Harper Lin
Scoring in frisbee golf, also known as disc golf, is similar to ball golf. The goal is to complete the course in the fewest throws possible, with the lowest score being the best. Each throw counts as a stroke, and players tally their throws for each hole, subtracting any penalty strokes to get their total score. Penalty strokes are incurred for infractions such as going out of bounds or landing in a hazard. While casual games may be more relaxed, with loose adherence to rules and scorekeeping, tournament play requires strict rule following and accurate scorekeeping. Players must keep an independent scorecard, recording scores for each hole, and any warnings or penalties. Understanding the basic concept of 'par' is key to scoring, as it represents the number of strokes a proficient player is expected to need to complete a hole.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scoring method | Paper scorecard, scorekeeping apps |
| Scoring calculation | Each throw counts as one stroke, tally the total number of throws for all the holes, subtract any penalty strokes to get the final score |
| Penalty strokes | Extra strokes added due to a rule infraction, out of bounds, or a restricted area |
| Par | The expected number of strokes to complete a hole, generally based on distance |
| Birdie | Finishing the hole in one stroke less than par |
| Eagle | Completing the hole in two strokes less than par |
| Albatross | Three strokes under par |
| Winner | Player with the lowest score wins |
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What You'll Learn
The goal is to complete the course with the fewest throws
The goal of disc golf is to complete the course with the fewest throws, also known as strokes. Each throw counts as one stroke, and you tally up all your throws for all the holes in play. Then, any penalty strokes are subtracted to give your total score. The player with the lowest score wins.
Penalty strokes are extra strokes added to your total score for a hole due to a mistake or a rule infraction. For example, if your disc goes out of bounds, lands in water, or in an area designated as out of bounds by the course designer, you will get a penalty stroke. If your disc doesn't go past the designated side of certain marked obstacles, you will also get a penalty stroke.
The Par of a hole is the expected number of strokes it should take to complete it, and this is usually determined by the course designer. This is the number of strokes a proficient player should need on average to complete the hole. So, for example, if Par for a hole is 3, and you complete it in 2 strokes, you have achieved an 'Eagle'. If you complete it in 1 stroke less than Par, you have achieved a 'Birdie'.
In casual games, the rules are often followed loosely, and scoring is optional and informal. However, in tournament play, the score is much more important, and rules are strictly enforced and followed.
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Understand what 'par' means
In frisbee golf, 'par' refers to the expected number of strokes it should take to complete a hole. Generally, par is based on the distance of a hole, with most holes up to 350 feet long or less considered a par 3. Longer holes that would typically require more than one drive to reach the basket would be considered par 4s or 5s. The par for a hole can also be affected by overall difficulty. For example, a heavily wooded hole with lots of out-of-bounds areas or a sharp dogleg turn may be relatively short from tee to green, but its difficulty might classify it as a par 4. On the other hand, some longer holes that are downhill or easier to reach in one throw could be considered a par 3.
There are no set guidelines for how par is determined in frisbee golf, and it is usually up to the course designer or tournament director to set the par for each hole and course. The total par for a course is the sum of the pars of all its holes. For example, a course with 18 holes, all of which are par 3s, would have a total par of 54 (18 x 3). If there are par 4 holes or more than 18 holes, the total par will be higher.
When keeping score in frisbee golf, players aim to complete the course in the fewest strokes possible, with the lowest score considered the best. Each throw counts as one stroke, and players tally their strokes for each hole. These individual hole scores are then added together to get a total round score. In competitive play, every throw counts, and rules are strictly enforced. Penalty strokes may be added to a player's score due to rule infractions or entering restricted areas, while some rules, such as out-of-bounds and hazards, may be disregarded in casual play.
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Learn what counts as a 'penalty stroke'
In frisbee golf, a penalty stroke is an extra stroke added to a player's score as a consequence of breaking a rule. This can include going out of bounds, landing in a hazard, or not following other rules. For example, in regular golf, penalties can be incurred by interfering with a moving ball, playing a ball out of turn, or declaring a ball unplayable.
In frisbee golf, penalty throws can also be incurred by abandoning a throw, making a practice throw, or having a throw interfered with by another player. These penalty throws are counted in the player's score, and the player continues play from the previous lie. If a throw is interfered with at the request of the thrower, this is considered the same as a player interfering with their own throw.
Additionally, a player who intentionally interferes with another player's disc will receive two penalty throws. This includes altering the course of a thrown disc (except to prevent injury), moving or obscuring a thrown disc or marker disc, or any other form of interference.
It's important to note that the rules and their enforcement may vary depending on the setting of the game. Casual rounds of frisbee golf are often played in a relaxed setting where rules are loosely enforced or even disregarded, and the focus is on enjoying the game rather than achieving a perfect score. On the other hand, during tournament play, the score is much more important, and strict rule adherence is necessary.
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Keep score using a paper scorecard or an app
Keeping score in frisbee golf is simple and can be done using a paper scorecard or an app. The player with the lowest score wins.
Paper Scorecard
Using a paper scorecard is a simple and classic way to keep track of scores. Each player's score for each hole is written down on the scorecard. After each hole, players record their scores for that hole, and any warnings or penalty throws are also noted. At the end of the game, each player's total score for the round is calculated by adding up all the hole scores, plus any additional penalty throws.
Apps
Many players prefer using apps for scorekeeping as they are easily accessible on mobile phones. Apps offer easy tracking and automatic score calculation. They are a convenient way to keep scores wherever you go.
Regardless of the method chosen, keeping accurate scores is important to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all players. It is also helpful for players to understand the terminology associated with frisbee golf scoring, such as "par", "birdie", "eagle", and "penalty stroke".
In addition to keeping scores, it is important to adhere to the rules of the game, especially during tournament play. Rules around boundaries and hazards are strictly enforced, and penalties are given for infractions or entering restricted areas.
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Know the difference between casual and tournament play
Most people play frisbee golf casually, often with friends, in a relaxed setting where rules around boundaries and hazards are loosely enforced. In this environment, scorekeeping is optional and often informal, focusing more on enjoying the game and the outdoors than achieving a perfect score. For instance, you may keep a tally of how many strokes per hole, but you may also not keep the total tally of the round.
Casual rounds are also shorter, typically lasting between 30 to 90 minutes, whereas tournaments can take much longer, from two to three hours, as you have to wait more in between shots and cannot play through the group in front of you.
Tournaments, on the other hand, are more competitive and rule-bound. Performance matters, and rule abidance is necessary. When it comes to keeping score in a tournament setting, it is mandatory and simple. Everyone must keep score for everyone on the card. The scoring must be done after each hole. Scoring can be done on a paper scorecard or electronically on an app.
Tournaments also have different tiers, such as C-tier, B-tier, and A-tier, with higher tiers reserved for the biggest events. Beginners can start at the C-tier level, which has low stakes and prizes, and advance to higher tiers. B-tier and above require PDGA membership. Some of the highest tiers can have big cash prizes.
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Frequently asked questions
The objective of the game is to complete the course in the fewest number of throws. The player with the lowest score wins.
Each throw counts as one "stroke". After completing a hole, players tally the strokes for that hole and then add up all the holes for their total round score.
The "par" is the expected number of strokes it should take to complete a hole. Generally, par is based on the distance of the hole, with most holes 350 feet long or less considered a par 3.
A "birdie" is when a player finishes a hole in one stroke less than par.
A "penalty stroke" is an extra stroke added to a player's score due to a rule infraction, such as going out of bounds or landing in a hazard.
