Whether you are new to disc golf or not, you must acquaint yourself with these disc golf terms, terminologies, and definitions. Not only will it improve your game skills, but it will also ultimately become more enjoyable for you.
The world of disc golf is unique, and so is the terminology. We have discovered that different areas around the world have different terms for the same thing. So if you have ever been playing a game of disc golf and all of a sudden, some unfamiliar terminology throws you into a state of confusion, then you will want to read this useful guide that we have prepared for you.
In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of disc golf terms which include, official and slang terminology to help you along on your journey to becoming a better disc golfer.
Table of Contents
Disc Golf Terms in Alphabetical Order
Disc Golf Terms Starting with A
Ace– is the disc golf version of a ‘hole in one.’ It is when you throw a disc into the basket on the first try.
Air bounce– refers to a situation where you throw the disc in a way that it rises rather suddenly while in the air due to the wind.
Air Ball– when a player fails to make the basket while attempting a putt.
All-Star is in use during scoring and refers to all players making par on the relevant hole.
Am-side– refers to either perimeter of the basket considered to be the weak side and most often results in the disc hitting the Chain.
Anhyzer/Anny-is a specific type of method to throw the disc with a slight tilt (left or right) so that it flies in the opposite direction.
Approach Disc– is a type of disc the player uses to make an approach shot. The discs vary, but usually, the best disc for this purpose is a sturdy mid-range disc.
Approach shot/Upshot
-the second shot on a hole that will get the disc as close to the basket as possible in preparation to putt.
Approximate lie refers to a specific position on the field where players agree to continue playing after disruption by an event such as bad weather, a loss or out of the bound disc.
Arm Speed-is the momentum and speed that the player’s arm draws in the disc.
A-Tier– is the top league of the disc golf tournaments. Only PDGA paid affiliates can to play. Most players participate in three rounds.
Away player– refers to a situation where a player’s disc lands at the furthest place away from the basket. This player is always next in line to throw the disc.
Disc Golf Terms Starting with B
B-Tier– is the second league tournament of disc golf. It sometimes refers to as the state-level tournament. Only two rounds are usually played.
Backhand– refers to a throwing style or pattern whereby the disc golf player gives the basket their back and throws the disc.
Bag Tag– is part of a scorecard system at disc golf clubs. Besides showing who belongs to that specific club, the system is also to foster competition between players. The Bag Tag token displays a number that shows where each participating player stands from the last played round of bag tag.
Band– refers to the rim of the basket that produces a sound when hit by a disc.
Basket/Pole/Hole– is the cage/tray draped with several chains that catch the disc. The basket is also referred to as the disc golf target or pole hole/pin.
Bead-is a round ring located on the bottom rim of the disc.
Beat-in– refers to a disc in use for quite a while and takes quite a beating, such that the pattern of a flight of the disc has been changed. These discs tend to lean towards being understandable compared to when it was new.
Bid– sometimes referred to as run, the bid is when the player makes an effort at throwing the disc into the basket.
Big arm– is used to describe a player with a powerful arm that can throw the disc further than expected.
Birdie– can be used to describe a situation where a player completes a hole with one throw under par.
Terms with B
Birdie Alley– refers to a row or line of holes were making a birdie is easier even for beginners.
The Birdie Fest/Turkey– is when a player makes several birdie shots consecutively.
Birdie-Out– is when a player makes the final holes by attaining birdies.
Birdogey– refers to a player that putts for a birdie but the play results in three-putting for the bogey.
Black ace– is when a player makes an ace (throwing for a tee pad), but it is in the wrong basket.
Blow through/Chain out– refers to a player throwing the disc into the center of the basket, but the disc passes through without the chains stopping it.
Bogie/One Up-is when a player finishes a hole one throw over par.
Bonus Birdie– is a birdie that is very difficult to execute.
Bounce out– refers to the disc hitting the pole between the chains without enough strength, making it rebound.
Brick/Burn-is a disk whose flying pattern has been damaged, resulting in an unwanted and very short glide.
Brown/Dirty Ace– is when a player throws the disc off the tee in such a way that the disc ends up in a bin.
Bullseye-refers to a disc that lands within a few feet of the basket for a birdie
Bullet Putt is a type of throwing pattern that maximizes speed so that the disc glides in a straight line.
