Playing Disc Golf At Night – An Illuminating Guide

Have you ever played disc golf during the day and thought to yourself, “This would be so fun to play at night too!” Well, we have good news for you. Nighttime disc golf is most definitely a thing! Playing disc golf at night can add a whole new level of excitement and challenge to the game. But before you head out to the course, there are some essential things you need to know.

In this guide, we will cover everything from necessary equipment like glow-in-the-dark discs and accessories, to tips on how to improve your game after dark. We also want to talk about safety tips, unique challenges of playing disc golf in the dark, and how to pick the right course for glow golf.

Essential Glow Disc Golf Equipment

To fully enjoy the world of glow disc golf at night, there are some necessary equipment and accessories you’ll need:

• Glow Discs
• An LED or UV Flashlight
• Glow Tape or LED Light Stickers (optional if you want to use non-glow discs)
• Basket Lights

Glow in the Dark Discs

First and foremost, it’s important to know that there are special glow in the dark discs. These specially designed disc golf discs made of glow plastic. They light up the night, allowing you to see and track them as they soar through the darkness. Glow discs are available in all disc types: putter, midrange, fairway driver and distance driver.

Standard glow discs are off-white in color and glow neon green. Tinted color glow discs are also available, and can be found primarily in blue, orange, and pink.

Disc Golf UV Flashlight

You’ll need a strong flashlight to charge the your discs throughout the round. An traditional LED flashlight will work, but a UV (also known as a blacklight) flashlight will charge discs faster and brighter.

Can I Use Regular Discs for Night Disc Golf?

If you aren’t ready to buy a whole bunch of new discs just for a glow round of disc golf, there are ways to play with your regular favorite discs already in your bag. Specialty glow tape and glow stickers are available. You can stick them to the top and/or bottom of the flight plate. They will provide enough glow to help you track and find your discs in the dark without affecting the disc flight too much. There are also LED light stickers you can put on for an even brighter display. Just understand that you’ll only want to use glow tape or stickers during a non-sanctioned round. Discs with tape or stickers on them are not legal in a PDGA-sanctioned tournament. There aren’t too many sanctioned glow events anyway, so this won’t be an issue unless you forget to take the tape off before your next big event!

Lighting Up The Basket and/or Tee Pad

Looking to enhance your glow golf experience? Basket lights are highly recommended. Use inexpensive LED lights and put them on top of the basket pointed down. This will light up the chains and basket, making it much easier to aim and putt in the dark.

Keeping an extra flashlight on hand can also be useful for finding discs after a throw, navigating the course, and to avoid tripping hazards.

You can also apply glow tape to the basket or hang glow sticks from the chains for enhanced visibility from a distance.

Unique Challenges of Playing Disc Golf at Night

There are several things that may be more challenging when you play disc golf at night for the first time. Playing in the dark is a unique experience, especially if you aren’t used to it. The more you play, the more accustomed you will be to glow golf. Here are a few key challenges to consider when planning your round:

• Disorientation: It takes some getting used to when you can’t see the ground beneath you as well or where you are throwing in the dark. Your game will rely more on muscle memory.
• Depth Perception: Rangefinders may not work as well at night unless the basket is really lit up. Judging distances in the dark is definitely more difficult as your depth perception is weakened.
• Safety: Wear a headlamp or carry an extra flashlight to better see where you are walking. Be aware of others on the course when throwing discs that they won’t be able to see coming quite as well.
• Disc Flight Characteristics: Glow plastics may offer slightly different flight characteristics compared to the ones you are used to throwing in the daytime. Go practice with your glow discs during the day to understand how they fly.
• Visibility: Even the best glow discs can still be a little hard to track in the dark and the glow will only last so long before it starts to dim. Playing with a group and using spotters is always recommended to reduce the risk of losing your discs.

