Last modified: January 12, 2026
We’re The Ace Holes – a bunch of happy amateurs who’ve completely fallen for disc golf. We’re not pros. We don’t hold classes. We haven’t been playing for ten years. But we’ve learned one thing: Disc golf is fun from your very first throw – and even more fun as you learn a little more with each round.
This article isn’t an expert guide. It’s a beginner’s guide written by beginners – for anyone who’s curious, brand new, or just wants to know what disc golf is all about.
What is disc golf?
Disc golf is a sport where you throw specially designed discs at a metal basket. The goal is to finish each hole in as few throws as possible – just like in golf. Courses are often found in parks, wooded areas, or open green spaces, and most are free to play.
You don’t need to be in top shape. You don’t need expensive gear. All you need is one disc – and the desire to give it a try.
The gear you need – simple and affordable
You can start with just one disc, but here’s a typical beginner setup:
| Disc type | What it does | Why it’s great for beginners |
|---|---|---|
| Putter | Short, accurate throws | Easy to control |
| Midrange | Medium-distance throws (about 50 to 150 feet) | A good balance between speed and control |
| Fairway/Distance Driver | Long throws, beyond roughly 150 feet | Takes more technique – so save this one for later |
You’ll find starter sets from brands like Latitude 64, Innova, and Discmania – often for under $30. Check sporting goods stores, online shops, or your local disc golf club. We’ve added a few beginner sets below to make it a bit easier for you to get started.
How to find a disc golf course
The easiest way to find a disc golf course is by using the UDisc app. It shows courses worldwide, complete with maps, photos, reviews, and scorecards, making it easy for players to locate nearby courses and track their progress.
You can also look for courses by checking out:
- Local disc golf clubs
- Popular Facebook groups such as:
- Disc Golf USA: A popular group for players across the country sharing course recommendations, tips, and local events.
- Disc Golf Beginners Group: Specifically for newcomers to the sport, this group offers advice on finding local courses and starting out.
- All Disc Golf Courses USA: Focused on sharing and discovering disc golf courses nationwide, including reviews and updates.
- PDGA Members and Friends: While broader, this group often shares course information and is beginner-friendly.
- National organizations like the PDGA or your country’s disc golf federation
These groups and organizations are excellent resources for connecting with the disc golf community, finding course recommendations, buying gear, and learning about local playing opportunities.
Throwing technique – we’re still learning!
One of the most fun (and sometimes frustrating) parts of disc golf is learning how to throw properly. It looks easy – but it’s actually pretty technical. We’ve learned that good technique beats raw power almost every time.
Here are the most common throws – and a few tips we wish we’d known when we started:
Backhand – the classic frisbee throw
This is the most common throw and probably the one you’ll try first. You grip the disc with your thumb on top and fingers underneath, then throw with a rotating motion from your hip through your arm.
Tips:
- Keep your elbow bent and close to your body before release.
- Think about “pulling” the disc through your body instead of “punching” it out.
- Practice a smooth, controlled spin – that gives you better accuracy.
Forehand (sidearm) – control and finesse
The forehand uses a different grip, with your thumb on top and two fingers under the rim. You throw with a sideways wrist snap, like cracking a whip.
Tips:
- Don’t rely on your arm alone – use your whole body, especially your hips.
- Work on a clean release angle to help the disc fly straight.
- Forehand is great in windy conditions and on tight fairways.
Putting – calm, balance, and precision
Putting is what you do when you’re close to the basket – usually within about 30 feet (10 meters). It’s all about control, not power.
Tips:
- Find a putting style that feels natural for you, like the “spin putt” or “push putt.”
- Stand steady – balance is key.
- Start practicing from short distances to build confidence.
We recommend watching videos on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram – search for:
“disc golf beginner technique”
“how to throw backhand disc golf”
“disc golf putting tips”
Follow players like Gannon Buhr, Kristin Lätt, or Paul McBeth – and of course, The Ace Holes (yes, we share our own mistakes and triumphs too).
Common beginner mistakes – and how we try to avoid them
When you start playing disc golf, it’s easy to think it’s all about throwing as far as possible. We thought the same – and missed everything from the baskets to proper throwing technique. But luckily, you learn fast, and it’s totally okay to make mistakes. In fact, that’s part of the fun!
Here are some classic beginner mistakes we’ve made – and what we’ve learned along the way. Maybe you can avoid making the same ones:
| Mistake | What we do instead |
|---|---|
| Throwing too hard | Focus on technique, not power |
| Using the wrong disc | Start with putters and midranges |
| Jumping straight to long, technical courses | Choose short, open courses first |
| Comparing ourselves to pros | Laugh at all the bad throws and celebrate small improvements |
Where can you find beginner courses?
We don’t run courses ourselves, but we know lots of great places to look:
- UDisc Events: Search for “Beginner Clinic” or “Intro to Disc Golf” to find local events tailored for new players.
- Local Disc Golf Clubs: Many offer free intro nights or beginner clinics.
- Tournaments and Casual Events: Check out listings on sites like PDGA Event Calendar and Disc Golf Scene USA for beginner-friendly and low-pressure events.
- Facebook Groups: Join groups like “Disc Golf Beginners USA,” “Disc Golf 101,” or “Beginner Disc Golfers” to connect with the community, ask questions, and get updates on local events and courses.
How to get involved:
- Join a local club through their website or Facebook page
- Use the UDisc app to find courses and upcoming events near you
- Keep an eye on event calendars and club schedules
- Many local clubs host weekly beginner nights, especially in spring and summer
From us to you
We’re still beginners. We miss the baskets. We throw into trees. We laugh a lot. But we’re learning—and we love it.
If you want to give it a try, just do it! You don’t need to be good. All you need to do is throw.
– The Ace Holes
Next articles in the series
- “Disc golf courses you’ve got to visit – from California to Kokkola”
- “Gear guide – which discs are right for you?”
- “Throwing technique for beginners – step by step”
- “How to enter your first tournament”
- “Play with style – etiquette and rules on the course”
- “From beginner to club player – the road ahead”
