Disc golf rules explained

The rules of disc golf in plain English, in 12 short chapters, each with the PDGA rule numbers it covers.

• Fair play and courtesyPlay the course as you find it, call what you see, and let the group decide what nobody saw clearly.
• Throwing order and stanceLowest score on the last hole tees first, then the player farthest from the basket throws.
• The lie and markingYour lie is where your disc stopped.
• Out of boundsFully inside the OB line means out.
• Mandatories and drop zonesA mando’s arrow shows the side your disc must pass.
• Relief, lost and abandoned discsYou can clear loose debris, but not bend branches.
• Putting and finishing a holeAny throw from 10 m (33 ft) or closer is a putt, and you must show balance behind your marker before moving toward the basket.
• Keeping scoreA hole’s score is every throw plus every penalty throw.
• Provisional and practice throwsThrow a provisional when the group isn’t sure how a rule applies or a disc may be lost or OB, and announce it first.
• InterferenceA disc that hits a person or animal is played where it stops.
• MisplaysThrowing from the wrong lie costs one penalty throw if you catch it before throwing again, or two if you don’t.
• Discs and equipmentThrow PDGA-approved, clearly marked discs with no cracks or holes.

Words and guides

• Disc golf glossary
• Beginner guides

Rule summaries are based on the PDGA Official Rules of Disc Golf. Shot Lab is not affiliated with the PDGA.