What’s a ‘golf shot’ in disc golf?

This might seem weird …

How can you throw a “golf shot” in disc golf? You could call it a “disc golf shot,” I suppose, but the term comes from ball golf, so it’d be kind of weird. Also, it’s more succinct – I get it.

To throw a golf shot in disc golf means the same thing as it does in traditional golf. In either form of golf, to opt for a golf shot is to take the simple, low-risk option off the tee or from the fairway. This is a high-percentage throw. It’s also one that’s relatively easy to replicate.

Furthermore, it’s deliberate.

There’s no “spray-and-pray” disc golf with a golf shot.

Ideally, golf shots result in birdies or pars, but they can minimize damage, too. If you need a well-executed golf shot to card a bogey, you clearly weren’t in a good spot to begin with. But hey – it could’ve been worse. And that noggin of yours prevented “worse” from happening.

This can save a tournament.

I’d also add that what a golf shot looks like will differ from disc golfer to disc golfer, in accordance with skill level. For example, let’s say you’re faced with a tight, heavily wooded tunnel shot off the tee that a nearby sign’s labeled a par-three. For your disc to come to rest directly under the basket, you’ll need 375-ish feet of S-turn on a committed backhand line.

Here’s what a golf shot might look like in this scenario:

• Gregg Barsby can get there for a birdie look with a beat Champion Eagle.
• A skilled amateur might cut the hole in half with a midrange and play for par.
• And a total newbie could straight-up toss a putter four times for a tap-in bogey.

For him, it makes sense …

The fewer trees to contend with, the smaller the number.

They’re ALL golf shots.

And they all (hopefully) result in a stress-free hole.

Lastly, you’ll sometimes hear of golf shots (or golf lines) discussed in relation to max distance. Personally, though you might not believe me, on a good day and in ideal conditions, I can stretch one of my older, used-and-abused Quantum Scorpiuses out over 400 feet in an empty soccer field. With that in mind, however, I’ve encountered very few 415-foot holes I can park.

The reason?

With a golf shot on a golf line most courses require, given the power that’s needed from my right arm, I’m seldom able to control the disc with enough consistency to routinely make it happen.

I’m aware of this limitation; I try to play within it.

Here’s what I love best about golf shots, though …

On the Pro Tour, you have to be brilliant for a weekend to bring home hardware and an oversized check. As an amateur, however, the more golf shots you throw, the fewer highlights you’ll have, but the more competitive you’ll be – and the more you’ll win, too. It’s as simple as that, folks.

Internalize the golf-shot concept.

Your scores will quickly (and I mean it) improve.

No form changes required.

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