Santa Cruz Disc Golf Glossary

Your guide to the language of disc golf, from the redwoods of DeLa to the Monterey Bay.

A

• Ace [Scoring] – A hole-in-one. A throw from the tee that lands directly in the basket. Often celebrated loudly and tied to ace pots or league payouts.

• Ace Pot [Competition] – An optional buy-in prize pool awarded to the first ace during an event. If no one hits an ace, it often rolls over to the next week.

• Air Ball [Error] – A putt that completely misses the basket, including the chains and tray.

• Air Bounce [Throwing Technique] – When a disc lifts mid-flight unexpectedly. Usually caused by an upward nose angle catching the wind.

• Albatross [Scoring] – Three under par on a single hole. Typically requires an ace on a par 4 or a throw-in on a par 5.

• All Star (Par) [Slang] – When every player on a card makes par on the same hole.

• Angle Control [Skill] – The ability to manage the release angle (hyzer, flat, or anhyzer) to control the disc's flight path.

• Anhyzer [Throw Angle] – A release angle where the outside edge of the disc is tilted upward (for a right-handed backhand, this causes the disc to curve to the right).

• Approach [Shot Type] – A controlled, short-range shot intended to land the disc close to the basket for an easy putt.

• Approach Disc [Equipment] – A specialized disc, usually a putter or a slow midrange, designed for high accuracy on approach shots.

• Approximate Lie [Rules] - A lie (or agreed upon location established by a players group) for a player to resume play in the event that the disc is lost, moved, out of bounds, or play was delayed (such as hazardous weather conditions).

• Away Player [Rules] – The player whose disc is farthest from the basket and is therefore next to throw.

B

• Backhand [Throwing Style] – The most common throwing motion in disc golf, where the disc is pulled across the body and released toward the target.

• Backload [Tournament] – To start the best players on a course later in the day to build suspense for the finish.

• Bad Kick [Luck] – When a disc hits an obstacle (like a tree) and is deflected into a worse position or further away from the target.

• Bag [Equipment] – The backpack or satchel used to carry discs, water, and accessories on the course.

• Bag Tag [League Item] – A numbered tag used in local leagues to track rankings. Players "challenge" each other, and the lower score takes the lower-numbered tag.

• Bagger [Culture] – see Sandbagger.

• Basket [Target] – The official target in disc golf, consisting of a pole, a tray, and hanging chains to catch the disc.

• Beaded [Equipment] – A disc that has a small ridge or "bead" on the bottom of the rim, often preferred by putters for a consistent finger feel.

• Beadless [Equipment] – A disc with a smooth bottom rim, often preferred for a cleaner release.

• Beer Hole [Culture] – A slang term for a hole that is particularly easy or difficult, often used in casual "Safari" rounds.

• Belly Up [Flight Trait] – When a disc turns over so far that it lands on its top.

• Bernoulli's Principle [Physics] – The scientific principle explaining how the difference in air pressure above and below a spinning disc creates lift.

• Birdie [Scoring] – Completing a hole in one stroke under the designated par.

• Black Ace [Slang] – When a player throws an ace into the wrong basket (the target for a different hole).

• Blow Through [Error] – When a disc hits the chains but passes completely through them without landing in the basket.

• BOB [Slang] - Acronym for “Back of the Box” (or Bottom of the Board), refers to the person who throws last.

• Bogey [Scoring] – Completing a hole in one stroke over par.

• Bottle Opener [Slang] – A term for a very short, easy hole.

• Bullseye [Target] – The area within 10 feet of the basket where a putt is almost guaranteed.

• Burn Out [Flight Trait] – When a disc is thrown with too much speed or at too sharp an angle, causing it to dive into the ground prematurely.

• Bus [Slang] – A disc that is very large or heavy-feeling in the hand.

• Buy-in [Competition] – The entry fee for a tournament or a casual league round.

C

• C-Tier [Tournament] – A local or regional PDGA-sanctioned tournament, usually lasting one day.

• Cali [Competition] – In doubles, a lone player who is allowed one extra "mulligan" throw per hole to make up for not having a partner.

• Candy Plastic [Equipment] – Translucent, durable plastic (like Innova Champion or Discraft Z).

• Card [Competition] – The group of players (usually 3 to 5) who are playing the round together.

• Carry [Flight Trait] – The distance a disc travels through the air before it begins to fade or land.

• Catch Cam [Media] – A camera positioned near the basket to film the disc arriving at the target.

• Cenote [Course Feature] – A deep hole or depression on a course (rare, but used in specific geographic areas).

• Chains [Target] – The metal links hanging from the basket that absorb the disc's momentum.