Terms Starting with C
C-Tier-is the third league of the disc tournaments. This league has the least requirements, and only one round of the game is played.
Cali/California-refers to a situation where a player does not have someone to play against, so they are given a ‘Cali player.’ It results in double rounds, and the player can get an additional throw on each hole.
Cage– is the basket base that keeps the disc inside once a player manages to throw the disc in the basket.
Card-this is the name that a group of players in disc golf is given.
Cash– refers to a player that earns money when they shoot accurately during a tournament.
Casual/Casual Relief-a location on the golf course where a hazard such as puddles or still water bodies is located. If a disc is thrown into that area, the player will get no punishment for it; instead, the game can resume from a lie away from the hazard but not closer to the basket.
More with C
Casual water-a temporary body of water on the course, usually caused by rain that has not been marked as out-of-bounds and will not result in a penalty.
Chase Card– the card that follows closely behind the leading card. This group will often seek to overtake the leading card.
Chastity belt refers to the band found on the top of some baskets. It is made of metal.
Ceiling-is the peak height that a disc is capable of achieving on the course.
Circle-is the 10m/32.8ft perimeter around the basket, which shows the area that the disc must land before the player can putt.
Come-back putt/Comebacker-is an approach shot that goes further than the basket resulting in the player having to make a second putt.
Course-the disc golf-playing area which generally has 18 holes
Course Maintenance-refers to a situation where the disc slams into a tree branch and knocks it down, thereby resulting in a more significant gap for the players behind them.
Cut Roller-the unsuccessful attempt by a player to throw a roller, which results in a disc that veers off to the left (RHBH).
Terminologies Starting with D
Danger zone-the area near the basket that sits between the throwers and the target
Death putt– refers to a player who puts in the direction of a basket with an obstacle or casual hazard at its rear.
Deuce-refers to finishing a hole with two shots
Disc Down-a type of throw that is slower, usually used to improve accuracy.
Double Eagle/Albatross– means completing a hole three under par. A sporadic occurrence that happens when a player throws an Ace on a par four hole.
Drive-the initial throw originating from a tee pad
Driver-a type of disc designed to move at breakneck speeds and can glide in the air longer
Drop-in-refers to a putt that will require minimum effort to make
Drop zone-refers to a specific location deemed an excellent area for a player to throw from if their previous throw is out-of-bounds, failed to hit a man, or came to rest in a secured location.
Terminologies Starting with E
Eagle-refers to the player that finishes a hole with two shots under par
Elevated basket– when a basket is placed higher than the standard height
Escape shot-refers to a shot that a player makes to break out of a poor lie.
Terminologies Starting with F
Fade-refers to the common occurrence of the disc veering left as it slows down near the completion of its flight cycle (RHBH throws)
Fairway ace-is where a player throws the disc from a distance that is quite far away but not necessarily originating from the tee pad.
Falling putt-when a player loses balance or control while in a 10-meter radius of the basket.
Fan grip– a backhand grip that involves the player’s fingers being stretched out on the flight plate’s underside.
Flex shot/ Helix/S-curve-a style of throwing that results in the disc forming an “s” flight pattern. It is typically started on a hyzer angle when the disc gets to its highest height.
Flight plate-refers to the surface of the disc that can be found inside the rim. It can either be flat or a dome shape.
Floater-a type of throw pattern where the nose of the disc is elevated so that the disc floats into the chains
Folf/Frolf-the slang amalgamation of the words Frisbee and Golf.
Foot fault– refers to when a player moves forward past their marker before release.
Fore-a warning signals bystanders that they are in the way of a bad throw.
Forehand/Flick/Sidearm-a particular style of holding and throwing the disk where the player faces the basket and their arm is kept away from their body, and the throwing hand crosses the body when releasing the disc.
Disc Golf Terminologies Starting with G
Gimme-a putt that is made within a certain radius that has a high chance of making the basket.
Green-refers to the area where players putt near the basket
Go for putt-when a player intentionally attempts an approach shot that must have the right height and travel the right distance to make a putt.
Grip lock-refers to a disc that gets jammed between the player’s hands. It usually makes the player unintentionally release the disc resulting in a bad throw.
Guardian– a barrier that stops an approach towards the green
Disc Golf Terminologies Starting with H
Half-go-when a player tries to make a tricky putt.
