tape to indicate the mando object. If tape or ribbon is used, there should be some indication on a tee sign or course rules which directions you need to throw in order to successfully execute the mando. A successful throw is called ‘making the mando’. An unsuccessful throw is a ‘missed mando’
Why Are Mandos Used In Disc Golf?
While mandos should be used sparingly in a course design (in my opinion), there are several reasons why a course designer might decide to include a mando on a hole. First is safety. The mando sign I referred to at the beginning of the blog was used to keep discs away from the playground, parking lot, and walking path. Keeping discs away from those areas makes the hole safer and reduces the chance of a bystander getting hit. Plus, it makes the hole more challenging and fun by forcing players to attack a wooded fairway. Which is the second reason someone might use a mando.
While the idea of throwing discs down a wide-open fairway might appeal to some people, most of us enjoy the challenge of having obstacles that we need to negotiate in order to progress down the fairway. Those obstacles make disc golf much more fun, challenging, and satisfying when successful. Course designer know this, and might add a mando or two in order to prevent people from taking an easier route.
There is one more reason designers might include a mando: course flow. A mando is often used in disc golf to direct the flow of play. It guides players along a specific path and preventing errant throws from interfering with, or landing in, other areas of the course. Some courses have areas like a swamp, thick bushes, or other natural or man-made features. These may be challenging, but would cause delays with disc retrieval from unintended areas. Mandos can help create a more enjoyable and efficient experience for everyone on the course.
Mando Rules and Penalties
Now that you know a little about what mandos are and when they are used, let’s look at the PDGA rules that govern mandos and how to play them. The section in the official rules is not very long, and worth a read if you want to brush up on the current requirements. They complete rules are found HERE. I’ll summarize the rules in this blog, but if you plan to play in a sanctioned tournament you should look up the official rules to make sure you understand and follow them.
PDGA 804.01 Mandatory Routes
1. A mando restricts the path that a disc may take in order to legally progress down the fairway toward the basket.
2. At the mando, there is an imaginary vertical plane that that borders one or more objects that are indicated by the mando or mandos. (see image)
3. If a disc crosses that imaginary plane, whether in the air or on the ground, either forward or backward (if a roller crosses on the correct side of the mando, but curls around and crosses the plane), it is considered a missed mando and the player receives a one-stroke penalty. The lie for the next shot depends on whether or not there is a drop zone on the hole.
If there is a drop zone, the player may proceed to the drop zone with the penalty throw (for example, if they missed the mando on their first throw, they get the stroke for the throw, plus the penalty stroke, so their throw from the drop zone will be their third stroke). The player also has the option, as always, of abandoning the throw and re-throwing from their last lie. In the previous example, they would then be throwing their third throw from the previous lie, which would be the tee pad. The rules of the mando would still be in play.
4. If a players disc lands just short of the imaginary plane, but hasn’t crossed yet, the player may must still pass the mando on the correct side to avoid a penalty. It is not legal to lean through and release the disc beyond the plane, since the back of their mini is on the other side of the plane.
Mando Strategy
It is often times best to avoid a penalty by not aiming anywhere near the mando. Other times it might be strategic to lay up near the mando, then take a more powerful throw on your next shot. That is especially true on narrow double mandos.
Conclusion
In this blog we’ve learned about mandos in disc golf, why we have them, and the different types. We also looked at the rules of play for mandos. There are many courses with no mandos, but others where they are necessary or desired. It’s good to know why they are there and how to play them.
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