• Chalk Bag [Equipment] – A small bag filled with chalk or clay used to keep a player's hands dry for a better grip.

• Champy [Equipment] – Short for "Champion-style" plastic; firm and translucent.

• Chasing [Competition] – When a player is behind the leader and trying to catch up in score.

• Check Up [Flight Trait] – When a disc hits the ground and stops quickly without skipping or rolling.

• Chicken Wing [Throwing Style] – An unusual, overhand throwing style where the disc is held behind the back and flung forward.

• Ching [Slang] – The sound a disc makes when it hits the chains.

• Circle 1 (C1) [Rules] – The area within 10 meters (approx. 33 feet) of the basket. Inside this circle, players must maintain balance and cannot "jump putt."

• Circle 2 (C2) [Rules] – The area between 10 and 20 meters from the basket.

• Classic [Equipment] – Usually refers to older, more traditional disc molds or base-line plastics.

• Clean Release [Skill] – Releasing the disc without any "wobble" or "Off-Axis Torque."

• Cloud Breaker [Disc Model] – A famous distance driver associated with pro player Eagle McMahon.

• Comeback Putt [Putting] – The putt a player must make after missing their previous putt and landing past the basket.

• Condor [Scoring] – Four under par on a single hole (extremely rare, usually an ace on a par 5).

• Cookie Cutter [Course Design] – A course that feels generic or lacks unique features.

• Crush [Slang] – A very long, powerful drive.

• CTP (Closest to the Pin) [Competition] – A side contest where the player who lands their drive closest to the basket on a specific hole wins a prize.

• Cut Roll [Ground Play] – When a disc lands on its edge and rolls in a direction away from the intended target.

D

• D-Line [Equipment] – Base-line, grippy plastic that beats in quickly.

• Deadweight [Slang] – A disc that has lost its "glide" and falls out of the air quickly.

• Death Putt [Putting] – A putt where a miss will result in the disc rolling far away or falling into a hazard (like a steep hill or water).

• DeLa [Course] – The local nickname for DeLaveaga Disc Golf Course in Santa Cruz.

• DeLa'd [Culture] – /dā-ləd/ - In disc golf slang, to get DeLa’d means to have your disc roll away — often dramatically — after landing, typically on steep or uneven terrain. The term comes from DeLaveaga Disc Golf Course (“DeLa”) in Santa Cruz, where hard grounds, tree roots, exposed rocks and steep slopes regularly turn small misses into long roll-aways and added strokes.
  Example: “I was sitting at par until my putt caught an edge and I got DeLa’d.”

• Disc [Equipment] – The aerodynamic circular tool used to play the sport. Discs are not "Frisbees," as they are designed for high speed and specific flight paths.

• Disc Down [Strategy] – Using a slower, more controllable disc (like a midrange) instead of a high-speed driver to increase accuracy.

• Disc Golf [Sport] – A sport where players throw a disc at a target basket, following rules similar to traditional golf.

• Domey [Equipment] – A disc with a significant curve or "dome" on the top, which usually increases glide.

• Double Bogey [Scoring] – Two strokes over par.

• Double Circle [Scoring] – A score of two over par (also called a Double Bogey).

• Drain [Slang] – To make a long or difficult putt.

• Drive [Shot Type] – The initial throw from the teeing area.

• Driver [Equipment] – A high-speed disc with a sharp, aerodynamic rim designed for maximum distance.

• Drop Zone [Rules] – A designated area where a player throws from if their previous shot went out of bounds or into a specific hazard.

• Drop-In [Scoring] – A putt that is so close to the basket it requires almost no effort to complete.

• Dye [Culture] – The art of adding custom colors and patterns to disc plastic.

E

• Eagle [Scoring] – Two strokes under par on a single hole.

• Early Release [Error] – When a player lets go of the disc before the intended release point, causing it to go wide.

• Edge of the Circle [Putting] – The boundary exactly 10 meters from the basket.

• Elevated Basket [Course Feature] – A basket placed on a stump, pole, or platform to make putting more difficult.

• End of the Round [Competition] – The completion of all holes in a designated set.

• Entry Fee [Competition] – The cost to participate in a tournament.

• Even Par [Scoring] – Having a total score equal to the sum of the par values for the holes played.

• Extended Reach-back [Form] – A technique where the player reaches the disc as far back as possible to maximize power.

F

• Fade [Flight Trait] – The natural tendency of a disc to hook to the left (for a RHBH thrower) at the end of its flight as it slows down.

• Fairway [Course Feature] – The intended path from the tee to the basket.

• Fairway Driver [Equipment] – A driver with a slightly narrower rim than a distance driver, offering a balance of distance and control.

