If you’re anything like me, you’ve stood in your yard, disc in hand, and thought, “This place has potential.” Whether you’re daydreaming about practice rounds, hosting a friendly tournament, or just having a place to throw without driving to a course, a DIY backyard disc golf course might be exactly what you need.
Now, I won’t lie—it’s not as easy as planting a basket and calling it a day. But it’s not rocket science either. With a bit of creativity, some planning, and maybe a little convincing (if you live with others), you can turn your backyard into your personal disc golf paradise.
And when it’s done? All you need are some discs, a few friends, and some disc golf attire that looks as cool as your new course.
Step 1: Size Up Your Space
Before you start measuring out fairways and setting up “holes,” take a good look at your yard—or whatever space you’ve got.
- Small Yards: If you’re working with limited space, think short, technical holes. Use trees, fences, or patio furniture as creative obstacles. You’re not aiming for par 5s here—par 3s are your best friend.
- Bigger Spaces: Got room to stretch out? Lucky you. You can add longer throws, elevation changes (even slight hills will do), and more creative shot paths.
If you’re really tight on space, don’t worry. Portable baskets allow you to set up and take down holes as needed. Plus, they’re perfect for moving things around to keep the game fresh.
Step 2: Choose Your Targets
Here’s where the fun begins. If you want to feel like you’re playing a real course, you’ll need targets that work like traditional baskets. Luckily, there are options for every budget:
- Portable Baskets: You can find affordable, lightweight baskets that set up in seconds. They’re easy to move and surprisingly durable. Brands like MVP or Dynamic Discs have great beginner-friendly models.
- DIY Solutions: Feeling crafty? Grab a metal pole, some chains, and a garden planter to create your own version. Is it PDGA-approved? No. Does it work for a backyard round? Absolutely.
- Improvise: If you’re just practicing for fun, trees, buckets, or even lawn chairs can work in a pinch. Just don’t blame the target when you miss.
Step 3: Add Obstacles (the Good Kind)
Here’s the beauty of building your own course: nature is your playground. Unlike perfectly manicured golf greens, disc golf thrives on obstacles. So embrace them.
- Trees: The ultimate fairway hazard. Strategically place your baskets near trees to force precise throws.
- Fences and Shrubs: Use these to create “mandos” (mandatory lines of play) or as natural boundaries.
- Hills: Even the smallest slope can add a challenge. Uphill throws test your arm strength, while downhill shots can easily glide way too far.
If you’re feeling creative, you can add man-made obstacles: hanging targets, water hazards (a kiddie pool, perhaps?), or narrow throwing lanes using string and posts. The more you customize, the more unique—and fun—your course will be.
Step 4: Keep It Safe (and Convince the Family)
I get it—launching discs near the house can make your family nervous. Trust me, I’ve been there. A few tips to keep things smooth:
- Position baskets carefully: Avoid placing targets near windows, cars, or neighbor fences. There’s no “out of bounds” penalty when a disc hits a windshield. Just a bill.
- Use lighter discs: For backyard play, consider lighter, less-dense discs designed for beginners or putter practice. These are easier on your throws and your property.
As for convincing your family? Start with, “It’ll be great exercise!” Then show them how much fun it is to throw a disc. They’ll come around. Probably.
Step 5: Invite Friends and Play
Once your course is ready, invite a few friends over for an inaugural round. Start small—play with one basket and experiment with different “tee-off” spots for variety. Add fun challenges like:
- “Closest to the pin” contests.
- “Obstacles only” rounds (where hitting trees actually counts as points).
- Nighttime disc golf with glow-in-the-dark discs and fairy lights.
And here’s where disc golf clothing ties in beautifully. You want to stay comfortable while playing, right? Whether you’re out in the sun, braving a breezy fall day, or scrambling through brush to retrieve a rogue throw, wearing breathable disc golf t-shirts or a cozy sweatshirt makes the game way better.
Ever played a round in a sweaty cotton tee? I have. Never again. The right disc golf apparel—lightweight, moisture-wicking, and built to move—keeps you cool, dry, and ready to nail those birdies (or avoid double bogeys).
Why a Backyard Disc Golf Course Is Worth It
Let’s face it: we all wish we had more time to play. Building your own backyard course means you can practice whenever you want—no driving, no waiting, no crowds. It’s a way to bring the joy of disc golf home and share it with family and friends.
Plus, it’s an excuse to get outside, stay active, and have fun without spending a fortune. Disc golf doesn’t need expensive gear or a pristine course to be enjoyable. All it needs is you, your discs, and maybe a shirt that says something ridiculous like “May The Course Be With You”
Ready to Get Started?
Building your own disc golf course is easier than you think. Start with one basket, add a few creative obstacles, and let nature do the rest. And don’t forget: the right gear—like comfortable, breathable disc golf shirts—makes every round that much better.
When you’re ready to look as good as your new course, check out our collection of disc golf apparel here at Quirky Goodies. From quirky tees to performance-ready shirts, we’ve got the gear that’ll keep you looking cool while you throw.
So grab your discs, round up your friends, and get to building. Your backyard championship awaits!