Disc golf is a fun, challenging, and rewarding game that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re a beginner or have been playing for a while, one of the most common questions is: How many discs for disc golf?
In this guide, we’ll explain how many discs you need, what types of discs are most important, and how to choose the correct discs for your game. By the end of the guide, you’ll have all the information you need to hit the course fully prepared and confident!
How Many Discs Do You Need for Disc Golf?
If you’re starting out in disc golf, you may wonder how many discs you need. The good news is you can get started without a huge collection. In fact, you can play a round of disc golf with just a few essential discs.
The Essential Discs for Beginners
At a minimum, you need three types of disks:
- Driver: This is for your first shot, which is fired from the tee pad. The driver is specifically designed for long distances and high speeds.
- Mid range: This is usually used for your second or third shot. It is ideal for providing reasonable control and glide.
- Putter: The putter is used for the final shot to put the disc in the hole. It is specifically designed for accuracy, especially at short distances.
Tip: Start with at least one of each type of disc so you can get a feel for how they perform during a round.
How Many Discs Should You Carry in Your Bag?
While three discs are enough, most players prefer to carry more for better variety and flexibility during a round. A general recommendation is to carry at least six discs:
- Two Drivers
- Two Mid Range Discs
- Two Putters
Carrying a backup disc for each type is for safety and makes your game more flexible and strategic. If a disc is lost or damaged, a backup will not let your game be disrupted. It also gives you the opportunity to experiment with different flight paths, which can help improve your game. It is also beneficial for adapting to changing weather or field conditions, as having multiple options means you can use the right disc for each situation.
Types of Disc Golf Discs You’ll Need
1. Driver: Your Distance Disc
The driver discs are designed to get the most distance on your first shot. They are your bag’s fastest and most aerodynamic, helping you throw longer and more powerful shots.
- How to use a driver: Drivers are great for long-distance shots. However, they can be tricky to control, so as a beginner, focus on accuracy over distance. This will help you hit shots on the right track, and you can increase the distance as you get more experienced.
- Example: The Innova Leopard DX Driver is a great beginner-friendly option. It’s easy to control and helps build confidence early in the game.
2. Mid Range: Your Control Disc
Mid range discs are ideal for accuracy and control, especially on second or third shots when you’re trying to approach the basket.
- How to use mid range: These discs are slower than drivers but offer a smooth glide that helps you make more controlled and strategic shots. It is easier to get good control and the right landing point on a mid-range disc, especially when your shot is more about accuracy than distance.
- Example: The Innova Wombat is a highly recommended mid range disc, as it increases the user’s control and gives them more confidence in every shot.
3. Putter: Your Accuracy Disc
The putter is used to complete the final shot to the basket and is designed for the most accurate and precise shot. The main feature of the putter is its stability and control, which help you hit the shot exactly in the right place. Your putter should feel less air resistance, so you will feel comfortable during the shot and can focus entirely on accuracy. It should be a disc that is easy to control and ideal for short-distance shots, incredibly close to the basket.
- How to use a putter: Putters are designed for short, accurate shots that are incredible when close to the basket.
- Example: The Dynamic Disc Judge is a top-rated putter known for its excellent grip and accuracy.
How Many Discs Do Pro Players Carry?
Professional disc golfers carry more discs to accommodate different shots, environments, and situations. While beginners can usually play with just a few discs, professionals may take 15 to 25 discs in their bag, allowing them to select the right disc for each shot and add more variety and control to their game in different situations.
Why do experts carry so many discs?
The reason is simple: each disc is designed for a specific shot. They may have discs for different wind conditions, elevation changes, or types of throws (e.g., forehand vs. backhand). Having the right disc for the situation allows pro players to maximize control and precision.
Can You Play Disc Golf with Just One Disc?
Yes, you’re absolutely right! Many new players start with one disc (often a putter or mid range) and use that for the entire game. While this can help you focus on strategy and improve your skills, it can be limiting in certain situations. You can take more shots with different discs, enhancing your game’s effectiveness and enhanced.
Pro Tip: If you only want to play with one disc, ensure it’s versatile enough for various shots. A good mid range or throwing putter disc will help you learn the basics without the stress of too many options and gradually improve your skills.
