Discover Disc Golf: Australia & New Zealand's Fastest Growing Outdoor Sport
Disc golf is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors, have a laugh with mates, and discover beautiful parks you never knew existed! It's an adventure that anyone can enjoy, regardless of age or athletic ability.
The Australian and New Zealand disc golf community is incredibly welcoming to newcomers—most clubs have regular social gatherings where experienced players are happy to show beginners the ropes and share tips on which discs work best for different playing styles.
Don't be shy about reaching out to your local club—they're just regular people who love sharing their passion for this addictive sport!
The Basics
Disc golf is played much like traditional golf, but instead of using clubs and balls, players throw specially designed discs at targets. The goal is simple: complete each hole in the fewest throws possible. Each hole begins at a tee area and ends at a disc golf basket, which serves as the "hole."
What makes disc golf special is its accessibility—anyone can play regardless of age or athletic ability. All you need is a disc and a course, and you're ready to go!
Types of Discs
Unlike regular frisbees, disc golf discs are designed specifically for the sport. They come in four main categories:
- Distance Drivers: The fastest disc type, designed for maximum distance off the tee.
- Fairway Drivers: More controllable than distance drivers while still offering good length.
- Mid-range: Versatile all-purpose discs with reliable flight for controlled approaches.
- Putters: Designed for accurate, controlled throws near the basket.
Each disc has unique flight characteristics, giving players a variety of options for different shots and situations.
How to Play: The Rules
- Teeing Off: Each hole starts from a designated tee area. The player furthest from the basket throws first.
- Fairway Throws: After teeing off, the player whose disc is furthest from the hole always throws first. Your next throw is taken from where your previous throw landed.
- Putting: Any throw within 10 meters of the basket is considered a putt. When putting, you cannot step past your lie (where your disc landed) until after the disc has been released.
- Completion: A hole is complete when your disc lands in the basket. The chains help catch the disc, allowing it to fall into the basket.
- Scoring: Count the total number of throws plus penalty throws for the final score on each hole. Like golf, the lowest score wins!
- Out of Bounds: If your disc lands out of bounds (OB), add one penalty throw to your score and play from where the disc last crossed into the OB area.
- Mandatory Passages (Mandos): Some holes require discs to pass to a specific side of an object. Missing a mandatory results in a one-throw penalty.
Ready to Give Disc Golf a Go?
With courses popping up across Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and throughout Australia and New Zealand, there's never been a better time to join this addictive sport! Check out the club listings below to find a location near you, or grab a starter set and hit the course today!
Australian Disc Golf Clubs
New South Wales (NSW)
Queensland (QLD)
Gold Coast Disc Golf Club
North Queensland Disc Golf Club
South Australia (SA)
Tasmania (TAS)
Victoria (VIC)
Western Australia (WA)
New Zealand Disc Golf Clubs
North Island
Mangakino Central Disc Golf
Rotorua Disc Golf Club
Taranaki Disc Golf Club
Regional Disc Golf Group (Manawatu-Wanganui)
Ohakune Disc Golf
South Island
Twizel Disc Golf Club
Now you know the basics, why not give disc golf a try? Grab a starter set to begin your disc golf journey—we'll see you on the course!