Disc Golf in Brisbane

A player throwing a disc toward the disc golf basket.

Dust off your frisbee (or specialised disc), and warm up your arms to experience the unique sport that is disc golf (also referred to as frisbee golf). With several courses around Brisbane, and more popping up, this low-impact sport may just be the fun, new activity you were looking for.

Table of Contents

What is Disc Golf?

As the name suggests, disc golf is like a game of golf with a few differences. Instead of using clubs and a golf ball you use a disc (like a frisbee), and you are aiming for a basket instead of a hole in the ground.

How to Play Disc Golf

The aim of disc golf is very similar to a game of standard golf. Players are required to get their disc from the tee area into the target (basket) in as few throws as possible.

Starting at the tee, players take turns throwing their disc, moving down the course from where their previous throw landed. Play continues until the players disc lands in the basket. Players then move onto the next hole.

Scoring is also similar to golf. The total number of throws it takes for a player to get their disc in the target is their score for that hole, plus any penalty throws. The total score for a complete round of disc golf is the sum of the players score for all holes, plus any additional penalty throws.

The similarities to golf don’t stop there. You will notice even some of the terms used sound familiar – birdie, eagle, bogey etc are used in disc golf too and mean the same thing as they do in standard golf.

Where to Start

Once you have made the decision to try disc golf have a quick read of the rules and an easy-to-read guide like what you are reading now. Once you understand the basics get your disc and head out to your nearest course.

If you are keen to practice without the watchful eye of the public on you then perhaps you could start by practicing with your frisbee in the back yard, trying to get it into buckets or hit targets.

It is also worth checking out sporting programs offered by your local councils, as they sometimes have disc golf ‘come and try’ sessions.

Making contact with your local disc golf association is also a great starting point.

Equipment Required to Play Disc Golf

Thankfully playing disc golf doesn’t require a great deal of equipment. To get you started basically you need two things – discs and a course to play on.

While one disc might suitable when you first play, ideally having several types of discs in your kit is favourable. To choose a disc that is right for you head to your nearest store that supplies disc golf equipment or jump online to grab yourself a starter kit. Starter kits usually comprises of a driver, a mid-range disc and putter. These kits are a quick and easy way to get you playing disc golf.

Other equipment which can assist your game includes:

Disc storage bag
Mini marker discs
Hand towel (to dry wet hands and discs)

You can find disc golf equipment at Fourth Circle Discs, Local Discs and Kingfisher Disc Golf.

Benefits of Playing Disc Golf

Whether you are playing by yourself, with a friend or in a team the benefits of disc golf are varied. It is a great activity to get you outside, soaking up the sunshine and being in nature.

It can also be a social activity and a way to meet new friends.

Disc golf is a low impact sport, not requiring a lot of equipment, and the courses are usually free to play on, so it is an easily accessible activity for many. Given you are predominantly using your hands and arms during disc golf, it is a fun way to build up your arm muscles.

While some modifications may need to be made, disc golf can be enjoyed by people of varying ages, so grab the parents, kids, neighbours and grandparents and find a course near you to start playing.

Disc Golf Terminology

If you are thinking of taking up disc golf, then perhaps you should brush up on the lingo commonly used around the course.

Doink – the sound a disc makes when it bangs into the side of the chains on the basket before falling to the ground.

Escape Shot – a throw used to get out of a tricky situation.

Putt – any throw that is made from within 10m or less of the target (measured from the base of the target/basket to where your disc has landed)

Roller – a throw which results in the disc rolling most of the distance rather than flying through the air.

Spit Out – A putt which hits the chains of a target and bounces out instead of staying in the chains or dropping into the basket. This can also be referred to as a kick out or bounce.

Teebox – the designated area at the beginning of a hole where players must throw their first shot from. The area is often rectangular and usually a hard surface like concrete.

Where to Find Disc Golf Courses in Brisbane

Currently there are approximately eight permanent disc golf courses around Brisbane, with each course having between 9 – 18 baskets. Don’t be discouraged if there isn’t a permanent course near you, temporary courses pop up from time to time (they use portable baskets) or perhaps you could create your own course if you have a big enough backyard.

Permanent disc golf courses in Brisbane include:

North of Brisbane