10 Tips to Improve Your Disc Golf Game at Night

1. Practice: Throw your glow discs during the daytime to become familiar with their flight characteristics.
2. Use A Spotter: Have a friend stand near where you expect the disc will land to help spot where it goes.
3. Wear a Headlamp: A headlamp keeps your hands free, and helps you navigate the course and find your discs.
4. Bring Extra Batteries: Always have extra batteries on hand for your lights.
5. Play Familiar Courses: Stick to courses you know well to avoid getting lost and to have a better idea of where your disc might land.
6. Keep it Simple: Play with fewer discs to minimize the chance of losing them.
7. Nighttime Etiquette: Be mindful of noise and light, as other players or nearby residents might be disturbed.
8. Bring a Friend: Safety in numbers and it’s more fun to play with a buddy.
9. Pack Hand Warmers: Most glow rounds are played in the colder months and it gets cold after dark.
10. Sip Sip: Bring along a thermos filled with your favorite hot drink.

What Are the Best Glow Discs?

Innova offers a wide range of glow in the dark discs to suit your skill level and personal preferences. We have everything from high-speed stable distance drivers like the Destroyer and Firebird to high-glide midranges and putters like the Roc Series, Mako3, Aviar and Firefly. There are no limitations when it comes to finding a glow disc that will provide a great nighttime counterpart to what is already in your bag. Many disc golfers carry several glow discs in their regular daytime lineup because they like the feel of the plastic and the flight of the disc. Then, it offers even more versatility when you play a night round. Sometimes, tournaments run long and it starts to get dark out. It’s nice to have a couple glow discs available just in case you find yourself in a situation where it will be to your advantage. 

Which Glow Disc Plastics Are Available?

You can find all your favorite Innova disc models in various glow plastics. DX Glow plastic offers an affordable price point for beginners just looking to get started with some disc golf at night. Our standard Glow plastic feels great in the hand and offers more durability. In general, Innova Glow plastic is less stable than premium Star or Champion plastics, so you will want to consider that when choosing your disc type and weight. Our premium glow plastic is Color Glow Champion, which is what we use for some of our best-selling Tour Series discs like the famous Sexton Firebirds. Innova Putters can be found in a variety of plastics, from base DX to Color Glow Champion and Glow Nexus. The point is there are a few different glowing Innova plastics to consider based on your budget, skills and disc preferences.

Selecting the Right Course for Night Play

When it comes to playing disc golf at night, selecting the right course is crucial for an enjoyable experience. Here are a few tips to find the best place to play night disc golf.

• Make sure the course allows night play. Check the course hours and local rules if it is a public park.
• Pick a course that has adequate ambient lighting.
• Choose a course that is fairly open. Avoid heavily wooded courses and courses with water where discs can be lost more easily in the dark.
• Consider courses that are well maintained to avoid tripping hazards.
• Familiarize yourself with the course layout and potential obstacles and hazards beforehand.
• Get recommendations from local disc golfers. They will likely know the best courses for night play.
• Be sure to check the course rules and regulations, as some may have specific guidelines or restrictions for nighttime play.

Nighttime Disc Golf Safety

Play smart and stay safe when playing glow disc golf at night! Always carry a regular flashlight or cell phone with a flashlight app for emergency situations and course navigation. Be mindful of other disc golfers on the course. Never throw when there is a chance other players are in front of you. Stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing to stay warm, and use bug spray to stay comfortable throughout your night round.

Social Aspects of Night Disc Golf

You won’t come across too many serious disc golf events taking place at night. Most glow rounds—event those with competitive aspects—are meant to be fun. Don’t take yourself too seriously and bring along some friends. Night disc golf can be a blast with the right people along for the ride. You are also likely to have the course more to yourself, which can allow for safari holes, silly challenges and side bets with your buddies.

In Summary

When the sun goes down, the fun doesn’t have to stop! Playing disc golf at night is something you have to experience for yourself. With the right equipment and a group of friends, get ready for a moonlit romp you won’t soon forget!