Why Is Disc Golf Better Than Ball Golf?

 

Disc golf has exploded in popularity over the past decade, growing from a niche hobby to a mainstream sport with thousands of courses across the world. As disc golf has grown, many fans of traditional “ball golf” have started to take notice. Ball golf and disc golf share similarities but are inherently different sports. While both sports provide great outdoor recreation, social engagement, and physical activity, disc golf has several advantages that make it more enjoyable for many players. Below are some of the top reasons why disc golf is better than ball golf for a lot of people.

More Affordable

One of the main reasons disc golf has seen such growth is the affordability compared to ball golf. Ball golf can be an extremely expensive sport to pick up. Quality clubs, bags, clothes, shoes, gloves, balls, tee times, and club memberships all add up quickly into the thousands of dollars. In disc golf, a beginner can get started with 1-3 discs for less than $50. Bags, mini markers, towels, and other accessories are all very inexpensive as well. Once you have a few discs, playing rounds on most public courses is completely free. No tee times or green fees needed. This makes disc golf much easier for beginners to try out without a huge upfront investment.

More Relaxed Rules

Ball golf is known for having an intricate set of strict rules and etiquette guidelines that must be followed. Everything from attire, to talking, to how and when you can touch or move your ball is regulated. It takes a long time for new players to learn all of the dos and don’ts of ball golf etiquette. Disc golf has rules as well, but they are much more simple and relaxed compared to ball golf. There are no complicated penalties for moving discs or touching the "green". The etiquette is also looser regarding talking, moving, drinking, and dress code while playing. This allows new players to pick up the game faster without having to memorize a complex rule book.

Fewer Barriers to Play Well

In ball golf, scores are heavily dependent on equipment and lessons. Expensive high-tech clubs and balls are designed to add distance and reduce slices/hooks. Custom club fittings and lessons are often required to find clubs tailored specifically to your swing. Without this high-end equipment and coaching, it can be extremely difficult to play consistent golf at a high level. Disc golf is much more about skill and practice than expensive gear. While drivers and putters do vary, most discs from major brands generally fly very similarly. There isn’t a huge performance advantage to expensive discs. No custom club fittings or lessons are required either. This puts more emphasis on player skill rather than cost.

More Family Friendly

Ball golf courses are often expensive exclusive clubs with strict rules of conduct. Children playing, yelling, and running around are typically frowned upon. Disc golf courses are different, with a community park style environment. Bringing your kids, pets, friends, food and drinks are normal parts of disc golf. Various tee pad lengths and basket positions also make it easy to play from shorter distances for kids or beginners. The relaxed and inclusive vibe of disc golf makes it much easier for families and groups to play together.

Shorter Time Commitment

Playing 18 holes of ball golf at a full size course typically takes 4-5 hours, even for experienced players. Disc golf rounds on 18 hole courses usually take less than half that time. The quicker pace makes it much easier to fit a full round into your schedule without taking up your entire day. This also allows time for best 2 out of 3 match play games, which are less feasible at a ball golf course. The shorter time commitment makes disc golf more appealing for people with busy families and schedules.

More Aerobic Activity

Walking while carrying or pulling your equipment is the main form of between-shot activity in ball golf. While disc golf also includes walking, players have to run up to the tee pad for drives and walk briskly between shots to keep pace. This added running and brisk walking makes disc golf a more active aerobic workout than casually strolling up to your ball. The increased exercise helps disc golfers get their heart rate up while playing.

Engaging Variety of Shots

Ball golf mainly involves hitting the ball straight and far down the fairway and green. Draws, fades, chips, and putts add variety, but most shots are a full power straight swing. In disc golf, every hole requires a unique combination of shot types. Tee shots weave left and right down fairways, mid-range approach shots bend around trees and land soft near baskets, and putters need touch and finesse on the greens. Together these provide engaging shot variety not found in ball golf.

More Scenic Courses

Ball golf courses are carefully manicured and landscaped environments with water features, sand, thick roughs, and sculpted greens. They provide a polished scenic backdrop, but look relatively similar from one course to the next. Disc golf courses leverage existing parklands, forests, fields, elevation changes, and natural terrain features. No two courses are the same thanks to the diversity of landscapes where they are located. Disc golf showcases the natural beauty of an area, making every course unique.

Conclusion

Disc golf will never fully replace traditional ball golf, which has a 100+ year history and deep traditions. But disc golf provides a new alternative that improves upon ball golf in many ways for recreational play. Affordability and accessibility make disc golf easier for new players to pick up. Relaxed rules and equipment requirements level the playing field. Faster pace of play, family friendly environment, engaging shot variety, and scenic natural courses make disc golf an appealing outdoor experience. While ball golf will retain an upscale niche, disc golf is positioned to become the new mainstream golf for the 21st century.

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