Disc golf is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States—and for good reason. It’s fun, highly accessible, inexpensive to start, and perfect for all ages and athletic abilities. If you’re ready to jump into the sport, the first step is building your starter pack disc golf setup, which includes the essential discs, gear, and accessories you’ll need to play confidently and enjoyably from day one.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything beginners should include in a disc golf starter pack, explains how each item works, and provides helpful tips for choosing the right equipment for your playing style. Whether you’re brand new or just upgrading your setup, this article gives you the full roadmap to getting started the right way.

What Is a Disc Golf Starter Pack?

A disc golf starter pack typically refers to a bundle of discs—and sometimes accessories—designed specifically for beginners. These sets often include easy-to-throw discs, lighter plastics, and flight characteristics that promote straight, controlled shots rather than speed or power-dependent throws.

A complete starter pack can include:

• Beginner-friendly discs (drivers, midranges, putters)

• A disc golf bag

• Towel and grip aids

• Mini marker disc

• Scorecard or digital scoring advice

• Water bottle

• Optional accessories like gloves, chalk bags, and disc retrievers

Let’s break down each category so you can build the perfect beginner setup.

Essential Discs for Your Starter Pack

When building a starter pack disc golf setup, the most important components are the discs themselves. You only need three discs to play a complete round, but beginners often benefit from expanding to five or six as they improve.

Below is a breakdown of the discs that beginners should focus on.

1. The Putter: The Most Important Disc in Your Bag

If you only buy one disc, it should be a putter.

Why Putters Are Important

• They fly the straightest

• They are the easiest to control

• They work great for short drives and approaches

• They help develop proper throwing mechanics

Beginner Putter Recommendations

Look for putters with:

• A straight flight path (speed 2–3)

• Neutral stability

• A comfortable, grippy plastic

Examples include:

• Innova Aviar

• Dynamic Discs Judge

• Discraft Luna

• Gateway Wizard

• Latitude 64 Pure

How Many Putters Should You Carry?

Beginners should have:

• 1 putting putter

• 1 throwing putter (used for approaches and short drives)

This prevents wear on your putting disc and helps you learn different throwing techniques.

2. Midrange Discs: The Best All-Purpose Tools for Beginners

Midranges are where beginners improve the fastest because they:

• Require less power to fly properly

• Offer straight, consistent flights

• Are perfect for controlled shots between 150–300 feet

Beginner-Friendly Midrange Options

Look for something with a neutral to slightly stable flight, such as:

• Innova Mako3

• Discraft Buzzz

• Dynamic Discs Truth

• Kastaplast Svea

• Latitude 64 Compass

These discs help you learn clean releases, angle control, and overall accuracy.

Why Beginners Should Prioritize Midranges

Most new players jump straight to drivers, which makes learning harder.
Midranges teach:

• Proper timing

• Smooth release angles

• Disc control rather than brute strength

3. Fairway Drivers: The First Driver You Should Learn

Fairway drivers are slower, easier-to-control versions of distance drivers. They are perfect for new players because they:

• Require less arm speed

• Offer longer but still controllable flights

• Help transition from midrange to distance throws

Best Starter Fairway Drivers

• Innova Leopard

• Discraft Heat

• Dynamic Discs Maverick

• Innova Teebird (lighter plastic for beginners)

• Latitude 64 Diamond (excellent for slower arms)

These discs have gentle fade and glide that help beginners find more distance without sacrificing accuracy.

4. Distance Drivers: Not Required—But Optional Later

For most beginners, a distance driver is not recommended. These discs typically require:

• High arm speed

• Proper form

• Experience throwing slower discs first

However, if you want one in your starter pack, choose:

• Innova Sidewinder

• Discraft Avenger SS

• Latitude 64 Sapphire

These are “beginner friendly” distance drivers that still allow a controlled flight.

Recommended Disc Count in a Starter Pack

A perfect beginner setup includes:

Total recommended: 4–6 discs

Companies like Innova, Discraft, and Dynamic Discs offer starter packs with 3 discs, but building your own allows better customization.

Disc Weights and Plastics: What Beginners Should Choose

Choosing the right disc weight and plastic type dramatically improves your early experience.

Disc Weight Guidelines

For most beginners:

• Men: 165–172 grams

• Women: 155–165 grams

• Kids: 130–150 grams

Lighter discs:

• Are easier to throw

• Fly farther with less effort

• Reduce early frustration

Avoid max weight (175g) until your form improves.

Plastic Types

Common plastics include:

• Base plastic: Affordable, grippy, perfect for beginners

• Premium plastic: More durable, maintains flight longer

• Mid-grade blends: Balance of grip and durability

Beginner Recommendation

Use base plastic putters and mid-grade fairway drivers.
Premium is optional, not required.

Disc Golf Bag Essentials

Once you have your discs, you need a way to carry them. Your bag doesn’t need to be expensive—just organized and comfortable.

Types of Disc Golf Bags

1. Starter Shoulder Bags

• Hold 6–10 discs

• Affordable

• Lightweight

Perfect for new players.

2. Backpack Bags

• Hold 15–25 discs

• More storage pockets

• Great for future growth

3. Cart Systems

Not recommended for beginners (too expensive and unnecessary early on).

