To play disc golf doubles, start with at least two players per team. Each player per team drives from the tee. Then each team chooses the best lie from all drives from their team in which to take their next shot. This is done until the hole is completed. The team with the lowest score in the end wins the round.
How to play disc golf doubles
- Choose your partners (team play is another option).
- Both partners drive from the tee. (one stroke)
- Each team picks the best lie from their throws and mark it.
- Each player then takes next throw from from new lie. (one stroke)
- Again the best lie is marked. Repeat towards basket. (Stroke for each lie)
- When the final lie marks a putt both players attempt the putt. (one stroke)
- Only one player is required to make the putt in.
- When a player putts into the basket the hole is finished for that team.
- Score and continue.
If you’re looking for the rules to play a regular round of disc golf check out my post…What Is Disc Golf A How To Play It.
Intro To Disc Golf Doubles
Doubles is a fun variation of a regular singles round of disc golf played instead with more than one person per team. This is a great way to play a quick round with friends.
It’s also a great way to play with the local leagues and learn from better players than yourself. When you play league doubles beginners are usually partnered up with advanced players.
Playing with better players is a great way to improve your game as it’s often seen as a time to teach new players. Be open to advice and watch your partners approach to each shot.
How Many Players
Doubles is usually played with two players per team hence the name doubles. There are team variations that would use similar rules. For the purpose of this article we’ll use two player teams and address other options later.
Picking Teams And Partners
If it’s just you and a few friends select the teams in this matter. The two best players should be split up. They’ll then each get the other two players as teammates.
Never place to advanced players against two beginners. Doubles is meant to be fun and as mentioned a great time to learn. If the four players are similar experience pick the two players with the longest drive and split them up and select their partners.
Playing League Doubles
League double will either have classes such as A, B, and C. A being the top players and C the beginners. If they have this approach the A players will be partnered up with C players first and then partner up the rest of the players.
Random draw is another way leagues partner players for doubles. A deck of cards is used and the number of players will determine how many pairs are taken from the desk. If 30 players show up 15 pairs will be used.
The cards are randomly selected by the players and are then paired up according with the card chosen. The K card will be matched up with the other K card etc until all the teams are formed.
The scorecards are then created with the Ace card first to tee off making the way down the list. This determines the starting order for the teams and the order for each card.
Who Throws First
You are not required to keep any order when it comes to you and your partner determining who will throw first for each hole.
One common scenario would be the beginner takes the first throw for each hole. This will allow the advanced player determine his throw options and make a good decision of their route etc.
If two B players were to be matched together you may like the option of one player taking the first throw on the even holes and the other player taking the first drive on the odd holes.
Since both players are pretty close in skill levels this will help them work together and think of the best approach for each hole.
The Drive
Both players will be driving on each hole. Who goes first will be determined and each player will have their 30 second player time in effect.
If one disc we’re to go out of bounds or other penalty, the second player still has a throw that if it is in play they may use that lie.
Marking The Lie
After each throw the team must mark their new lie with either a mini marker or use the disc that they just used. A team has about 30 second after getting to their throws to determine who’s lie will be used for the next throw.
Once a new lie is marked it must not be moved. If a player uses the disc that was just thrown as his or her mark the second player must use that same mark and may not flip the disc over or mark in front of it.
Penalties
Penalties from a throw whether it be a drive, approach, or a putt are only incurred be the players.
All other penalties and warnings are placed against the team.
Use caution when picking up your disc and make sure it won’t be used for the next throw. Always check with your partner before marking a lie or picking up a disc.
Approach Shots
Approach shots are played in the same manner. This is a good time to talk with your partner and find the best route to the basket.
The beginner player may want to throw first, always keeping in mind not only making a good throw but also making a safe throw avoiding OB, trees, etc.
“Laying up” can be a great way to get close to the basket so the next player can “run it” or make a strong attempt to go in or take a riskier approach. If that shot misses or goes farther than expected at least the first throw is safe and close to the basket.
Putting
As with all the other throws teamwork can be a big play when setting up a putt.
Usually the beginner player will throw first. If the putt is in your range let’s say under 30ft go for it. If the putt is way outside your comfort zone this would be a good time to lay it up and play it safe.
There is nothing wrong with that. You are practicing the skill of getting your disc to lay exactly where you want it too. A great skill to have in your bag of tricks.
If there is a slope, crazy headwind or any other major obstacle laying up is a great option for a first throw. Once that putt is safe the next player again may take a stronger approach into the basket knowing they are safe as a team.
Go Play Doubles
Doubles is a fun way to play and learn the sport of disc golf. the rules are easy to learn if you already know how to play a round of singles.
Most leagues will play with the rules set forth by the PDGA but they’re in no means required to and most leagues have their variation of the rules.
The PDGA has official rules you should become familiar with if you plan to play doubles in a PDGA sanctioned event. Here’s a link to PDGA official doubles rules and regulations.