• Falling Putt [Rules] – An illegal putt where the player falls forward or steps past their lie within Circle 1 before showing balance.

• Fan Grip [Grip] – A grip style where the fingers are spread out on the bottom of the disc, used for increased touch and control on putts and upshots.

• Fast [Flight Trait] – A disc that cuts through the air quickly, usually denoted by a high first number in the flight rating.

• Field Work [Practice] – Practicing throws in an open field rather than on a course to improve distance and form.

• Filmer [Media] – The person responsible for capturing video of a round or player.

• Fin [Equipment] – A slang term for the rim of the disc.

• Final 9 [Tournament] – An extra set of holes played by the top leaders of a tournament to determine the winner.

• Fireball [Slang] – An extremely fast or overstable throw.

• Flat [Throw Angle] – Releasing the disc parallel to the ground.

• Flex Shot [Shot Shape] – An overstable disc thrown on an anhyzer angle; it turns initially and then "flexes" back to a fade.

• Flight Numbers [Equipment] – The four-number system (Speed, Glide, Turn, Fade) used to describe how a disc is designed to fly.

• Flight Path [Flight Trait] – The actual line a disc takes through the air.

• Flip Up [Flight Trait] – When an understable disc is thrown on a hyzer and moves to a flat, straight position during high speed.

• Flop [Slang] – A shot that fails to get any distance or height.

• Fly Dye [Equipment] – A specific style of tie-dyeing discs.

• Follow Through [Form] – The continuation of the throwing motion after the disc has been released.

• Foot Fault [Rules] – A violation where a player's foot is not in the correct position relative to the lie during a throw.

• Forehand [Throwing Style] – A throwing motion (also called a "Sidearm") where the disc is thrown with a flick of the wrist, similar to a baseball sidearm pitch.

• Form [Skill] – The physical technique and mechanics used to throw a disc.

• Frisbee [Culture] – A trademarked brand name; while often used by the public, disc golfers prefer the term "disc."

• Front 9 [Course Feature] – Holes 1 through 9 of an 18-hole course.

G

• G-Line [Equipment] – A flexible, grippy premium plastic.

• Gallery [Culture] – The spectators watching a disc golf round.

• Gator [Slang] – A disc that is extremely overstable and "stops" quickly.

• Get Out of Jail [Strategy] – A creative shot used to escape a difficult position in the woods or brush.

• Glide [Flight Trait] – The ability of a disc to maintain loft and stay in the air during the middle of its flight.

• Go-To Disc [Strategy] – The disc a player trusts the most in a variety of situations.

• Gold Start [Tournament] – A start time reserved for the highest-rated players.

• Green [Course Feature] – The area immediately surrounding the basket.

• Grip [Form] – The way a player holds the disc in their hand.

• Grip Lock [Error] – Holding onto the disc too long during the throw, causing it to be released far to the right of the target (for RHBH).

• Ground Play [Flight Trait] – How the disc behaves once it hits the ground (skips, rolls, or stops).

H

• Halo [Equipment] – A plastic style with a different colored rim, often more overstable.

• Hammer [Throwing Style] – An overhand throw where the disc is held like a hammer and thrown vertically (similar to a Tomahawk).

• Hand Speed [Skill] – How fast a player can move their hand through the power pocket during a throw.

• Hangtime [Flight Trait] – The amount of time a disc stays in the air.

• Hazard [Rules] – An area where a player receives a penalty stroke but plays the disc from where it lies (unlike Out of Bounds).

• Headwind [Conditions] – Wind blowing toward the player; it makes discs act more understable.

• Heave [Slang] – A very high, powerful throw.

• High Speed Turn [Flight Trait] – The tendency of a disc to turn to the right (for RHBH) during the initial, fastest part of its flight.

• Hole [Course Feature] – One unit of the course, from the tee to the basket.

• Hole in One [Scoring] – An Ace.

• Hook [Flight Trait] – A sharp turn at the end of a flight (Fade).

• Hyzer [Throw Angle] – A release angle where the outside edge of the disc is tilted downward.

• Hyzer-Flip [Shot Shape] – An understable disc thrown on a hyzer angle that "flips up" to flat and flies straight for a long distance.

I

• I-Line [Equipment] – A specific blend of plastic, often durable and mid-grade.

• In the Bag [Media] – A popular video format where players explain every disc they carry.

• In-Bounds [Rules] – Any area where the disc can be played without a penalty.

• Innova [Equipment] – One of the oldest and largest manufacturers of disc golf equipment.

• Inside the Circle [Putting] – Within 10 meters of the basket.

