5 Mistakes Every New Disc Golfer Makes (and How to Fix Them)

We see it every week—new players turn up, pick up a disc, and within 10 minutes they’re either loving it… or asking why the disc has just gone 90 degrees left into a bush.

Don’t worry. We’ve all been there.

Here are the most common mistakes—and how to fix them quickly.

1. Trying to throw too hard

This is the big one.

Everyone thinks distance = power. So they step up and absolutely launch it… and it goes nowhere near where they wanted.

Fix:
Slow it down. Smooth beats strong.
Focus on a clean, controlled throw—not smashing it.

2. Throwing like a frisbee at the beach

A disc golf throw isn’t the same as a casual frisbee toss. If you throw it nose-up and floaty, it’ll stall and drop.

Fix:
Keep the disc flat and level.
Think “straight and sharp,” not “floaty and high.”

3. Ignoring the trees (they will win)

At Bowring Park especially… the trees are always watching.

Beginners tend to aim straight at the basket without thinking about the obstacles in between.

Fix:
Pick a line, not just a target.
Sometimes the best shot is slightly left or right to avoid trouble.

4. Using the wrong disc (or overthinking it)

You’ll hear people talk about drivers, midranges, putters… it can sound like a lot.

Truth is—when you’re starting, it doesn’t matter that much.

Fix:
Use whatever feels comfortable.
Ask someone—we’ll hand you something that works.

5. Getting frustrated too quickly

You’ll have bad throws. Everyone does. Even the best players here still hit trees (they just pretend they meant it).

Fix:
Laugh it off.
Disc golf rewards patience more than perfection.

The real secret?

Just keep playing.

You’ll improve faster than you think, and before long you’ll be the one giving tips to someone new.

👉 Want help in person? Come down to one of our sessions—we’ll get you throwing better within about 10 minutes.