Like any other sport, you have to keep score to determine the final winner of your disc golf game. It’s also a good habit when practicing because you can use the records to keep track of your progress.
How to keep score in disc golf? It’s a simple yet important task. Moreover, you must understand all the terms to keep the score. Don’t worry! This article has everything you want to know. So let’s check it out!
How Do You Keep Score In Disc Golf?
Your score in disc golf is the number of throws you take to finish each hole. When the game ends, the player using the fewest throws to hit their target will win.
To keep score in a disc golf round, please follow these steps:
- Agree on the order in which golfers will throw their discs.
- Each player takes turns taking their shot and writes down the number of throws they need to reach the basket.
- Add up the number of throws each player needs to complete the hole.
- Repeat for subsequent holes until the end of the disc golf round.
- Calculate each player’s score, and choose the one with the lowest to be the winner.
Terminologies For Keeping Score In Disc Golf
There are many cases when a player tries to reach the basket. To keep the score, you should know all the names for each case.
Ace
If you can throw your disc from the tee pad to the basket in only one attempt, you will get a score, or an “ace.” This case is rare but an exciting accomplishment that everyone will celebrate.
Stroke
A stroke in disc golf refers to a throw. Hence, your score is exactly the number of strokes you execute to reach each hole.
Par
In disc golf, “par” refers to the expected number of strokes an expert player would need to accomplish a hole depending on its length and difficulty level. It’s standard for golfers to evaluate their performance on every hole.
For example, a 300-foot hole that takes multiple strokes to get to the basket while avoiding obstacles may have a par of 3. Hence, a skilled player should be able to finish the hole in three strokes.
We post the par value of each hole on the tee sign. Then, players can check it before throwing their discs.
Birdie
You will get a birdie if you earn a lower score than the designated par value. For example, if the hole has a par of 4 and you can hit it in 2 strokes, you earn the birdie. It’s a good score because you can reach the basket with fewer throws than the standard.
Bogey
On the other hand, if you have to use more throws to reach your target, you will have a bogey. For example, the par value of the hole is 3, but you have to complete it with four strokes.
Eagle
The eagle is the score you earn when you complete a hole in two throws less than the par. For example, if the par value of the hole is five, but you can get your discs into the basket in just three strokes, you will earn the eagle.
The birdie and eagle are similar scores, indicating that you have a good game. The difference is that the birdie refers to one stroke better than the par, while the eagle is two strokes better.
Albatross
Albatross, or double eagle, is twice better as the eagle. It means that you can reach the target in three strokes less than the par value.
This case is also rare and requires players to make two great strokes to hit the basket over a long distance.
Double Bogey
As you can guess from the name, this score is higher than the bogey. It means that you need two more strokes over the par to complete the hole. If there are three throws required, you will get the triple bogey.
Aside from the scoring system, disc golf has many terms that you should know before starting your first game. This video will show you some:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y82mb4e5gkg
How To Tell Who Wins in Disc Golf?
We determine the winner after every round by adding up the number of strokes of every player. The one with the lowest score will win.
For example, if a player takes 27 throws to accomplish a 9-hole course with a par value of 3, their final score will be 27.
Then, another player can complete the same course but just with 26 throws. In this case, his score is 26, lower than 27. And, of course, he wins this round.
If there is a tie, the players will join a playoff. They may play with the same hole until there is a winner.
How Can Penalties Affect Your Score?
We have talked about how to add up to your total score. How about minuses? Of course, disc golf rules highlight penalties that will affect your total score in the game.
Foot Fault
A foot fault is complicated and results in a penalty throw. It occurs when you step out of the tee box or too far from the fairway shot.
If you commit this fault, your throw becomes invalid. You have to take the next shot from the prior lie.
Besides, you will take a penalty stroke if you commit this mistake again. It may add to your score and give you a disadvantage.
Out-of-Bounds Throw
There are two areas on the course: in-bounds and out-of-bounds. You will receive a penalty stroke if your disc lands on the out-of-bounds.
Mandatory
Mandatory, or mando, refers to obstacles on the course, such as trees or utility poles. Your disc should pass the right side of the mandatory. If not, you will get a penalty throw.
Hazard
Hazards on the course are different in size and shape. A sand trap can be a kind of hazard. If your disc lands on the sand, there will be a one-stroke penalty.
Two-Meter Rule
The two-meter rule states that you will receive a one-throw penalty if a disc gets caught in an item that is two meters or higher above the ground.
Not all events or courses use this rule. Hence, ensure you are familiar with the rules of regulations of the course you intend to join.
Courtesy Violation
A player commits a rule infraction, or a courtesy violation, when they misbehave during the game. Those infractions are minor and aim to guarantee that everyone may participate politely.
Some courtesy violations include:
- Making your shots out of turn
- Making noise while other players are throwing their discs
- No marking a lie properly
- Causing damage to bushes, trees, and other elements on the course
What Can You Use To Keep Score?
You can try to remember all your strokes or throws for every hole. However, you may be too busy with your exciting game and forget your score.
Instead, consider using a scorecard or scoring app on your phone for this task. These two tools come in handy, especially when you play in a group.
Scorecard
Every player in the game has their own scorecard to note their score. Otherwise, choose one person to keep all the cards for your group.
Scoring app
Using the scoring apps on your phone will be more convenient. Aside from keeping scores, they can keep track of numerous extra game-related information to monitor your progress.
Who Keeps The Score During a Disc Golf Round?
Anyone in your group can keep it. It’s necessary to choose the scorekeeper before starting your game. According to the PDGA rules, the first player on the scorecard will keep the score during the round.
Another idea is to let each player keep their score and the scores of their competitors. Taking note of the score is simple once you get the scorecard or the scoring app.
Then, when each round ends, players can compare their scores to ensure they have noted the same numbers.
Players may also need to submit their results to an event official or upload them on a digital scoreboard. However, this rule doesn’t apply to all events.
Players should keep precise and up-to-date notes of their scores every round. They may then keep on track and evaluate their level in the competition.
What Is A Good Disc Golf Score?
It depends on the player’s skills, the course’s challenge, and the par values designated for each hole. Often, we use the par as the standard. You have a good score if your score is lower or equal to par.
It’s essential to remember that the par value given to a hole is only a reference. Many courses include holes with greater par values that are trickier than others.
So, a player’s performance compared to competitors on the same course is also a part of the examination to determine if they received a satisfactory score.
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Conclusion
Your ultimate goal in every disc golf game is to use the fewest throws to complete all the holes without committing any fault. While playing, remember to keep the score. Then, at the end of the game, you can determine the winner in your group. The card scorecard can also help with your improvement.
Learning about keeping score in disc golf is easy. We have everything you need right here. But if you seek any further information, don’t hesitate to ask.
Thank you for reading!
