Conquer the Course: A Beginner’s Guide to Disc Golf at Buck Hill

Ready to trade the traditional fairways for wooded hills and frisbees? Disc golf may just be for you. Buck Hill is the perfect place for disc golf enthusiasts and those hoping to try the sport for the first time. In this beginner’s guide to disc golf at Buck Hill, we’re going to explain some of the basics and important tips for those trying to dip their toes in the world of disc golf, and help you get ready to conquer the course!

What is disc golf?

Disc golf, also known as Frisbee golf, is just as it sounds: golf, but with frisbees. Disc golf is played very similarly to golf, where from a T box, players throw a disc into a standing basket. Like golf, the goal is to complete the course in as few throws as possible. The player with the least amount of throws at the end is the winner. 

Getting Started

You’ll need proper gear once you’ve decided that disc golf might be for you. For discs, you’ll want to have at least three different discs. You should have a driver, a midrange, and a putter. As a beginner, you might also be interested in buying more understable disks for easier control. Many different places sell discs, such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Amazon, Gotta Go Gotta Throw others. You can even buy a bag specifically for holding and organizing discs!

For clothing, you’ll generally just want to dress comfortably for weather and terrain. At Buck Hill, you should be comfortable wearing shorts and a t-shirt most summer days. If the weather forecast is looking more chilly than most days, consider wearing pants or a sweatshirt. 

Lastly, you’ll want some sort of scorecard and pencil to keep track of your score as you play the course. Some people choose to just keep track using a mobile phone, but if you like the feel of pen and paper, then don’t forget to pack it!

Playing the Course

Throughout Buck Hill’s 18-hole course, there are lots of challenging holes, diverse terrain, and different features. As you approach the tee pad, take a moment to assess the hole, and its features, and devise a strategy. Try to make a plan in your head of the best way to approach the course. Keep in mind distance, obstacles, and out-of-bounds areas. 

Technique

Having good technique is an important part of disc golf, as focusing on the small details of your play will help improve your game. For grip, be sure to hold the frisbee firmly, but not too tight. Try experimenting with different grips to see what works best for you. Next, your stance should be shoulder-width apart. For throwing, there are many different throwing styles in disc golf, that you will discover as you play more. As a beginner, a basic backhanded throw is perfect. Focus on a smooth motion and straight flight path. Once you get close to the basket, you’ll have to putt the disc into the basket. For putting, take your time to line up your shot and focus on a controlled and gentle motion. 

Etiquette and Safety

Buck Hill is our home, and we want everyone to be able to have a fun, safe, and enjoyable experience. Be sure to respect other players on the course by maintaining a safe distance and refraining from throwing while others are in your line of sight. If there are groups in front of you, be patient and wait for them to be done at that hole before moving on. Remember to leave no trace, and leave the course better than you found it. 

With the tips we offered in this guide, we hope you feel prepared and excited to conquer the course at Buck Hill. One of our favorite things about disc golf is how affordable it is. A day of disc golf at Buck Hill is only $6 and gives you access to the course from 7 am to dusk. Guests can also purchase a season pass, which gives you access to the course for the entire season, at only $45. For updated details on pricing and hours of operation, check out Buck Hill’s website. Trying out disc golf is easy and affordable at Buck Hill! We hope to see you out on the course this season!