The question we’re about to pose is probably one of the most divisive in all of Disc Golf and may never have a concrete answer… how many discs should you carry with you? And maybe we should look to the professionals to answer the question for us by finding out how many discs professional disc golfers carry.
It’s agreed that you will need to have at least 3 discs in order to play the game at all. These are drivers, mid-ranges, and putters. Some believe it makes sense to carry 2 of each disc as a spare, bringing the number to 6 discs in total as a minimum.
Some players who are extra cautious will advise you to bring up to 40 discs with you. This may seem excessive, but the reason disc golfers tend to bring more than the 3 that are strictly required for the game is that they have a spare in case they lose one.
Losing discs is extremely common when playing Disc Golf, but it is still frustrating and stressful when it happens. There’s nothing worse than having to borrow a disc, because you’ve lost your favorite driver.
Just like with any sport, you need to have a deep bench. This is why players sometimes bring discs in double digits, so they always have a back-up and have a diversity to their play.
But what about the pros? Well, most professional disc golfers carry between 15 and 25 discs.
Although nobody would turn down advice from a professional athlete, the truth is there really is no right answer to the question of how many discs you should carry. You of course need three or more discs, but the amount of extra discs you bring along should be whatever you’re comfortable with.
Below, we’ll go into more detail about the essential discs you need, as well as how you can store your discs, from simple bags to Disc Golf carts (yes, they’re a thing, and no they’re probably not what you think they are). Let’s get to it!
What Discs Does Every Disc Golfer Need?
As we have mentioned, there are 3 discs that are essential in order to play the game.
- Driver: This disc is for your initial shot and can travel fast and far. A driver will most likely be your biggest throw of the hole.
- Mid-range: This disc is recommended for your second shot. They glide through the air and give your shots finesse as they approach the basket. Mid-ranges are usually slower than drivers, but are able to stay in the air for a considerable amount of time.
- Putter: This disc is used for your final shot. You use a putter to complete a hole. A putter is a slow and hefty disc, but is great for the final 5-40 feet.
What Bag Should I Put My Discs In?
Luckily, there are plenty of great Disc Golf bags out there. A Disc Golf bag is essential for keeping your discs safe and in good condition.
Regular bags are fine as a temporary measure, but most bags are not designed to carry discs. You can just throw your discs into a regular bag, which makes for a lot of fumbling and rifling through on the course.
Meanwhile, Disc Golf bags are designed with compartments for your discs, so you can organize them side by side.
Some bags also have an open area in the front where your discs can be neatly stored, as well as another open area for items such as snacks, beverages, your phone, wallet, etc. Still not convinced? Let’s take a look at a couple of more reasons why you should invest in a Disc Golf bag.
- Keeps your discs organized: Having a bag dedicated to carrying your Disc Golf discs helps you easily find your discs, especially when you’re throwing. Without a bag you will have to place your discs on the ground every time you throw.
- Lets you carry more discs: Without a bag, carrying more than three discs can be a struggle, and just isn’t practical when you’re playing. A lot of professional and high-ranking players carry up to 25 discs with them, and this would be impossible if they didn’t have a bag. While you don’t have to carry as much as them, we’ve already mentioned how important it is to have a wide range of discs at your disposal.
However, if buying a Disc Golf bag isn’t practical for you right now, it’s not the end of the world. You can always use a good quality bag in the meantime such as a backpack or a book bag.
What Is A Disc Golf Cart?
This may be the first time you’re hearing of a Disc Golf cart, but they’re nothing new. You may also be picturing a cart similar to a traditional golf cart that transports you around the course, but this is not the case.
A Disc Golf cart is basically a Disc Golf bag with wheels. However, they do look super cool. Disc Golf carts often have plenty of space for snacks and a cooler, and some even have seats where you can sit in between throws!
These carts are obviously more expensive than Disc Golf bags, but you can easily find them on Amazon and most of the major sites that sell Disc Golf equipment.
Final Thoughts
So professional athletes carry up to 25 discs with them when they play Disc Golf, but does this mean you should too? Not necessarily. You need to have at least three in order to play the game, and these are a driver, a mid-range disc, and a putter. You could carry two of each, so you have a spare, or bring even more discs with you to have a more diverse kit.
As for where you put your discs, a Disc Golf bag is a great way to keep your discs organized and reduces the amount of fumbling you’ll have to do on the course. But a backpack or book bag will also work if you don’t have a Disc Golf bag. Also, if you want to splash out, a Disc Golf cart has even more functionalities, but it isn’t a necessity.
