Disc Golf Glossary – Say What??? Disc Golf Dictionary
So you started playing disc golf and and you’re playing with some of your buddies. Someone started dropping words like hyzer, turbo putt, flick, tomahawk, or thumber. Did you think anhyzer was a maker of fine (or not) adult beverages? We’ve all been there. Fear not friends, our glossary of disc golf terms will keep you in “the know” and have you talking the talk in no time.
Disc golf has its own language, and it can sound like gibberish until you’ve been around it for a while. We’ve put together a simple glossary of common terms you’ll hear out on the course or in the parking lot after a round. Bookmark this one — it’ll help you talk the talk next time you’re trading stories or plastic.
Ace
When your disc lands in the basket on the first throw — the disc golf version of a hole-in-one.
Anhyzer
A throwing angle where the disc is tilted away from your body (for a right-hand backhand). It makes the disc turn right instead of fading left.
Approach Shot
A shorter throw meant to land close to the basket, setting up an easy putt.
Backhand
The most common throwing style — reach across your body and release like you’re tossing a frisbee at the beach.
Bead
The small ridge on the bottom of some putters. Players swear it affects grip and stability — and they’re right.
Birdie
Finishing a hole in one throw under par. Always worth a fist bump.
Bogey
Finishing a hole in one throw over par. Happens to the best of us.
Circle 1 / Circle 2
Scoring zones around the basket. Circle 1 is 10 meters (about 33 feet) — where putts “count” as close-range. Circle 2 is 10–20 meters — long putt territory.
Disc Flight Numbers
The four-number rating on most discs: Speed, Glide, Turn, and Fade. A rough guide to how the disc should fly — emphasis on “rough.”
Drive
The first throw on a hole, usually with a driver disc, aimed for distance and placement.
Fade
How much a disc hooks left (for right-hand backhand throws) as it slows down at the end of flight.
Forehand (or Sidearm)
A throw released on the opposite side of the body from a backhand — kind of like skipping a rock. A faster, flatter style that lots of pros use.
Grip Lock
When you hold onto the disc too long and yank it way off target. Usually followed by a deep sigh or a creative word or two.
Hyzer
A throwing angle with the disc tilted toward your body (for a right-hand backhand). It makes the disc fade left more sharply.
Hyzer Flip
A common distance shot where you release on hyzer and the disc flips up to flat, flying straight for max distance.
Layup
When you intentionally throw short to avoid risk — usually on a tricky green or windy putt. Smart golf.
Line
The intended flight path of the disc. You’ll hear players talk about hitting a line through trees or shaping a certain line around an obstacle.
Mandatories (Mandos)
Course rules that force your disc to pass on a certain side of a tree, pole, or sign. Miss it, and you’ll usually get a penalty stroke.
Mini Marker
A small disc used to mark your lie — where your next throw must start from.
OB (Out of Bounds)
Areas marked as out of play. Landing OB costs a stroke and often some pride.
Overstable
A disc that resists turning right (for RHBH throws) and fades hard left at the end. Great for windy days or reliable fades.
Par
The expected number of throws it should take to finish a hole. Most courses have a mix of par 3s, 4s, and 5s.
PDGA
The Professional Disc Golf Association — the main governing body for the sport. They handle rules, tournaments, and player ratings.
Putt
The final short throw to get the disc into the basket. Simple in theory, cruel in practice.
Roller
A throw that lands on its edge and rolls instead of flying. Tricky to master, but useful for low ceilings or distance on flat ground.
Run
When you give a long putt a real attempt instead of laying up. “Go for the run” — you might just hit it.
Scoober (or Overhand Putt)
A creative upside-down toss, usually for short approaches or when you’re stuck behind an obstacle.
Skip Shot
A throw that intentionally hits the ground and skips toward the basket — works best on firm, dry ground.
Snap
The clean, quick wrist motion that generates spin. More spin = more glide and control.
Stable
A disc that flies mostly straight without much turn or fade.
Turn
How much a disc veers to the right (for RHBH) during the high-speed part of flight. A “-2 turn” means it’ll turn right more easily.
Understable
A disc that wants to turn right (for RHBH) early in flight. Great for beginners and turnover shots.
Up Shot
A controlled throw to get you close enough for an easy putt. Think of it like disc golf’s version of a golf chip shot.
Utility Disc
A specialty disc for specific situations — overhands, rollers, windy days, or short spikes. Usually very overstable and predictable.
Wind Read
Understanding how the wind will affect your disc’s flight — a skill that separates casual players from seasoned ones.