Disc Golf Dictionary
Welcome to Disc Nation's Disc Golf Dictionary! Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the sport, this guide covers the key terms you’ll encounter on the course. Looking for a term we don’t have? Click here to send us the term you're looking for along with its definition (if you know it).
Ace: Completing a hole in a single throw, also known as a hole-in-one. Also, a disc manufactured by Innova.
Aerobie: A flat flying ring known for holding the world distance record at 1,333 feet. Aerobie is also a brand of flying toys and disc golf products.
Anhyzer: A shot that curves from left to right (for a right-handed backhand throw). Achieved by tilting the right edge of the disc upward.
Approach: Typically the second throw, aimed at setting up a close putt.
Approach Disc: A slower, stable disc designed for approach shots and long putts. Often called “Mid-Range” or “Multi-purpose” discs.
Approximate Lie: A provisional lie determined by the group after certain events, such as a lost disc or hazardous conditions.
Away Player: The player whose disc is furthest from the hole and is next to throw.
Backhand Throw: A common throw style where the disc is thrown across the body, similar to how most Frisbees are thrown. Opposite of a forehand throw.
Bead: The ridge found on the underside of a disc's rim. Beaded discs are typically more stable and are common on putters and mid-ranges.
Birdie: Completing a hole in one stroke less than par (one under par). Also a disc name by Innova.
Bogie: Completing a hole in one stroke more than par (one over par).
Bottom Stamp (BS): A disc with a hotstamp on the underside, leaving the top blank.
Burn: A stable disc that becomes understable due to wear, leading to unintended turns during flight.
Candy Plastic: A term for translucent, durable plastics like Innova Champion or Discraft Elite-Z, often resembling hard candy.
Casual Water: Temporary bodies of water on the course, such as puddles, that are not considered hazards.
Chainstar: A brand of disc golf baskets, alongside other brands like DISCatcher and Pole Hole.
Ching: A manufacturer of discs and also the sound a disc makes when it hits the chains.
Completion of a Round: Officially occurs when the last group has finished their final hole and had reasonable time to report scores.
Deuce: Completing a hole in two throws.
DGA (Disc Golf Association): Founded by “Steady” Ed Headrick, inventor of the Frisbee® and disc golf, DGA manufactures discs, baskets, and accessories.
Disc: The saucer-shaped object thrown in disc golf.
Disc Entrapment Device: The target used to complete the hole, commonly called a basket or pole hole.
Disc Golf Basket: The target used in disc golf, consisting of chains and a basket to catch discs.
Disk Golf: A common misspelling of Disc Golf.
Discraft: A leading manufacturer of discs, bags, and accessories.
Drive: The initial throw from the teeing area.
Driver: A disc designed for fast, long-distance throws.
Eagle: Completing a hole in two strokes under par. Also, a disc by Innova.
Fade: The portion of the disc's flight when it slows and curves left (for right-handed backhand throwers).
Fairway: The in-bounds path from the tee to the basket.
Falling Putt: When a player falls forward after a putt within 10 meters, resulting in a penalty.
Flex Shot: A shot where an overstable disc is thrown with an anhyzer, flexing back during flight.
Forehand: A throw where the disc is flicked from the side, similar to a side-arm throw.
Folf: Short for Frisbee® Golf.
Frisbee®: A trademarked name for flying discs made by Wham-O, often used as a generic term for disc golf discs.
Frisbee® Golf: An alternate term for disc golf, though “Disc Golf” is more commonly used.
Frolf: A slang term for Frisbee® Golf, popularized by TV shows like Seinfeld.
Green: The area surrounding the basket, typically within 10 meters.
Grip Lock: A common error where the disc is released too late, causing an unintended throw direction.
Group: The competitors who play a round together for the purpose of verifying scores and ensuring proper play.
Headwind: Wind blowing directly toward the thrower, affecting the disc's stability and flight path.
Heiser Flip: A hyzer throw that flips to flat and continues to fly straight or slightly turns over.
Hole: A segment of the course, including the target basket.
Holed-Out: Completing a hole by having your disc come to rest in the basket.
Hotstamp: The process of stamping a graphic onto the disc.
Hyzer: A throw that causes the disc to curve left (for right-handed backhand throwers).
Innova: A leading disc golf manufacturer.
Jump Putt: A putting technique where the player jumps forward as they release the disc to add power.
Lay Up: A strategic shot aimed at positioning the disc close to the basket for an easier putt.
Lie: The spot where the disc lands and from which the next shot is taken.
Line: The intended flight path of the disc.
Mid-Range: A versatile disc used for approach shots, often with higher accuracy.
Mulligan: An unofficial extra throw allowed during casual play as a do-over.
Nose Down: The front of the disc is angled slightly down during release, often for distance drives.
Nose Up: The front of the disc is angled slightly up during release, often causing a higher, floaty flight.
Out-of-Bounds (O.B.): Areas designated as unplayable where discs may not be played.
Overhand: A throw similar to a baseball pitch, often used to navigate obstacles.
Overstable: A disc that curves left earlier in its flight for right-handed backhand throws.
Pancake: An overhand shot that flattens out upside down.
Par: The expected number of throws it takes to complete a hole.
Penalty Throw: An extra throw added to a player's score due to a rules infraction.
Pole Hole: Another term for a disc golf basket.
Power Grip: A grip where all four fingers curl under the rim of the disc to add power to throws.
Putt: The final throw intended to get the disc into the basket.
Putter: A disc designed for short, controlled shots into the basket.
Relief: A rule allowing the player to reposition their lie to avoid obstacles.
Roller: A specialty shot where the disc rolls on its edge after landing.
Rough: Areas outside the fairway that are typically more wooded or brush-filled.
Sandbagger: A player who competes in a division below their skill level.
Scissor Step: A term used for the footwork during the final steps of a run-up.
Sidearm: A throw similar to a forehand, often used for its speed and precision.
Skip: When a disc skips off the ground to gain extra distance.
Snap: The force exerted on the disc at the moment of release, affecting spin and distance.
Spin: The rotation of the disc during flight.
Stable: A term for a disc that generally flies straight.
Supporting Point: A part of the player's body in contact with the ground at the time of release.
Tailwind: Wind blowing from behind the thrower, generally adding extra distance to the flight.
Taco: A disc that is bent or warped, usually after hitting a hard surface.
T.D.: An abbreviation for Tournament Director, the person in charge of a tournament.
Tee Box: The designated starting point for each hole.
Thumber: A type of overhand throw using the thumb inside the rim of the disc.
Tomahawk: A type of overhand throw using the index finger inside the rim of the disc.
Turnover: When a disc’s flight causes it to curve right (for right-handed backhand throwers).
Understable: A disc that turns right earlier in its flight for right-handed backhand throws.
Velocity: The speed at which a disc travels through the air.
Warning: An initial penalty-free caution issued to a player for a rule violation.
X-Step: A popular run-up technique used to gain consistency and power in throws.
Looking for a term we don’t have? Click here to send us the term you are looking for along with its definition (if you know it).