J

• Jump Putt [Putting] – A putting technique used outside Circle 1 where the player jumps forward to generate more power, releasing the disc before their feet hit the ground.

• Junior [Competition] – A division for younger players, usually categorized by age.

• Jungle [Slang] – Thick, unmaintained brush or woods off the fairway.

K

• Kachink [Slang] – The sound of a disc successfully hitting the chains.

• Keep it on the Fairway [Strategy] – The most basic advice for scoring well.

• Kicker [Luck] – A deflection off a tree or object.

• Knuckle [Grip] – Using the knuckles to brace the disc in certain power grips.

L

• Lay Up [Strategy] – A cautious shot intended to land near the basket for an easy next throw rather than trying to make a risky putt.

• Lead Card [Competition] – The group of players with the lowest total scores in a tournament.

• Left to Right [Conditions] – A wind direction that pushes the disc to the right.

• Lie [Rules] – The spot on the ground where the disc landed and where the next throw must be taken from.

• Lift [Physics] – The upward force generated by the disc's movement through the air.

• Line [Strategy] – The specific path a player chooses to throw the disc.

• Local Route [Culture] – A secret or unintentional path through trees that only locals know about.

• Loft [Flight Trait] – The vertical lift of a disc.

• Low Ceiling [Course Feature] – A hole where branches or obstacles force the player to keep the disc very low to the ground.

M

• Main Course [Course Feature] – The primary layout of a disc golf course.

• Mandatory (Mando) [Rules] – A specific tree or pole that the disc must pass on a certain side. If missed, the player receives a penalty.

• Marker (Mini) [Equipment] – A small disc used to mark a player's lie on the ground.

• Match Play [Competition] – A format where players compete to win individual holes rather than for the lowest total score.

• Max Weight [Equipment] – The heaviest allowable weight for a disc (usually 175-180g).

• Medal Play [Competition] – Another term for Stroke Play (lowest total score wins).

• Midrange [Equipment] – A disc designed for medium distances, offering more control than a driver and more distance than a putter.

• Missed Mando [Rules] – Failing to follow the mandatory path.

• Mold [Equipment] – The specific shape and design of a disc.

• Mulligan [Culture] – A "do-over" throw that is not counted in a casual round.

N

• Nose Angle [Form] – The pitch of the front edge of the disc. If the nose is "up," the disc will slow down and stall.

• Nose Down [Form] – Releasing the disc with the front edge slightly tilted down to maximize distance and speed.

O

• OB (Out of Bounds) [Rules] – Areas defined by the course rules where a disc cannot be played. Result in a one-stroke penalty.

• Off-Axis Torque (OAT) [Error] – Force applied to the disc that is not in line with its plane of rotation, causing it to wobble and fly inconsistently.

• Official [Rules] – A person responsible for enforcing the rules of the game during a tournament.

• Open [Competition] – The top professional division in disc golf.

• Overhand [Throwing Style] – A throw made with an over-the-shoulder motion (Tomahawk or Thumber).

• Overstable [Flight Trait] – A disc that resists turning and fades hard to the left (for RHBH). Highly predictable in wind.

P

• P-Line [Equipment] – A Pro-level plastic blend; usually grippy and breaks in over time.

• Par [Scoring] – The number of strokes an expert player is expected to take to complete a hole.

• Parked [Slang] – When a drive or approach lands so close to the basket that the next putt is a "gimme."

• Penalty Stroke [Rules] – An extra stroke added to a player's score for a rule violation or going out of bounds.

• Placement Shot [Strategy] – A throw intended to land in a specific spot to set up the next shot, rather than for maximum distance.

• Plastic [Equipment] – The material a disc is made of. Different plastics offer different levels of grip and durability.

• Power Grip [Grip] – A grip where all four fingers are tucked under the rim, used for maximum distance.

• Power Pocket [Form] – The area near the player's chest during a backhand throw where the most power is generated.

• Putter [Equipment] – A slow, blunt-edged disc designed for short, accurate shots and putts.

• Putting [Shot Type] – Short-range throws intended to land the disc in the basket.

Q

• Quake [Slang] – A term for a very powerful, ground-shaking landing.

• Qualifier [Competition] – A tournament used to determine who earns a spot in a larger event.

R

• Range [Skill] – The distance a player can consistently and accurately throw.

• Rating [Competition] – A numerical value (PDGA Rating) that represents a player's skill level based on their tournament performance.

• Reach-back [Form] – The part of the throwing motion where the disc is moved away from the target before being pulled through.

• Recovery [Strategy] – A shot made from a difficult position to get back onto the fairway.