Head banger-a shot where the disc comes to rest near the basket, and a player risks hitting their head on the basket when picking it up.
Headwind-refers to the wind that blows right in front of players, hindering any chances of throwing forward
High-speed turn-refers to when a disc generally veers to the right during the beginning of its flight pattern
Holing out-is making a putt or completing a hole
Hork-an overplayed hyzer or anhyzer.
Honors- refers to a player who receives the opportunity to throw the disc first because they had the previous hole’s winning score.
Hyzer-a style of throwing releases the disc using a pattern where the edge is at a downward angle
Disc Golf Terminologies Starting with I
Inbounds-a zone on the course that is deemed not to be out-of-bounds
Island-a specific region on the course that is designated as inbound but is bordered by out-of-bounds areas
Disc Golf Terminologies Starting with J
Jam putt/Step putt-refers to a style of putting where the player jumps forward to create a greater distance. It is only allowed outside of the 10m/32.8ft perimeter of the basket.
Disc Golf Glossary Starting with K
Kick-is when a disc hits an object on the course that alters its direction
Kick out/Spit out-refers to a disc that makes it in the basket with a strong force such that it bounces out of the putt and lands on the ground.
Kiss– a softer version of the kick; this very rarely alters the direction of the disc.
Glossary Starting with L
Lay-up– refers to a player that tries to throw their disc as close to the basket as possible to make hitting the target easier.
Lie-is the area where a player’s disc landed. The next throw is usually behind this area.
Line– is the plan of all possible flight paths that the disc might take.
Line of a play-the straight line between the lie and the target.
Disc Golf Glossary Starting with M
Makin’ Minis-is when a disc comes to rest on top of another player’s disc
Mandatory/Mando-the path that the disc must take to avoid hitting an object. There are usually arrows marking which direction the disc should take to make the basket.
Marker/Mini marker-a small disc used to mark a player’s lie.
Moving day-the day before the end of a tournament where players switch positions a lot.
Mulligan-an informal exception to the rules where a player is given a second chance to redo a throw
Disc Golf Glossary Starting with N
National tour-a series tournament mostly catering to the Open and Open Women’s league.
Neg-skip/Anti-skip-refers to a disc that suddenly skips to the direction that the player did not anticipate.
Noodle arm-a player with a weak throw.
No picture on the scorecard-a bad throw that successful putts, but there is no documentation on the scorecard that shows precisely how the putt was made
Nose-the front outline/rim of the disc.
The Nose down-a throw where the front edge/rim of the disc is tilting downwards.
Nose up-a throw where the front edge/rim of the disc is tilting upwards.
Disc Golf Glossary Starting with O
Obstacle is an object on the course that hinders playing
Overhead shot/Overhand-a style of throwing where the disc is thrown upwards.
Overstable-a disc that curves and fades hard, usually to the left when thrown at very high speeds (RHBH).
Disc Golf Glossary Starting with P
Pancake-refers to a shot that turns the disc upside-down mid-air
Par is the number of strokes that a player will score on a hole without making any mistakes. The course designer of any official determines this.
Penalty stroke-the additional stroke that a player receives by breaking a rule, such as missing a mando or going out-of-bounds.
Phantom Branch-when a player sees a branch in their mind, but it does not exist.
Plinko-refers to a player throwing a disc high into the tops of the trees near the basket in an attempt to let the disc hit the branches so that it lands near the basket.
Push putt-a style of putting where the player is moved forward by a push.
Putt– a small throw by a player who wants to hit the target
Disc Golf Dictionary Starting with R
Relief-where obstacles within the player’s lie or surrounding areas are removed.
Ring of fire– a type of competition where players putt at the same time near the basket.
Roller-refers to a style of play where most of the distance covered by the disc is when the disc is rolling on the ground
Disc Golf Dictionary Starting with S
Sandbagger/ Bagger– is a player who participates in a league division of the sport that is below his expertise or skills to have a better possibility of winning.
Sawed off-is where the disc is thrown early and therefore becomes a weak throw
Scooby shot/Grenade-refers to a shot pattern where the disc is flipped upside down.
Skins-a type of competition where the players play based on each hole score instead of the final round score
Snap-the movement where the disc is quickly thrown with a powerful force resulting in a rubber-band-like effect
Speed-the momentum that the disc has after being thrown.
