Disc Golf

Name and Purpose

Disc Golf challenges players to throw accurately across a variety of distances and terrain, building focus and patient decision-making.
Can be played solo, in pairs, or as a group challenge, making it one of the most flexible activities in the outdoor toolkit.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 4-20 players | 20-40 minutes | Large open outdoor space with varied terrain; set 6-9 stations spaced 20-50m apart

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Setup and Boundaries

Walk and mark the course before play; note any hazard areas (water, steep slopes, obstacles)
Place a cone or sign clearly at each target hole; number them in order
Signal: two whistles = all players pause and gather at nearest hole
Remind players to check for other groups before throwing

How to Play

Each player (or pair) starts at hole 1 with their disc.
Players throw from the tee spot toward the target (cone, tree, or sign).
After each throw, the player moves to where their disc landed and throws again.
The hole is complete when the disc touches or passes the target.
Record the stroke count for each hole on the scoring card.
Move to hole 2 and repeat. Play all holes in sequence.
At the end of the course, total all strokes. Lowest score wins.
Trust variation: one partner wears a blindfold; the other guides them verbally to their disc and helps them aim each throw. Partners swap after 3 holes.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Play competitively, tracking personal score across all holes
S (Support): Play in a pair, guiding a partner using the trust variation
Q (Quiet): Play solo with no score tracking, focusing on technique and enjoyment
O (Observer): Walk the course with a group, carry the score sheet, cheer on other players

Inclusion Adaptations

Shorten the throwing distance for younger or newer players by using closer targets or shorter holes
Allow underhand throws (roller technique) for players who find overhead disc throws difficult

Stewardship Moment

Use natural landmarks (trees, fence posts) as targets where possible to minimise equipment
Leave no trace: collect all cones and signs after play; carry out any litter found on the course

Consent

Pre-brief: “Disc Golf is a self-paced game. You can play for score, play for fun with no score, or walk the course as a guide for a partner in the trust variation. All ways of playing are equally good.”
For those not comfortable with any part of this activity, sitting out or joining as an observer is another option.
Mid-game check: After hole 3, check in with players on pace and energy.
Opt-out/re-entry: Players can step away from competition at any time and continue as a casual player or course guide. Rejoin scored play at the next hole.

Risks and Mitigation

Disc hitting a bystander: always call “Disc!” before throwing; check the path is clear; space groups 2+ holes apart
Players wandering out of bounds or into hazard areas: walk the course before play; mark hazard areas with cones
Blindfolded players moving into hazards: guide must keep one hand on partner’s shoulder at all times; staff preview the trust-variation route

Warm-Up Suggestions

Target Toss: players throw to a single cone from 10m away five times, counting how many times they hit it
Distance Test: each player throws once to find their natural comfortable range before the course begins

Debrief Questions

What? “Which hole was most challenging? What did you try to adjust?”
So What? “In the trust variation, what made it easier or harder to guide or be guided?”
Now What? “What does patience look like in a game like this? Where else do you use it?”

Cleanup and Reset