Disc Golf Scoring for Beginners

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:

1. Paper Scorecard: A simple, classic way to track strokes, where you write each player’s score for each hole.
2. 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!