Features to Look For

• Water bottle holder

• Comfortable strap

• Disc dividers

• Extra pockets for keys, towels, minis

Important Accessories for Your Starter Pack Disc Golf Setup

Accessories can significantly improve your gameplay comfort and performance.

1. Mini Marker Disc

Used to legally mark your lie during tournament or casual rounds.
Inexpensive and essential if you want to play by PDGA rules.

2. Towel

A towel helps keep your discs dry and clean, especially on muddy or wet days.

Popular towel types:

• Microfiber

• Shammy (super absorbent)

• Clip-on sport towels

Always keep at least one towel on your bag.

3. Water Bottle

Hydration is critical during long rounds—especially in summer.
Choose an insulated, stainless steel bottle whenever possible.

4. Grip Enhancers

Sweaty or dry hands can make throwing difficult. Grip products help.

Options include:

• Chalk bags

• Resin/grip sacks

• Sports grip lotions

5. Scorekeeping Tools

You can keep score using:

• The UDisc app (worldwide standard)

• Paper scorecards

• Course kiosks (depending on location)

UDisc is recommended for beginners due to its GPS maps and score tracking.

6. Disc Retrieval Tools (Optional)

Retrievers help recover lost discs from:

• Water hazards

• Thick brush

• Trees

While optional, they quickly pay for themselves if you tend to lose discs.

7. Sunscreen & Bug Spray

Not technically disc golf equipment, but mandatory for comfort—and safety.

Clothing & Footwear for Disc Golf Beginners

You don’t need expensive gear to play disc golf, but the right clothing makes a difference.

1. Shoes

Footwear is crucial because disc golf involves:

• Uneven terrain

• Dirt, mud, and grass

• Slippery tee pads

Best footwear options:

• Trail running shoes

• Hiking shoes

• Waterproof boots (in wet months)

Avoid sandals, flip flops, or casual sneakers.

2. Clothing

Wear breathable, athletic clothing such as:

• Performance tees

• Athletic shorts

• Lightweight hoodies

• Moisture-wicking layers

For cold weather:

• Compression base layers

• Gloves (throwing hand uncovered)

• Beanies or neck warmers

How to Choose the Right Starter Pack for You

Here are the top factors to consider.

1. Your Power Level

If you’re new and don’t throw far:

• Choose lightweight, understable discs

If you have a naturally strong arm:

• Mid-weight stable discs work fine

2. Your Preferred Brands

Consistency matters.
Pick one brand to start:

• Innova

• Dynamic Discs

• Discraft

• Latitude 64

• MVP / Axiom

Each offers high-quality beginner options.

3. Your Budget

A complete starter pack costs:

• Basic 3-disc set: $25–$35

• Customized 4–6 disc set: $50–$100

• Full bag with accessories: $100–$200

Disc golf remains wildly affordable compared to other sports.

Sample Beginner Starter Pack Setup (Ideal Build)

Here’s the perfect, balanced beginner pack:

Discs

• Putting Putter: Dynamic Discs Judge (Classic plastic)

• Throwing Putter: Innova Aviar (DX plastic)

• Midrange: Discraft Buzzz (ESP or Z plastic)

• Midrange #2: Mako3 (for straight control shots)

• Fairway Driver: Leopard (DX or Star)

• Fairway Driver #2: Maverick (Lucid plastic)

Gear

• Starter shoulder bag

• Microfiber towel

• Mini marker

• Water bottle

• Chalk/grip bag

• UDisc app

• Sunscreen & bug spray

Why Using the Right Starter Pack Makes a Huge Difference

Many beginners struggle because they start with discs that are too fast, too heavy, or too overstable. This causes:

• Harsh fading

• Early disc dumps

• Poor distance

• Bad habits like rounding or strong-arming

The right starter pack:

• Improves accuracy

• Minimizes frustration

• Builds good mechanics

• Helps discs fly as intended

• Increases consistency and confidence

Simply put, great equipment makes disc golf more fun.

Beginner Tips for Using Your Starter Pack Effectively

Once you have all your gear, keep these tips in mind:

1. Practice with Putters First

This builds proper form faster than any other method.

2. Throw Slow Discs More Often

Fairway drivers and midranges develop accuracy.

3. Don’t Worry About Distance Yet

Distance comes naturally as your technique improves.

4. Learn Basic Shot Angles

• Hyzer

• Flat

• Anhyzer

Understanding these transforms your game quickly.

5. Play Shorter Courses First

This reduces lost discs and boosts confidence.

Conclusion: Build the Perfect Starter Pack Disc Golf Setup and Begin Your Journey Today

Getting started in disc golf is simple, affordable, and incredibly rewarding when you have the right equipment. A well-built starter pack disc golf setup includes a selection of beginner-friendly discs, a comfortable bag, essential accessories, and basic outdoor gear that keeps you playing comfortably year-round.

With the right putters, midranges, and fairway drivers—paired with reliable accessories like towels, mini markers, and grip aids—you’ll be ready to play confidently from your very first round. Disc golf is a sport of growth, precision, and enjoyment, and building the right foundation allows beginners to improve faster while having more fun on the course.

Whether you’re creating your first disc golf bag or upgrading your current setup, this guide gives you everything you need to choose wisely. Grab your gear, head to your local course, and enjoy the journey—your disc golf adventure starts now.