• Release Point [Form] – The exact moment the disc leaves the player's hand.

• Rim [Equipment] – The outer edge of the disc. Wider rims usually signify faster discs.

• Rollaway [Luck] – When a disc lands on its edge and rolls a long distance, usually away from the basket and down a hill.

• Roller [Shot Type] – A shot designed to land on its edge and roll along the ground for the majority of its distance.

• Rough [Course Feature] – The thick brush or wooded area outside the fairway.

• Round [Competition] – A complete circuit of a disc golf course.

• Run It [Strategy] – To aggressively attempt to make a long putt or throw-in, risking a long comeback putt if you miss.

S

• S-Curve [Shot Shape] – A flight path where the disc turns to the right before fading back to the left (for RHBH).

• Sandbagger [Culture] – A player who competes in a division lower than their actual skill level to win easily.

• Scored Round [Competition] – A round where the scores are officially recorded.

• Scrip [Competition] – Credit to a disc golf store given as a prize in amateur divisions.

• Sidearm [Throwing Style] – Another name for the Forehand throw.

• Skip [Ground Play] – When a disc hits the ground and bounces forward or to the side.

• Sky Hyzer [Shot Shape] – A very high, wide hyzer throw used to clear obstacles.

• Snap [Form] – The quick ejection of the disc from the hand, creating high spin.

• Speed [Flight Trait] – The first number in flight ratings; how fast a disc must be thrown to achieve its intended flight.

• Spin [Physics] – The rotation of the disc, which provides stability and lift.

• Spit-out [Luck] – When a disc hits the chains but is rejected and falls out of the basket.

• Stable [Flight Trait] – A disc that tends to fly straight with very little turn or fade.

• Stall [Flight Trait] – When a disc is thrown with the nose up; it climbs, loses speed, and falls vertically.

• Star Frame [Culture] – When every player on the card makes the same score (usually Birdie) on a hole.

• Stroke [Scoring] – One throw of the disc.

• Stroke Play [Competition] – The standard tournament format where the total number of throws determines the winner.

• Sweet Spot [Target] – The center of the chains where a disc is most likely to be caught.

T

• Tailwind [Conditions] – Wind blowing in the same direction as the throw; it makes discs act more overstable.

• Target [Target] – The basket.

• Tee Box (Tee Pad) [Course Feature] – The designated area where a player starts each hole.

• Teammate [Competition] – A partner in doubles play.

• Ten-Meter Circle [Rules] – Circle 1 (approx. 33 feet).

• The Turn [Course Feature] – The point in a round between Hole 9 and Hole 10.

• Thumber [Throwing Style] – An overhand throw where the thumb is placed inside the rim.

• Tomahawk [Throwing Style] – An overhand throw where the fingers are placed inside the rim (similar to a baseball pitch).

• Top of the World [Course Feature] – The famous Hole 27 at DeLaveaga; a massive downhill drive with views of the ocean.

• Touch [Skill] – The ability to throw with precise, low power for delicate upshots.

• Tournament [Competition] – An organized competitive event.

• Tree Love [Luck] – When a disc hits a tree but deflects into a better position.

• Triple Bogey [Scoring] – Three strokes over par.

• Turn [Flight Trait] – The tendency of a disc to move to the right (for RHBH) during the high-speed part of its flight.

• Turnover [Shot Shape] – A shot where the disc turns and stays turned for the majority of its flight.

U

• Understable [Flight Trait] – A disc that turns easily to the right (for RHBH). Great for beginners and for hyzer-flip shots.

• Up and Down [Strategy] – Throwing an upshot and then making the putt to "save" a par or birdie.

• Upshot [Shot Type] – Another term for an approach shot.

• Utility Disc [Equipment] – A disc used for specific, non-standard shots (like a very overstable disc for escaping woods).

V

• Vault [Slang] – A high, arching shot.

• Vertical [Throw Angle] – Throwing the disc on a 90-degree angle to the ground (common for rollers or overhands).

W

• Weight [Equipment] – The mass of the disc in grams.

• Wind Read [Skill] – The ability to judge how the wind will affect a disc's flight.

• Wooded Course [Course Feature] – A course characterized by many trees and narrow fairways.

• Worm Burner [Slang] – A shot that is thrown too low and hits the ground almost immediately.

X

• X-Step [Form] – The standard footwork pattern for a backhand drive involving a crossover step to generate power.

Y

• Yank [Error] – A late release where the player "pulls" the disc off-line.

• Yips [Mental Game] – A sudden loss of basic putting or throwing skills due to nerves.

Z

• Zero Fade [Flight Trait] – A disc that finishes perfectly straight without hooking at the end.