Disc golf: Technically, throw-ins happen all the time

Everyone wants an ace.

But the “field ace” isn’t a bad backup.

Well, maybe.

More on that in a jiffy.

If the term is new to you, a field ace is basically a throw-in. So instead of smashing chains from the teepad, it’s from a distant approach or scramble shot. You know, something like this …

Sufficient field-ace distances will differ from disc golfer to disc golfer. For example, in my opinion, as long as you’re three digits from the pin when you ring it up, it’s a field ace.

My reasoning is two-fold:

• There are few sub-100-foot holes in disc golf.
• There are guys who can jump-putt from 85-plus feet.

Because of this, the three-digit requirement feels fair.

Fair, but not official.

Believe it or not, though, there IS an “official” doctrine on what constitutes a throw-in in disc golf. Like, with numbers and measurements and everything. The PDGA authored it, too.

Check out PDGA Rule No. 806.01.A:

“Any throw made from 10 meters of the target, as measured from the front of the lie to the base of the target, is a putt.”

To clarify, according to the PDGA, any shot made within 10 meters (32.8 feet) of the basket is a putt. Surrounding the pin, that 10-meter space is known as “circle one.” Inside of it? Everything is a putt. As such, any shot taking place outside of it is a throw – that includes circle-two stuff.

So all of those 35-foot jumpers and steppers you’ve drained over the years?

Throw-ins.

NOT putts.

Hole-in-ones are rare – forever and for always. Those field aces, though? By the letter of the law, it would appear they’re far more commonplace than you might’ve originally thought. I’m not great at disc golf, but in accordance with the above, I’m averaging one or two a round.

Sorry, James Conrad …

Do it from the teepad next time.

Have anything to add? Take to X to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

Editor’s Suggestions:

• Mini disc golf tournaments will forever look dumb
• Disc golfers: Pay attention during players meetings
• Disc golf: The feeling of a disc (maybe) en route to an ace? Unreal

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