Change the Game

You’re already playing a game—might as well switch up the rules now and then.

These disc golf variations offer fresh ways to practice and compete. Make a new challenge out of your local course. Enjoy a green light to take aggressive shots. Pick a format that helps you take down your unbeatable friend! 

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Formats That Flip the Focus

Wolf

Each hole, one player is the “Wolf” who tees last. The Wolf watches each other player tee and may choose one teammate when they see a shot they like; once the next player up tees off, the previous shot is no longer an option for the Wolf to pick. If the Wolf gets to the end of the order and hasn’t picked a partner, they’re going solo. Win the hole solo and they earn double points. If they lose, everyone else earns a point. Rotate the Wolf each hole. Best with 4+ players.

PUTT

Just like HORSE in basketball. Call a putt, take the shot. If you make it and your opponent misses, they get a letter. First to spell PUTT loses. Great for warming up.

Birdie or Die

No traditional scoring. You only earn points for birdies (1 point) and eagles (3 points). Par, bogey, snowman, are all worth the same… zero. 

Bingo Bango Bongo

Three points are available on each hole:

• Bingo – Longest drive off the tee
• Bango – Closest to the pin after the approach
• Bongo – First to hole out
  You don’t have to win the hole to score. Order of play matters; farthest out throws first and back of the box has an advantage off the tee.

Match Play

Instead of counting strokes, you’re playing to win individual holes. Each hole is worth one point. Win the hole, go 1-up. Lose the hole, go 1-down. Tie, and the score stays the same. Whoever wins the most holes wins the match. Instead of playing yourself vs the course, match play encourages different strategy depending on what your opponent is doing. 

Skins

Each hole is worth one skin (or point). To win a skin, you must win the hole outright. If two or more players tie, the skin rolls over to the next hole. Play for bragging rights or add stakes.

9 Holes, 9 Discs (+ Putter)

Before the round starts, choose nine different discs (plus a putter). Once you’ve used a disc on a hole, you can’t use it again later in the round.

Elimination

Decide a number of discs to start with in each player’s bag. When your opponent birdies a hole, they get to remove one disc from your bag. Helps with learning to throw backups.

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Partner Up

Best Shot Doubles

Both teammates throw each shot. You always play from the better lie. Forgiving and fun for all skill levels. One of the most popular league formats.

Worst Shot Doubles

Both players throw, but you play from the worse lie each time. If one player hits a tree, you’re throwing from behind it. Great for practicing recovery shots—and testing your friendships.

Alternate Shot Doubles

You and your partner take turns throwing, one shot at a time. If your teammate drives, then you putt. Simple as that. 

Rotating Partner Doubles

Everyone flips for partners at the start of each hole. You play best shot doubles with that partner for one hole and then draw a new one. Each individual keeps their own score to determine a winner. 

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More Games

Ript Revenge

This card game adds sabotage to a standard round. Cards let players cancel made putts, steal discs, or force unusual shot types. You still play normal stroke play—just with constant chaos mixed in.

Disc Dice

Use a set of Disc Dice or make your own. Roll one die to determine the type of disc (Putter, Driver, etc.) and another for the type of shot (forehand, backhand, etc.). Rolled tomahawk with your putter? You have to throw it. Great combo of practice and getting silly.

Mini Disc Golf

Use mini markers as your discs. Either play with mini baskets (if you have them) or choose small objects as targets. Great for playing in small spaces or indoors. 

Running Round

Your final score is your time (in minutes) plus your strokes. Run between throws and finish as fast as possible while still trying to shoot well. For exercise or when time is limited. 

Object Golf

No baskets required. Choose any object—tree, bench, pole, etc.—as your target for each hole. Same rules as regular disc golf from there. Turn your backyard into a course. Be cautious of other people and anything breakable if playing object golf in public places. 

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Make Up Your Own

Every one of these games started with someone messing around. Go create your own. If it’s fun, share it with your crew and the rest of the disc golf world just might follow.

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