How Many Discs Do You Need to Play Disc Golf

Starting disc golf feels exciting, but figuring out how many discs you need can get confusing fast. Some players swear by carrying just one or two discs, while others lug around 20+ discs every round.

You might wonder, “Do I need all those discs to get better?” The truth? Carrying too many discs can slow your progress, while having too few may limit your shot selection. 

Many experienced players agree that focusing on fewer discs helps improve consistency, form, and shot control. Using a smaller setup also reduces decision fatigue during rounds, making it easier to focus on execution.

For further reading on the benefits of carrying fewer discs, check out “You’re Carrying Too Many Disc Golf Discs” from Green Splatter. This perspective reinforces the idea that a smaller setup can sharpen your game.

Now, let’s dive into how to build a balanced bag that helps you improve without feeling overwhelmed.

Can You Play with Just One Disc?

Absolutely! Many pros suggest starting with one disc to develop your form and shot control. A putter or midrange disc works best for casual rounds. It teaches you how to master angles, power, and accuracy. 

You’ll gain a better understanding of how the disc moves with different throws. The downside? Using only one disc limits your shot variety. On complex courses with longer holes, a single disc may not give you enough options. 

Windy conditions can also make things tricky. Even advanced players often play one-disc rounds. It helps them learn how a new disc fits into their bag.

So, if you're just starting, don’t worry about carrying a full bag. Mastering one disc first is a great way to improve.

The Common Three-Disc Setup

For most beginners, a three-disc setup is the sweet spot. It gives you enough variety without overwhelming your choices. Here’s what you need:

Putter

Ideal for short, precise shots and putting. It is perfect for approaches and tap-ins. Many players rely on putters for controlled throws around the basket.

The Innova Aviar is a great putter to start out with!

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Midrange

Offers control and consistency for most throws. You can rely on it for medium-distance shots. Midranges also help you refine your throwing technique.

Beginners looking for a midrange should consider the Buzzz from Discraft.

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Driver

Helps cover longer distances, perfect for open fairways. When you need power and speed, a driver is the best choice. Drivers can handle different flight paths, giving you more options.

This simple setup keeps your focus on developing technique rather than managing a huge selection of discs. 

Beginners should lean toward understable drivers, which are easier to control and provide a better learning curve.

The Dismania Genius is an easy-to-throw fairway driver.

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Expanding to a More Versatile Bag (5-7 Discs)

When you feel comfortable with the basics, it is time to expand your bag. Adding a few extra discs gives you more control over different types of shots and course conditions. 

This setup helps you handle various situations without overwhelming yourself. Here is what to consider:

Understable, Stable, and Overstable Discs

These discs provide a variety of flight patterns to handle different throws. In particular, an understable disc turns to the right for a right-handed backhand (RHBH), making it ideal for turnover shots. 

Meanwhile, a stable disc flies straight with minimal fade, giving you control and consistency. An overstable disc fades left (for RHBH), making it useful for fighting headwinds and executing hyzer shots.

Learn more about understable and overstable discs here.

Second Driver

Carrying a second driver gives you more versatility. One driver should be reliable for straight shots, while the other can handle hyzer or anhyzer throws. 

Having both options ensures you are ready for different situations.

Overstable Midrange

This is a dependable disc that performs well in windy conditions. It gives you a predictable finish, even when the wind is unpredictable. 

An overstable midrange is also great for flex shots and approaches where control is essential.

Backup Putter

Practicing with identical putters helps improve consistency in your putting stroke. A backup putter is also useful when one becomes worn or if you lose one mid-round. 

Many players prefer to practice putting with multiple identical putters to develop muscle memory.

A 5-7 disc setup gives you enough variety without making your bag too heavy. You will be ready for different courses and tough conditions without packing too many discs. 

This way, you can focus on improving your game while adding new options at a comfortable pace.

Tournament and Advanced Players: Why Carry 10+ Discs?

When you move into competitive play, carrying a larger selection of discs makes sense. Tournament players usually carry 10-15 discs, sometimes more, to handle every possible shot. This variety helps them adapt to different courses and conditions.

Specialized Discs

Specific discs are most suited to different types of shots like hyzer flips, rollers, and forehand shots. An understable disc works well for turnover shots and hyzer flips. 

Overstable discs handle forehand shots better because they resist turning too much. Rollers need discs that are very understable so that they flip quickly and get to the ground.

Backup Discs 

Losing a key disc mid-round can mess up your game. Having an extra disc with a similar flight path ensures you can stay consistent. 

Most pros carry backups for their go-to putters, midranges, and drivers.

Wind and Course Variety

Advanced players tailor their bags based on the course layout and weather. Windy conditions call for overstable discs that resist turning. 

Tight wooded courses favor mids and putters that hold lines better. Open courses with long fairways demand drivers with extra distance.

Even so, you do not need 20+ discs like the pros. Most amateur players do fine with 7-10 discs, depending on their skill level and the type of course. 

Focus on learning what each disc does before adding too many to your bag.

How to Choose the Right Number for You

Deciding how many discs to carry depends on a few key factors. The right number can make a big difference in your game.

Skill Level

Beginners do better with fewer discs because it helps them focus on form and control. Carrying too many discs can be distracting when you are still learning the basics.

Starting with a putter and midrange builds consistency and confidence. Putters teach accuracy, while midranges offer control without too much fade. As your form improves, adding more discs feels natural and manageable.

Course Type

Course layout affects your disc selection. Heavily wooded courses need more control, so mids and putters shine. 

Similarly, windy open fields demand distance drivers and overstable discs to handle tough conditions. A balanced bag helps you adapt to different challenges.

Personal Comfort

Some players prefer a minimalist approach. Fewer discs mean less decision-making and a lighter bag. Others enjoy having more options to tackle different situations. It all comes down to what feels right for your game.

Try different setups and see what fits your style. A smaller bag often sharpens your skills before you feel ready to expand your collection.

Key Takeaways

Disc golf is not about how many discs you carry. It is about mastering your technique and understanding your discs. 

Starting with a few reliable discs allows you to develop control, accuracy, and confidence. As your skills improve, adding more discs becomes easier and more purposeful.

However, carrying a larger bag does not always lead to better performance. It is more important to know how each disc reacts and to choose the right one for the situation. 

Focus on building consistency, improving your form, and enjoying every round. Happy throwing!