Just How Much Does Disc Golf Cost?

Hint… it’s less than you might think.

Before anyone gets involved with a new sport they always ask about price. Well, how much does disc golf cost? Fair question. So we’ll get right to it. Besides being so darn fun, the price is one of the greatest things about disc golf. That’s because you can get started for such a small amount of money. Discs are fairly cheap and many courses have no green fees. Then, as you progress in the sport, how much you spend is up to you. We’ll detail all of that and more in this blog about disc golf costs. 

How Many Discs Do you Really Need?

Honestly, you can start playing disc golf with just 1 disc. Though you can play with a standard Frisbee-style catch disc, you may want to at least seek out an actual disc golf disc. A putter (aka “putt and approach disc“) is a great place to start. You can throw it and use it for short-range putts. You might also try a midrange disc that could provide more distance off the tee, but won’t be quite as easy to putt with. A baseline Innova putter or midrange disc only costs $12.

The more serious you get about disc golf, the more the cost will increase. But it still pales in comparison to other sports (we’ll outline that more later). Eventually, you will want to start trying different discs and building your ideal bag with distance drivers, fairway drivers, putters and midranges. For those on a budget, though, you can keep your bag very simple and affordable while still enjoying yourself on the local disc golf course.

Getting Started on a Budget

Most players will start with putters and midranges. It’s a good way to learn the game and work on your throwing techniques. Innova DX plastic offers a very affordable entry level into the game. You can buy Innova Starter Sets with beginner-friendly discs like the Aviar putter, Shark midrange and Leopard fairway driver. Visit your local disc golf shop and see what they recommend, or check out a sporting goods store that sells discs and see which ones feel best in your hands. DGU has put together a nice disc buying guide for beginners. Check it out. 

Pro Tip

For under $50, you can have several beginner discs and a decent starter bag. 

Factory Second Discs

One of the best ways to get new discs for cheap is when you buy Innova Factory Second discs. Factory Second discs, or F2’s, are discounted because they have minor plastic imperfections or stamp imperfections. They fly the same as non F2’s. Disc Golf United has the best selection of Innova Factory Second discs. Check them out. You may just find your next favorite disc among them.

The DGU online shop offers a complete breakdown of not only Factory Seconds, but all Innova discs. That includes all plastic types, weights and disc models suited for every level of disc golfer. It’s always a good idea to keep it simple as you get started. The more you play, the more you will understand things like flight numbers that can also serve as an excellent guide for selecting the best discs for your abilities.

Cost to Play a Disc Golf Course

A majority of disc golf courses are free to play. They are often set in public parks and shared-use spaces. UDisc is a fantastic resource for finding local courses, scorecards and course maps. It can tell you all about a course including if it requires a fee to play. 

You will also find disc golf courses in state parks. Many times these courses require only a small fee per player between $5-10. In addition, there is a growing trend for disc golf courses to be placed on traditional ball golf courses or on privately owned land. The fee might be anywhere from a few bucks up to $20-30 per round of 18 holes. That may seem steep for disc golf, however, compared to regular golf, disc golf is still an incredible bargain—even at pay-to-play courses.

Disc Golf Compared to Other Sports

Let’s take a look at some other popular sports and how disc golf costs may compare. Remember, when it comes to disc golf you can have several beginner discs and a decent starter bag for under $50. And, many courses are free or quite cheap to play.

• Golf—A decent set of clubs will run you a few hundred dollars. Even a super basic set that comes with a bag will be well over $100. Plus, you will need golf balls, tees and other accessories. Then, you have course fees, which may range from $20 for a low-end course to hundreds of dollars for high-end courses. Practicing golf is also much more expensive. Going to a driving range will cost you anywhere between $10-20. However, with disc golf it’s free. Just bring your discs to your nearest park with an open field. 
• Pickleball—Pickleball is another easily accessible sport that has grown immensely in recent years. However, the average pickleball player will spend around $130-200 getting started purchasing pickleball paddles and balls. 
• Tennis—Tennis is similar to pickleball in that you’ll need a racquet, balls and good shoes. The equipment tends to be a bit more expensive for tennis, especially a quality racquet that may cost a couple hundred dollars.
• Soccer—All you really need to play soccer is a ball and a field to play that has goals. Serious players will need to buy cleats, shin guards and other equipment. The costs can quickly add up.

All of these sports are good examples of activities that are easy to get started playing. They are all relatively affordable if you use basic beginner equipment. The most expensive disc golf discs (premium plastics, Tour Series, special stamps, limited releases, etc.) will run you around $25-30. When you compare that to the most expensive pickleball paddles, tennis racquets or soccer cleats, you can see how disc golf stays more affordable—even as you progress in your skills and want better equipment.

Of course, there is no shortage of disc golf accessories if you want to spend more money and really take things to the next level—as you are about to see in the next section.

Disc Golf Equipment Costs

Disc Golf Essentials

• Disc Golf Discs—The type of plastic usually determines the price range for disc golf discs. Base plastics like Innova DX, Pro or R-pro will cost you $10-15 per disc. Specialized plastics like GStar or Nexus may be in the $15-22 range. Premium plastics like Champion, Star and Halo will run anywhere from $20-30 on average. 
• Disc Golf Bag—You can find a super simple starter bag that holds as many as 10 discs for around $15-20. Then, there are premium bags that will cost up to $100-200. These have more features and hold a lot more discs. [Shop Innova Bags]
• Disc Golf Friendly Shoes—You can play in many different shoe types. Some disc golfers prefer playing in standard tennis shoes, while others prefer trail hiking shoes with extra grip. There are even companies now creating shoes specifically for disc golf. You generally want something with a good grip on the tee and that will be comfortable in a variety of terrains (from concrete and turf tee pads to grassy fields and deep woods). Waterproof shoes are also very popular in disc golf, especially if you play in an area with dewy morning grass or muddy spots.

