Discgolf
The principles of the game were invented in the 1970s in America, and the basic principles are similar to golf. In golf, balls are used, but in disc golf, the equipment consists of flying discs. The objective is to get the disc into the basket with as few throws as possible. This is both an active way to spend time and a serious sport. The game is suitable for children, teenagers, and adults. Ideally, a group should consist of 2–5 people.
Although disc golf is considered more of a summer activity, true enthusiasts play in all weather conditions. There’s no such thing as bad weather, as long as you wear the right clothes. When dressing, you should make sure it doesn’t interfere with your throwing movements. Footwear should be comfortable for the terrain. You will be walking on meadows, grass, and through bushes.
The disc golf course in Tähtvere dendropark, with 18 holes, was opened in August 2013 for free public use. In disc golf, special discs are used. Players can use their own discs or borrow them from the main building at the Tartu Song Festival Grounds.
There are different throwing techniques, but two main ones are:
Backhand throw
Forehand throw
In a backhand throw, the disc typically curves to the left at the end of its flight, while in a forehand throw, it curves to the right.
Game rules
Each player is responsible for the safety of their throw! The throw must not hit other people, animals, or birds. The winner is the player who completes the course with the fewest throws.
Playing on all holes in the disc golf park begins from a designated starting area, called the tee area, which in the dendropark is covered with artificial turf. Players must not step over the tee line at the moment of releasing the disc, but after the throw (releasing the disc from the hand), stepping over the tee line is allowed. The first throw from the tee area is made in the order indicated on the scorecard. Once all players in the group have made their first throw, they proceed to the landing spot of the discs, where each player searches for their own disc. A small marker disc or other object is placed in front of the landed disc to indicate the location of the next throw, or the disc’s location can be marked by any convenient means.
The throwing order then moves to the player whose disc is farthest from the basket. Each player keeps track of their own throws! The hole is considered completed when all players have thrown their disc into the basket. A close-range throw, or putting the disc into the basket, is called a “putt.” When putting, it’s important to maintain balance after the throw, meaning the player must not step forward after putting. This rule applies within a 10-meter radius around the basket. If the player is farther than 10 meters from the basket, they are allowed to step over the marker disc after their throw.
Discs
Discs are divided into three groups based on their throwing distance and accuracy.
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Driver discs (Kaugmaakettad): These discs have the longest flight distance and travel through the air the fastest, although they often lose accuracy when thrown. They are recognizable by their sharp edges.
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Midrange discs (Keskmaakettad): Midrange discs are used for controlled approaches to the basket. They have slightly wider edges than drivers and don’t fly as far. The throw is more accurate, and the player has easier control over the disc’s flight.
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Putter discs (Lühimaakettad): Putters are primarily designed for putting the disc into the basket. They have the most accurate flight and are the easiest to control. Putters are made from softer, more grippy materials (to stay in the basket better) and have a wide edge. They have the most precise and controllable flight but are shorter in distance compared to midrange and driver discs.
Each disc also has other characteristics, which are indicated by four numbers on the disc. The first number represents the flight speed, the second number indicates the glide, the third number shows the turn/stability at the start of the throw (negative means a left turn, 0 means straight), and the fourth number describes the fade/stability at the end of the throw (0 is stable, for example, 4 indicates a strong right fade).
Dendropark’s course lengths and the optimal number of throws on each hole (PAR):
No 1 – 117 m, PAR 3
No 2 – 82 m, PAR 3
No 3 – 100 m, PAR 3
No 4 – 61 m, PAR 3
No 5 – 59 m, PAR 3
No 6 – 108 m, PAR 3
No 7 – 53 m, PAR 3
No 8 – 136 m, PAR 3
No 9 – 111 m, PAR 3
No 10 – 127 m, PAR 3
No 11 – 68 m, PAR 3
No 12 – 90 m, PAR 3
No 13 – 45 m, PAR 3
No 14 – 118 m, PAR 3
No 15 – 62 m, PAR 3
No 16 – 68 m, PAR 3
No 17 – 122 m, PAR 3
No 18 – 118 m, PAR 3
In total: 1645 m, PAR 54
When all the holes in the disc golf park (18 baskets) have been completed, the players’ scores are tallied, which were recorded on the scorecard during the game. The scorecard shows the results of all players, broken down by baskets. The winner of the game/competition is the player who completes the course with the fewest throws. If two players finish with the same number of throws, they return to the course, and the players start again from the first tee. For example, if on the first hole, Player A throws 3 throws and Player B throws 4, the game is over and Player A wins. If both players complete the first hole with 3 throws, they move on to the next tee. The game continues until one player can outplay the other with fewer throws.
Disc Golf Disc Rental Terms
Rental at the Tartu Song Festival Stage information desk is done according to the current price list and based on an ID document. A group playing together can rent with one document. Each player needs up to three discs at a time (driver, midrange, and putter). Completing the entire course takes up to 2 hours. The rental set includes a refundable game guide and a scorecard for the players’ use.
The renter familiarizes themselves with the disc golf rules and agrees to follow them, particularly the safety rules of the game, and confirms this with their signature on the rental page. No deposit is required, but if a disc is lost, the renter will pay for the cost of the disc.
Map and Information of Dendropark Trails