Three disc golfers—a woman in a green shirt, a man in a blue t-shirt, and an older man in a grey cap—sit at a wooden picnic table on a Disc Golf England course. They are focused on planning, with one person writing in a notebook and another holding a clipboard, while a laptop, a bag full of colourful EDGA discs, and a water bottle rest on the table.

Rules of disc golf explained

Disc golf has a clear set of rules so players can share courses fairly and keep rounds moving. This page gives a simple overview for casual play in England and points you to the full rulebook used for competitions.

Everyday play

  • Throw from behind your lie, using the point where the disc last came to rest.
  • Count every throw, plus any penalties, to get your score for the hole.
  • Take turns based on who is furthest from the target.
  • Let faster groups play through when you can.

Rules for organised events

EDGA events and most league or club events in England follow the rules from the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA). Local event pages will highlight any course specific rules such as out of bounds or drop zones.

For full details, see the official PDGA resources:

If you are new to events, start by reading the basic rules on this page, then check the event information for any local guidance. Do not worry about knowing every clause by heart; learning the basics and asking questions on the day is enough to begin.

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