The sport of disc golf is one of the most rapidly growing sports in the world. There are currently, as of 2010, more than 3000 courses and approximately 87% of them are free to disc golfers.

Technically, the sport is still in its infancy, but many players are starting to rise to the challenge and spread the word about the sport and its many benefits. Over one million people type the phrase “disc golf” into Google’s search engine every month…and this number seems to be on the rise.

Many big cities, especially ones like Charlotte, NC are installing disc golf courses at every park. Charlotte alone has more disc golf courses than some states! And why would they do that?

Because disc golf is free! You almost never have to pay ridiculous greens fees, buy clubs that costs hundreds of dollars, or buy the old-man clothes that make you look like Farmer John. For disc golf, you put on some shorts and a t-shirt, get your buddies together, ride over to the park, and start playing.

And if there’s not a course near you, you can buy disc golf targets online – and they’re not really expensive either. This way, you can set that bad boy up in your yard and practice your game right there. No gasoline required. This is also an excellent tactic for anyone looking to get better behind their friends’ back. All of a sudden…you will be playing like Barry Schwartz and they won’t know why. (That’s a little dramatic…you probably won’t be playing like Barry).

But don’t despair…there are plenty of things you can do to get better at your disc golf game.

How about some disc golf tips?

First of all, you should almost never use YouTube. YouTube has more junk than a landfill when it comes to good instruction on how to play disc golf and…maybe one day…becoming a disc golf ace. There are a lot of so-called “pros” out there that try to show you how they play…but that seldom works for a beginner.

However, they do deserve some credit. They’ve taken their own time to make these videos and feel free to watch them at your leisure, but you won’t get much out of them.

There are many things a beginner needs to learn:

1) How to putt and sink consistently from 30 feet.

2) Expand the types of throws that you use.

3) Learn when to use specific disc golf throws.

Beginners should start by focusing on their putt. Don’t listen to anyone who says to begin playing for distance. Distance will do you no good if you can’t sink the disc into the target. Amateurs focus on distance. Putting is where the game is won or lost and it’s the first area you should consider studying as a beginner. Even if you’re already pretty good.

A great idea is to get a friend, stand 30 feet apart, and practice throwing a putting disc perfectly straight to your buddy. So straight, he barely has to move to catch it. Then he throws it right back. This is a lot easier and more efficient that throwing at a target and going to fetch it every time to make another shot.

You’ll get better quicker doing it this way.

To avoid any problems with the wind – try getting a heavier putter. The video at the site I mentioned previously, covers this issue in detail. You should get different discs until you find something that you feel comfortable with.

Never directly copy someone’s style. Do you look at someone and try to imitate their walk? Do you try to imitate their voice? Why imitate their disc golf throw then?