Ultimate Guide to Winter Disc Golf: Tips and Tricks for Success

When the temperatures plummet and the snow flies it’s not time to hang up your bag it’s time for winter disc golf. One of the greatest things about disc golf is that it is a sport you can enjoy all year round. Sure, it’s usually best enjoyed on a nice sunny day. However, many disc golfers throughout the world enjoy playing throughout the winter season. Whether you are dealing with snow, rain, wind or simply colder conditions than you are used to, you will need to adjust your game and your equipment to handle winter disc golf.

How To Play Disc Golf in Cold Weather

The first thing you must prepare for when disc golfing in the winter is playing in colder temperatures. It can affect your grip on the disc. Your body, in general, will probably be a lot stiffer. Be sure to stretch and get properly warmed up before you start throwing. Use hand warmers or wear gloves in between shots to keep your fingertips warm. Keeping your discs warm and dry will also help (Avoid leaving them in the car during cold winter nights). Bring plenty of towels and whatever grip enhancers you prefer like chalk bags. 

Next, you may want to adjust your overall strategy for playing cold weather disc golf in the winter. Focus on smoother, easier throwing motions. Be mindful of your footing to avoid slipping on run-ups. Wintertime can be a great opportunity to work on your standstill game (throwing without a run up) if you aren’t 100% confident in your footing. Smoother throws will also help you maintain better grip and control over the disc. You may also want to stick with slower discs to prioritize control and accuracy over pure distance. And again, keeping your hands and discs as warm and dry as possible will provide better grip.

What Are the Best Discs for Cold Weather?

Disc selection is another important part of winter disc golf. Some plastics and disc models will handle the cold temperatures better. In general, you will want to lean toward softer plastics with grippy textures. Innova’s GStar line is one of the most popular winter plastics for this reason. It has a gummier, grippier feel than firmer premium plastics like Star or Champion. Kobyn Dunipace, head of Innova’s disc production, says GStar plastic allows for more friction on the disc, which allows you to throw more powerfully, even in the winter when conditions dry out your hands. Also look to driver pro plastic for grippy flexier discs at an affordable price. 

When it comes to putters and approach discs, grip and flexibility are also very important. You may want to look at plastics like GStar, R-Pro, XT, Soft Pro and Nexus that will feel nicer in the hand and will grab the chains when it is really cold out. 

In terms of disc flight, it’s tricky to determine if cold weather makes a disc more overstable or understable, especially when you factor in the many things that alter your throw in the winter (like bulkier clothing). What we do know is cold weather affects grip, which is key in executing an accurate, powerful shot. So, keep your grip solid with the grippiest discs available.

Top Disc Picks for Winter Disc Golf:

Putt & Approach

• Other Putt & Approach Discs
  • R-Pro Pig
  • R-Pro Xero
  • XT Aviar
  • XT Invader
  • XT Dart
  • Soft Pro Firefly

Midrange Discs

• Other Midrange Discs
  • XT RocX3
  • XT Mako3
  • XT Avatar
  • Soft Pro Toro

Fairway Drivers

• Other Fairway Drivers
  • GStar Leopard3
  • GStar Hawkeye
  • GStar Thunderbird
  • Pro Leopard

Distance Driver

• Other Distance Drivers
  • GStar Destroyer
  • GStar Charger
  • GStar Tern
  • Pro Gorgon

How Do I Stay Warm on the Course?

Keeping yourself warm is another important priority when playing a winter round of disc golf. Layering your clothing is always a good idea, so you can regulate your temperature by adding or removing a layer. Always pack extra towels to keep your hands and discs dry. Bring an umbrella if you are worried about rain, and a good disc retriever will be helpful to reach your discs in areas that may be unsafe to walk (such as a deep snow drift or iced-over pond/creek).

Here are some essential winter gear for disc golfers:

• Disc Raptor – Premium Disc Cleaning Tool
• Innova Sportsack – Grip Enhancer
• Innova Super Handwarmer – With Power Bank & Flashlight
• Innova Flow Umbrella – Great for Sun or Rain Protection
• Innova Winter Apparel – Everything from Sweatshirts to Beanies
• Warm socks – Don’t forget about your feet in the cold
• Grip6 Belts – there’s only one belt for disc golf

What Are the Best Winter Courses?

Finding the best disc golf courses to play in the winter season will also be important. Not all courses are as enjoyable to play when there is snow on the ground or conditions are wet and muddy. Flatter courses will generally help ensure better footing and easier terrain to navigate. Heavy woods may make it harder to find your discs and steep hills might be difficult to walk up or down if the ground is slippery. Look for courses with good, grippy tee pads. Many of those factors can be found at Udisc’s course directory.

Playing with a group is also smart in the winter. There are plenty of winter warriors wherever you want to play. You will have more eyes to see where your discs land, and you can help each other through any tough terrain. Plus, winter disc golf is a lot more fun with friends. You can play different games and formats like best-shot doubles to make the round a little less grueling for everyone.

How Do I Maintain Disc Golf Discs During Winter?

Beyond finding good courses, you may need to adapt when snow is on the ground. There are numerous disc golf tips like attaching ribbons to your discs or marking them with chalk. These ideas may help you find your disc if it sticks deep inside a soft snow bank. Using glow discs or sticker lights can also help you with finding discs. Again, simplifying your game with controlled throws and slower discs will probably minimize how much disc searching you need to do. Throw where you can watch it land and keep your eyes on the disc as much as you can. 

Disc color is another consideration, especially if you want to find your disc in the snow. White discs are obviously going to be difficult to find. Opt for bright colors that provide contrast against the white snow, muddy ground or deeper grass—whatever terrain your local course might have for winter play.

Maintaining your discs during cold weather conditions is very important. Keep them dry and warm. If your discs are cold and the plastic is freezing, they are much harder to grip and they are more susceptible to damage. A really cold disc could shatter or crack upon a hard impact with a tree or boulder. Stuff some extra towels in your bag and give them a good wipe down before and after each throw. Be sure to wipe off any mud or ice to ensure a proper flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to playing disc golf in the winter: