Here we are again. The Disc Golf Pro Tour is over, and cold weather has begun to set in. While the professional disc golf scene might pack it in early, the rest of us just aren't ready to!
With the cold weather come shorter days, and then... daylight savings time kicks in, and the darkness rules out those relaxing after-work rounds! Or does it...
Welcome to glow disc golf. The best way to squeeze a round into your spare time. Because you won't have to worry about the sun leaving the party early!
If you're a long-time glow disc golfer you'll know exactly what I'm speaking of. If the concept of playing disc golf at night is a new one to you, then stick around and learn how to play glow in the dark disc golf!
Playing a Glow Round Of Disc Golf
To be a little more specific, this guide focuses on playing a glow round, not just throwing around in the dark.
Playing a glow round consists of going out to a disc golf course, and playing 9-18 holes (more or less) in the dark.
If you've never played before, you're in for a great time. There's something invigorating about experiencing the sport at night!
What You'll Need To Play
Let's kick this guide off with some pointers on what you're going to need to play glow frisbee golf. If you're on a budget don't fear. You can set yourself up for a glow round with less than $15.
If you're anything like most of us, you'll need every accessory and newfangled gadget, obviously. You may want to kiss this month's savings goodbye while you still can.
Glowing Disc Golf DiscsÂ
To play disc golf you need discs. To play it at night you need glow disc golf discs!
Just about every manufacturer features glow plastic somewhere in their lineup. These discs generally will cost a couple of dollars more, not bad for built-in lighting!
While some fanatics have built an entire bag of 15+ discs for night play, you really don't need more than one or two to enjoy yourself.
If you want to start small, I suggest picking up a glow putter, and a glow midrange. The best courses to play at night are short ones, so faster discs are rarely necessary.
While there are other ways to illuminate discs, glow plastic is the most commonly used.
Discs With an LED LightÂ
No major disc golf manufacturers attach an LED light to a disc. Probably because it would have some effect on the flight.
But if you take a look around on Amazon you'll find quite a few options for LED lighted discs. None of these are PDGA-approved, but still do the job for casual play.
You can also buy small LED lights that can be stuck onto the underneath your discs.
Use Glow Tape On Any Disc
Glow tape is one of my favorite ways to nightify my discs, for several reasons. One, you don't have to buy more discs. Two, it doesn't have a noticeable effect on disc flight. And three, you can keep throwing your favorite discs, even if they aren't made with glow plastic!
Disc golf glow tape is really cheap on Amazon and other marketplaces, and a roll will last many a round.
You can purchase rolls, round rings, and also a hexagon-shaped design made by Hive Disc Golf.
How To Charge Glow DiscsÂ
Whether you're using glow discs or glow tape, you need a way to charge the glow. The most common method is to use a UV flashlight.
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The UV light activates the plastic after a few seconds, and the glow should last for at least a minute. The length of time the charge will last just depends on the plastic, some of which are better than others.
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Currently, the best disc golf glow plastic on the market is MVP's Eclipse 2.0.
Generally speaking, you'll need to charge up your disc before each shot. This way your disc will be brighter and easier to find. This is especially important when playing in a group and a few others still need to throw before you can head off and search.
While you might be scared of playing at night through fear of losing all your discs, you'll be surprised. It's actually easier to find your disc at night than in the day. Just make sure you watch where your disc lands, and that you charge it up before each shot.
Can I Use a Regular Flashlight?
You can, but it is not recommended. An ordinary torch will take much longer to properly charge your disc or tape, and the glow does not last as long either.
You'll also find when using one that your eyes struggle to quickly adjust between the artificial light and the unlit fairway.
What's The Best Way To Charge Glow Discs?
UV flashlights are great, but there is in fact a better disc charger out there, and that's with the Halo Red. It's circular in shape and designed to fit between the discs in your bag. You won't even have to deliberately charge your discs, and if you do it'll only take a couple of seconds.
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Selecting a Suitable Course
A crucial ingredient to the success of your glow round is the course you choose. Hopefully, you live in an area with several courses that are suited to night play. While any course will do the trick, there certain attributes that are best suited to glow in the dark disc golf.
Playing a shorter course is a glow disc golf rule of thumb, especially for a beginner. Shorter courses mean less walking in the dark, an easier time finding your disc, and also you should be able to see the basket on most holes. When it's dark not being able to see the basket can make it hard to know where to aim.
Opt for a course with easy walking between holes, and without a lot of elevation change. The last thing you want is a buddy or yourself tripping in the dark and hurting themselves. This would be even worse if there were steep slopes.
While wooded courses are fine, you might want to avoid courses that have thick rough along the fairways. Not many people I know enjoy walking through spiky brush in the dark.
Setting Up The Course For Disc Golf At Night
The number one thing you'll to set up a course for a glow round is lighting for the baskets. If you were setting up for a glow tournament you'd have to light up each basket. When playing casual rounds the easiest way is to run ahead, put your light on the basket, and come back to the tee.
The most popular method of lighting the basic for night disc golf is using a lamp. MVP has actually designed a lamp specifically for this, although just about any type will do.
Another way is to use glow sticks, but these are not as bright.
Staying Warm On Chilly Evenings
As mentioned at the beginning of this article most glow rounds take place in the colder months of the year, when the sun sits lower. Temperatures drop lower as the shadows lengthen.
To combat this one must be prepared. The most important factor is how you dress. Where warm and flexible layers, thick socks, and gloves for between shots. If it's really cold outside, then we also suggest purchasing and packing hand warmers, and feet warmers.
We won't go into the details here, but if you want to learn more about how to stay warm while playing disc golf give this winter disc golf guide a read.
Glow Disc Golf Tournaments
Looking for a seriously cool experience? You should consider participating in a glow tournament, or a glow league. You'd be surprised how many of these events run each year. A quick check on Udisc is the easiest way to find them in your area.
Glow tournaments are great because you get to experience the thrill of disc golf in the dark with others. You'll be amazed by the stories shared, other players' glow discs, and the general fun. Oh, and don't forget to keep an eye open for a glow ace!
Safety Considerations
While it has to be accepted that there is always some risk of injury while disc golf, you must also consider it increases slightly in the dark.
Staying behind the lie of your fellow golfers, and waiting for them to throw is especially important in the dark.
Walking between holes can be tricky in the dark, so consider taking a headlamp. Just realize that it will make it harder for your eyes to adjust to the dark when you shut it off. I personally avoid using torches as much as humanly possible in glow rounds.
When playing at night you'll want to consider how safe the neighborhood you're in is. Before going out to play consider checking crime reports for the area. Playing with a group also helps to mitigate risk.
Key Takeaways
I doubt many have played a glow round of disc golf and have not enjoyed themselves. If you're an avid player yet to take to the course at night, now is the best time. Organize a round with your friends, or better yet sign up to glow tournaments or leagues in your area.
All you need to do is...
- Grab some glow discs or glow tape
- Pack a disc golf glow charger
- Find a lamp for the baskets
- Dress for the weather
- Head out to a suitable course and start your round
If you have any unanswered questions about glow disc golf, please reach out. We'd be more than happy to help.
FAQs
We're guessing one or two of these questions are running through your head right now.
Are glow in the dark discs more overstable?
Generally glow plastic will make a disc slightly more overstable. MVP's older runs of Eclipse plastic were notorious for this. Since they introduced 2.0 this is no longer the case.
What is the best time to start a glow round?
You can start a glow round at any time when it starts to get dark. My favorite time to start is sunset. This way you get to start the first few holes in twilight and let your eyes adjust.
How many discs do you need to play glow in the dark disc golf?
You technically only need one disc to play a glow round. If you're a long-time player you'll probably want to use more. We recommend having at least a putter and a midrange.
Is it easier to play disc golf at night?
Many players are pleasantly surprised to find they shoot better scores in the dark. One leading reason for this is that trees and other obstacles do not get in your head. It mostly has to do with your mental game.
Do you lose a lot of discs when you play glow disc golf?
Good news! If you're playing a glow round it can actually be easier to find your disc than in the day. A glowing disc at night stands out better than an ordinary disc in the light.
To ensure you lose as few discs as possible charge your disc before each shot. As the glow gets dimmer it becomes harder to find your disc. This is especially true when playing in a group and you have to wait for others to take their shots before looking for your own.
If you can't find your disc shine a UV torch around the area. There's a good chance it'll highlight the glow disc.
