AAAAAnd we’re back. After taking a week off to help Calvin with a remodeling project, I finally got back out to throw. This week’s round was a casual walk through a local park—where I may or may not have thrown way too many shots at a very easy hole.

Since my last rambling, I also ventured out and bought a few discs. Sounds simple, right? It’s not. Let’s talk about the surprisingly complex world of disc buying.

1. Know the Different Types of Discs

There are discs for just about every situation: distance drivers, fairway drivers, midranges (approach discs), and putters. Still confused? Same here. I’ve done the research and I’m still figuring it out.

2. Disc Design Matters

Each type of disc is built differently. Drivers tend to have a wider rim for speed and distance, while midranges and putters have thinner edges for control. Weight also varies, and that can affect how the disc flies depending on your throwing style and strength.

3. What Do the Numbers Mean?

Most discs come with four numbers, and they actually tell you a lot—once you decode them:

• Speed – How fast you need to throw the disc for optimal flight
• Glide – How well the disc stays in the air
• Turn – How much the disc drifts right (for a right-handed backhand throw) early in flight
• Fade – How much it hooks left at the end

From what I’ve learned so far, lower-speed discs tend to be more beginner-friendly. (Which is good news for me.)

4. Use What Feels Right

Yes, there are “correct” discs for different situations—but don’t overthink it. I mostly use a fairway driver off the tee, and honestly, it works for me. I’ve even played a full hole with an approach disc. At this stage, comfort and consistency matter more than perfection.

Course Review

This week’s round was at Peaks View Park in Lynchburg, VA. It’s an 18-hole course that starts off with open lanes for the first six or seven holes—great for getting loose. Then it shifts into wooded, hillier terrain that forces you to be a bit more precise.

The course finishes with holes 17 and 18, which mix open and wooded elements for a really enjoyable ending. One nice feature: each hole has two basket positions—a shorter one and a longer one, so it works well for both beginners and more experienced players.

Conclusion

Buying discs can feel overwhelming at first, but a little research goes a long way. Take time to understand your skill level, and don’t hesitate to ask a disc golf store employee for guidance on what might suit you best. Most importantly, don’t let confusion hold you back—get out there, start throwing, and enjoy your round. Video is coming I promise.