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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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] – The occurrence of a disc hitting the basket and rolling very far away, particulary at the world famous DeLaveaga Disc Golf Course.

• 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.