Optional Disc Golf Gear

The more you play disc golf, the more you will want to enhance your overall experience. This is when you start getting into disc golf accessories. Below are some of the top items to consider. Many will be a worthwhile investment if you want to get the most out of your game.

• Disc Golf Apparel (Dri-fit jerseys, hats, etc.) 
• Towel 
• Umbrella & Rain Gear
• Mini Marker
• Portable Stool
• Disc Golf Cart
• Disc Retriever
• Rangefinder
• Grip Enhancer (Innova Sportsack)
• Training Tools / Coaching
• Practice Basket

[Shop Innova Disc Golf Gear]

Cost vs. Amount of Play

As you gain more experience and expand your skills as a disc golfer, you will inevitably open up your abilities to throw a wider range of discs and shots. Discs can also get worn out and damaged over time. Many players will buy several of their favorite discs to have backups available. Of course, us disc golfers love trying new models and plastics. Ultimately, how much you want to spend on discs and accessories is up to you. You can keep it simple and affordable, or you can get obsessed like so many of us have with this great game!

Here is a rough idea of how much you might spend based on your playing habits:

• Plays a Few Times a Year—For the truly casual disc golfer who goes out a few times a year and isn’t playing many competitive events, the sport can be super inexpensive. A small bag of basic discs should suffice, and the equipment will last a long time without much use. You can get a great set for $50-100 and may not need to spend much more beyond that.
• Plays Once a Month—This is a more common scenario with avid disc golfers. You may play once every month or so, but aren’t completely obsessed with the game. You’ll probably end up spending $100-300 building a good bag over the course of your first year. Then, maybe you’ll spend $100-200 a year buying new discs or upgrading equipment as needed after that.
• Plays Every Week—This is where disc golf can get more expensive. These are the players who are really obsessed and want to play every week. You are more likely to join local clubs and PDGA-sanctioned tournaments. You will spend money on entry fees, ace pots and club fees. You will want to buy plenty of discs and accessories, even if many don’t make your bag. It’s hard to say how much this costs. Some super serious players can spend thousands a year on disc golf, while others still remain fairly frugal when it comes to equipment. They might spend more on tournament costs and travel than discs and accessories.

Competitive Disc Golf Costs

If you are serious about competing as a disc golfer, there will be some additional costs to consider:

• PDGA Membership—It will cost you $50 for an annual amateur membership and $75 if you want to register as a professional to win cash payouts at PDGA-sanctioned events.
• Club Membership Fees—These may depend on the club, but most leagues will charge players a dollar or two for each event played. They may also have extra ace pots that you can buy into for a big payout if you make a hole-in-one during an event. Many clubs also offer bag tags for $10-20, with fees supporting the club and course maintenance.
• Disc Golf Tournaments—Both PDGA-sanctioned and non-sanctioned tournaments will have entry fees that may range from $30 up to over $100 for local events. Larger events that draw more competitive fields may cost several hundred dollars in entry fees. Amateurs are usually given player packs with discs and other items. Pros are competing for cash payouts. 

How Much Does it Cost to Be a Professional Disc Golfer?

If you are very serious about disc golf and good enough to play on a professional level, you will spend more money on travel and event entries. However, you have an opportunity to win cash back by finishing high in the standings. Local events will have lower entry fees, less competition and lower payouts. Larger events like A-tiers and B-tiers will have larger payouts with higher entry costs and heavier competition. 

Top pros can earn sponsorships from disc manufacturers and other sponsors, which can offset travel and tournament entry costs. The top professionals playing at Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) events can make over $10,000 for certain event wins. Some even have multi-million dollar endorsement contracts!

Here are some costs of going pro:

• Entry Fees—PDGA events with pro divisions will generally have higher entry fees than amateur divisions. Entry fees can range from $40 for smaller, local events to $200+ for the sport’s biggest tournaments.
• On the Road Expenses—Many pros will travel a lot to find the best tournaments in different regions. Gas, food, lodging/camping, and wear and tear on the travel vehicle are all costs to consider.
• Training—Pros may invest in training equipment, lessons and other resources to continually improve their skills.

Tips to Save Money in Disc Golf

1. Do Your Research—Many people waste money buying a lot of discs that aren’t right for their game. Doing some extra research can help you make smarter decisions. Check out DGU’s “Recommended For” tool to find the best Innova discs for your skill level and throwing style.
2. Borrow Discs—If a friend gets you into disc golf and/or you make new friends out on the course, ask to borrow or try out some discs. Disc golfers love to share and show people their favorite discs. This is a good way to try more discs without having to spend extra money buying one first.
3. Buy Used Discs—Many disc golf shops, used sporting goods stores and online retailers offer used discs at very affordable prices.
4. Play Free Courses—You don’t have to pay to play at most disc golf courses. Sticking with free park courses is a great way to keep it cheap.
5. Sell Your Unwanted Discs—There is a great resale market in disc golf. You may not like a disc you bought, but there is someone out there who may want it. Bring unwanted discs to sell at local events, use social media outlets or auction sites. You may not get all your money back, but it’s a way to recoup some funds.
6. Keep it Simple—Many people go overboard trying out new discs and buying every disc golf item they see. If you want to stay affordable, keep your bag simple and stick with what you know. Don’t waste money on things you don’t really need.

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