WHAT IS DISC GOLF

Disc golf is played much like traditional golf. Instead of a ball and clubs, however, players use a flying discs. The sport was formalized in the 1970's, and shares with "ball golf" the object of completing each hole in the fewest number of strokes (or, in the case of disc golf, fewest number of throws).

A golf disc is thrown from a tee area to a target which is the "hole". The hole can be either metal basket or pole in ground or tree trunk. As a player progresses down the fairway, he or she must make each consecutive shot from the spot where the previous throw has landed. The trees, shrubs, and terrain changes located in and around the fairways provide challenging obstacles for the golfer. Finally, the "putt" lands in the basket and the hole is completed.

Disc golf shares the same joys and frustrations of traditional golf, whether it's sinking a long putt or hitting a tree halfway down the fairway. There are few differences, though. Disc golf rarely requires a greens fee, you probably won't need to rent a cart, and you never get stuck with a bad "tee time." It is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages, male and female, regardless of economic status.

WHO CAN PLAY

Disc golf can be played from school age to old age, making it one of the greatest lifetime fitness sports available. Specially-abled and disabled participate, giving them the opportunity to take part in a mainstream activity.

Because disc golf is so easy to learn, no one is excluded. Players merely match their pace to their capabilities, and proceed from there. Permanent disc golf courses are found in countries worldwide.

WHERE TO PLAY

Many city parks have golf courses already set up. Most are free to play as often as you like. Disc golfers who do not have the benefit of a permanent disc golf facility in their area often "make up" courses in nearby parks and green spaces. One of the great features disc golf shares with traditional golf is that they are both played in beautiful settings. A nine-hole disc golf course can be established on as little as five acres of land, and a championship-caliber 18-hole course on 30 to 40 acres. Disc golf courses can coexist with existing park facilities and activity areas. The ideal location combines wooded and open terrain, and a variety of topographical change.

There is over 1000 disc golf courses with permanent baskets most of them in USA. Most advanced countries in Europe (over 100 courses) are Sweden and Finland from surrounding countries Germany and Austria. In Czech republic there are few permanent courses and new courses are in development phase.

BASIC RULES

• Player starts on specified tee and when throwing no part of his body may be touch ground closer to target. Player may step through towards target after release of his disc.
• Next throw is made from spot where his disc stopped and when throwing player must stand up to 12 inches behind his disc in direction away from target. Player may step over towards target after release of his disc only when he is no closer than 33 feet from basket.
• When player cannot fulfill previous point (disc is in deep bushes, water or in another un-accessible spot) he continues to play from any place no closer to target on flowline going throw basket and his disc lie and he add to his score one stroke penalty.
• When disc has stayed up in the tree, player continues to play from under his disc on the ground.
• Player cannot change any part of course to get advantage (bend or even break branches).
• Player who is farthest from target plays first.
• Safety first - everytime check if there is not a person or animal in direction of play which you can hit!

RULES

• Complete disc golf rules in english are available at www.pdga.com/rules
• European competition rules in english are available at www.pdga-europe.com
• Czech competition rules can be found at www.cadg.cz