“There’re three main discs used in disc golf,” said Jason Harding, an avid player. “Drivers get you down the fairway, a mid-range for the approach and a putter for the basket.”

From the beginner to the professional, many local sporting good retailers carry an assortment of discs to fit personal ability and style.

“One of the cool things about disc golf is its price,” Harding said. “Sure, you can spend a lot money on discs and accessories, but most stores have used discs. For $20 you can get all the discs you need.”

The PDGA website contains a course directory, which lists over twenty courses existing within a 60 mile radius of Murfreesboro.

“I like the idea of being able to play more than one course in a day,” Harding said. “A full round might take you an hour or more, and then you can play another round at another course or play doubles against other golfers.

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“Some of my favorite local courses are Barfield Crescent Park in Murfreesboro, Sharp Springs in Smyrna and Cedars of Lebanon State Park. But since I’ve moved to Nashville, I play Two Rivers or Seven Oaks City Park more often.”

The middle Tennessee disc golf scene has made it to the Internet. Chainbangers.com offers tips on technique, lingo and upcoming events. It also provides an online store and course directory.

“Like any sport, disc golf has its frustrating moments,” Harding said. “But it’s really a great way to enjoy the outdoors and meet people with a common interest.”

For more information on rules, courses and equipment, check out pdga.com or chainbangers.com.

Disc Golf Dictionary

Ace: A hole-in-one. The Holy Grail of the sport.

Anhyzer: Raising the outer edge of the disc to an angle above zero. In most cases, discs thrown “with anhyzer” will curve to the right. That is unless the golfer throws left-handed backhand or right-handed forehand, in which case, the disc will curve to the left.

Approach disc: Often used interchangeably with the term “mid-range disc,” an approach disc?like Innova’s Rhyno or the legendary Roc?generally flies a bit slower and tends to be a bit more stable than a driver.

Backhand: The most common throwing style, the golfer reaches back across his or her body to throw the disc.

Birdie: Finishing a hole at one stroke under par.

ChainBanger: A disc golfer incredibly dedicated to the sport. For example, the term might be used to describe a golfer who plays two rounds with a hole in his or her shoe in sub-freezing temperatures and snow?after calling in sick to work just to play disc golf in the first place.

Driver: A disc designed with two things in mind: speed and distance.

Falling Putt: Failing to maintain complete balance from behind the marker while putting. According to the rules of the game, a disc golfer may neither step on nor in front of the marker on putts shorter than 50 feet.

Forehand: Also commonly known as the sidearm, this throwing method can best be described as a whip-like motion whereby the disc stays on the same side of the body throughout the entire act of throwing.

Hyzer: Lowering the outer edge of the disc to an angle below zero. In most cases, discs thrown “with hyzer” will curve to the left. In the case of a left-handed backhand or a right-handed forehand, however, the disc will curve to the right.

Lie: The spot where a disc comes to rest and from where the next shot is taken.

Marker: Also known as a mini, this is a small disc used to mark a golfer’s lie.

Nose Down: Throwing with the front-end of the disc at a lower level than the back-end.

Nose Up: Throwing with the front-end of the disc at – you guessed it?a higher level than the back-end.

Overhand: Often referred to as a tomahawk throw, this method involves throwing the disc at a vertical angle.

Overstable: A disc which tends to turn or fade to the left for right-handed players using the backhand technique.

Par: Generally defined as the average number of throws for a golfer familiar with the game to finish a certain hole. Pro-level par is most always three strokes for every hole.

Park: To land within a very short distance of the basket, leaving the golfer with a simple putt.

PDGA: The Professional Disc Golf Association

Putter: A disc designed specifically for short, stable flights. If you guessed it’s used for putts, give yourself a star.

Roller: A technique which involves making progress (if done correctly) by rolling the disc along the ground rather than actually throwing it. Often useful when playing out of a rough lie with no clear flight path.

Safari Golf: A game during which golfers create different holes on a course. For example, a round of Safari Golf might involve teeing off from Hole Fifteen’s tee pad to Hole Twelve’s basket.

Sandbagger: A golfer who competes in a division below his or her actual skill level in a tournament.

Skip: The result when a disc hits the ground at the proper angle and speed, skipping off of the ground for extra distance.

Snap: Sometimes referred to as pop, this is a term used to describe the speed and power with which a golfer throws his or her disc. A disc will generally fly farther with more snap.

Stable: A disc which tends to fly straight when thrown level.

Tee Pad: Also referred to as the Tee Box, it is the spot where a hole begins.

Understable: A disc which tends to turn or fade to the right for right-handed players using the backhand technique.

Worm Burner: A throw that is released too low and flies into the ground far earlier than intended.