How to Select the Ideal Disc Golf Discs for Your Game
As you gain more experience, you will want to experiment with different discs to improve your game. There are some essential things to keep in mind when choosing a disc:
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- Speed: The speed of the disc is a measure of its speed, and it usually indicates how much power the shot can be thrown with. Faster discs can travel longer distances but can be harder to control, especially for beginners. Therefore, if you are a beginner, focus on slower and more stable discs. These will help you maintain your shot, especially as you develop your technique and skills.
- Glide: Glide is the ability of the disc to stay in the air. Discs with a higher glide rating remain in the air longer, allowing the shot to travel further. Increasing the glide height will enable you to control the disc’s flight path more easily with the air, which is especially beneficial for long-distance shots.
- Turn: The turn rating indicates the disc’s curvature (the number of turns in the flight path). When the disc is thrown, it usually curves slightly, and the turn rating indicates how much it will curve. Choosing discs that will turn less and create a more stable flight path is best for beginners, making the shot more manageable.
- The fade rating shows the disc’s bending behaviour towards the end of its flight. It indicates how the disc will behave at the end of its flight and how smoothly or abruptly it will turn to one side. If you want to make controlled landings or evasive shots, such as getting the disc to land steadily away from a specific target, use discs with a higher fade rating. This will give the disc more accuracy and control in its flight.
Remember: The best discs are the ones you feel comfortable with and can throw consistently.
What Kind of Bag Should You Use?
A disc golf bag is essential if you’re serious about disc golf. While you can use a regular backpack, a specialized disc golf bag will help you keep your discs organized and protected.
Why Use a Disc Golf Bag?
A disc golf bag helps you keep your discs organized and easy to find. Some bags have spaces for drinks, snacks, and other essentials, making your game more comfortable and manageable
What to Look for in a Bag?
Choose a bag that can hold at least 6-12 discs and has space for things like towels, water bottles, and mini markers. This will allow you to carry everything quickly and in an organized manner, which will be more convenient during your game.
FAQs on How Many Discs for Disc Golf
1. How many discs do you need for disc golf?
You only need three discs: a driver, a mid range, and a putter. These cover long throws, controlled shots, and accurate putts, making them ideal for beginners.
2. Can you play disc golf with just one disc?
Yes, you can play with one disc, like a mid range, but using three discs helps improve control, distance, and accuracy.
3. What are the essential disc types for beginners?
Beginners should have three types:
- Driver: For long-distance throws.
- Mid Range: For controlled approaches.
- Putter: For accurate short-range shots.
4. How many discs should I carry in my bag?
A good starting point is six discs: two drivers, two mid-range discs, and two putters. This provides variety and backups.
5. Why do pro disc golfers carry so many discs?
Pros carry 15–25 discs to handle different shots, wind conditions, and throwing styles for maximum control.
6. What makes a good disc for beginners?
A beginner-friendly disc has low speed, high glide, and minimal turn or fade. It should be easy to control and predictable.
7. How do I choose the right driver for disc golf?
Choose a driver with low speed (6–9), high glide, and minimal fade to ensure better control and accuracy as a beginner.
8. What is the difference between a mid-range and a driver?
A driver is designed for distance but is harder to control. A mid-range offers better accuracy for approach shots.
9. How important is a putter in disc golf?
A putter is essential for accuracy near the basket. It has a stable, slow flight and helps make precise final shots.
10. What should I look for in a disc golf bag?
A good bag holds 6–12 discs, has space for essentials, and is comfortable to carry on the course.
11. How Many Disc Golf Discs Should I Carry for My First Round?
For your first round, aim to carry at least 6 discs (2 drivers, 2 mid-ranges, and 2 putters). This will give you enough variety to make different types of shots.
12. Can You Play Disc Golf with Just One Disc?
Yes! You can start with just one disc, such as a mid-range or putter, and learn the basics. As you improve, you’ll want to add more discs for different types of shots.
13. How Many Discs Do Pros Carry?
Pro players often carry 15 to 25 discs in their bags, depending on their style of play and the conditions they face on the course.
Conclusion
You don’t need a lot of discs to get started in disc golf, but playing with a few discs will improve your game. Start with three discs—a driver, a mid range, and a putter—and gradually add more discs as you gain experience. Choosing the right disc will help you enjoy the game and improve your new or experienced skills.
Pro Tip: Keep practicing and experimenting with different discs, and remember, comfort and control are key to mastering your game!