Spike hyzer-refers to throwing the disc at a very steep angle resulting in a higher flight path and an abrupt angle landing.
Stable-refers to a disc that flies in a very straight flight path
Stroke-refers to the act of throwing or taking a shot in the game
Supporting point-the place of contact between the player’s body and the playing surface.
A sweet spot-the area in the basket where the disc has a higher chance of staying in the basket when it hits the target
Disc Golf Dictionary Starting with T
Taco-a disc folded in half mid-flight due to hitting an object on the course at high speed
Tailwind-wind that blows from behind a player
Tee pad/box-the specific spot where the player makes the first throw.
The turn-this in the middle area on the course after the 9th hole where a player is said to turn home
Three-putt-refers to a player putting in the same hole three times
Throw-happens when a player releases a disc towards the basket. There are many ways of throwing; some examples are backhand or forehand throws.
Throw-in-a throw (different from a putt) that hits the target.
Thrower-a throw that ends up as a roller.
Tombstone/Landshark-a disc embedded in the ground that resembles a fin. Usually a result of a spike hyzer.
Tree love-when a disc hits a tree and changes course to the benefit of the player.
Tree-jected/Tree-nied-a shot a tree prevents that on the course.
Turnover shot-where a player purposefully throws the disc in such a way that it flies in the opposite direction.
Disc Golf Dictionary Starting with U
Understable-refers to a disc that will veer to the right when a player uses extreme force to throw the disc
Unsafe lie– a potentially dangerous lie due to obstacles located there, such as a steep cliff
Disc Golf Dictionary Starting with W
Warning– occurs when a Tournament Director advises a player that they have violated their first rule.
Wedge putt-a disc that gets stuck on the side of the basket. It is not considered a successful putt.
Worm burner-a throw that flies lower than what the player anticipated it would, resulting in it crashing to the ground before it reaches its target.
Wing-the edge of the disc where the standard player grips
Wire to wire-refers to a player or a card that leads the tournament from beginning to the end.
Disc Golf Dictionary Starting with X
X step/Scissor step-is where a player puts one foot over the other as they gain momentum before throwing the disc.
Disc Golf Terms by Groups
The 2-meter rule refers to a penalty stroke that a player receives when their disc lands in a tree that is 2meters or more off the ground. This rule is only observed in California.
150 class is a group of disc types that do not weigh over 160g. The most common discs are 150g, which are the only ones allowed for disc golf in some countries.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
BOB– stands for Back of Bus/Box, and it refers to the last player who makes a throw because they had the lowest score on the last hole.
CTP-Closest to the Pin is a game where the player that throws the closest to the basket is declared the winner.
DFL/DL-Dead Freakin’ last/ Dead Last is a common slang term in disc golf that indicates a player finishing last in a tournament or division.
DNF-Did Not Finish a scoring system that counts incomplete rounds.
DGPT-Disc Golf Pro Tour is the company that manages disc golf tournaments.
D.R.O.T–Disc Resting on Top refers to a disc that lands on top of the basket and not inside. It does not count as completing a hole or making a putt.
FAF–
Flat and Firm, meaning a flight plate that is generally overstable
HBBD-Home Boy Bag Drop is the area where players leave their disc bags when walking to and from the tee and back after a throw.
LHBH-Left Hand Backhand is a style of throwing.
LHFH-Left Hand Forehand is a style of throwing.
OB-Out-of-bounds, the area located outside the designated playing location on the course
PDGA– Professional Disc Golf Association This global organization manages and provides rules for the disc golf sport worldwide. It is the go-to place for the governance of all the issues that encompass the sport.
RHBH-Right Hand Backhand is a throwing style.
RHFH-Right Hand Forehand is a throwing style.
SSA-Scratch Scoring Average is a scoring system where the round is pegged at 1000.
TD-Tournament Director is the person in charge of a specific league or division tournament.
WFDF– World Flying Disc Federation is responsible for organizing and managing disc golf tournaments worldwide.
Conclusion
It makes no difference if you are an avid disc golf player or a newbie that is just finding their feet, staying informed and familiarizing yourself with these disc golf terms will be an added advantage for you.
Whether you read it, print it, or memorize it, this is an excellent resource for you either way, so go ahead and make use of it!
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