What Is An Ace In Disc Golf? (5 Easy Tips On How To Score An Ace)
“What is an ace in disc golf”? and what is all the fuss around it? Scoring an ace for any player is a huge success and an outstanding achievement.
Before learning about an ace in disc golf, let us first learn what ‘disc golf’ is. Disc golf is a sport quite similar to golf, with the difference being that it is played using a disc.
Ace or ‘hole-in-one’ is a scoring term used in disc golf. Scoring an ace in a game brings you closer to completing the hole faster and with the least score.
After learning the basics and mastering the techniques, disc golfers train and practice to get an ace; it is one of the most techniques to master and takes a lot of time.
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What Is An Ace In Disc Golf?
“Ace” is the most basic scoring term used in disc golf; as easy and straightforward as it sounds, it requires much practice, hard work, and dedication to achieve one.
An ‘ace‘ or ‘hole-in-one‘ is when the disc goes directly from the teepad into the basket in just a single shot.
Throwing the disc into the basket in just one strike is a huge accomplishment. Not everyone can score an ace, and for those who do, their achievement is widely discussed and celebrated.
Some golfers even keep the disc with which they scored an ace as a memento. This is because an ‘ace’ is very rare and difficult to achieve for the players, and if they do, it is a very proud moment for them in their career.
Scoring An Ace
A par in disc golf is the number of strokes a disc golfer is expected to complete the hole-in. All disc golf holes have a three to five par rating, i.e., 3-par, 4-par, 5-par, which means it requires 3, 4, and 5 throws, respectively, to get the disc into the basket.
After knowing this, imagine getting the disc straight into the basket in a single shot. Isn’t it a big deal? This is what an ace is.
Let’s look into scoring an ace at each par:
- 3-par: A three-par hole is the shortest; hence scoring an ace or hole-in-one, in this case, is much easier and more common than the other two.
- 4-par: A four-par is farther than the three-par, so scoring an ace on 4-par is less common, but they sometimes occur.
- 5-par: Scoring an ace in 5-par is extremely rare, as it is the farthest of the three. It isn’t easy to score an ace on 5-par compared to 3-par or 4-par. This does not mean that it has never occurred before; it has occurred more than once.
Scoring Terms Used In Disc Golf
Typically, the scores earned by the players are depicted by writing the number on the scorecard. But there also are certain terms associated with the scores:
1. Birdie
Birdie is when the player finishes the hole in 1 stroke less than the par.
- In a par–3 hole, a birdie is when the hole is finished in 2 strokes.
- In a par-4 hole, a birdie is when the hole is finished in 3 strokes.
- In a par-5 hole, a birdie is when the hole is finished in 4 strokes.
2. Eagle
Eagle is when the player finishes the hole 2 strokes less than the par.
- When a player scores an ace in a par–3, it is called an “Eagle.”
- In a par-4 hole, an eagle is when the hole is finished in 2 strokes.
- In a par–5 hole, an eagle is when the hole is finished in 3 strokes.
3. Albatross or Double Eagle
Double Eagle is when the player finishes the hole 3 strokes less than the par.
- In a par–3 hole, double eagles are not possible.
- When a player scores an ace in a par–4, it is called a “Double Eagle” or an “Albatross.”
- In a par–5 hole, a double eagle is when the hole is finished in 2 strokes.
4. Condor
Scoring an ace in 5–par is known as a “Condor“; it can also be called a “Double Albatross” or “Triple Eagle.”
Tips To Score An Ace
Some of the ways the players can use to score an ace are:
- Technique: One of the most essential tips any player should follow is correcting their technique. If you do not play with a proper technique, you will not be able to score an ace.
- Distance: Generally, in disc golf, distance is not that big of a factor, but when trying to land an ace, distance plays a major role. It is because you will need to know how much you need to sling the disc to hit the hole.
- Practice: The key to mastering any game is to practice a lot. The more you play, the better you will get at throwing the shots, increasing your chances of getting an ace.
- Luck: Sometimes, it is all about luck. You might score an ace when you least expect it.
- Last but not least, don’t give up, keep trying and practicing, and you’ll surely succeed at scoring an ace.
Black Ace In Disc Golf
Black Ace in disc golf is when the disc lands a hole in a basket different than the one the golfer intended to. The conditions when a black ace can occur are:
- The course is small, and the baskets are close.
- Due to bad weather conditions.
- The disc hits a tree or signs in its way.
As we have already seen, aces are rare in disc golf, but black aces are even rarer and more difficult.
No score or penalty is received for a black ace in golf, but it is remembered as a fun incident that gets a few laughs and some taunting from fellow players and friends.
FAQs
Who has the most number of aces in disc golf?
In his career of 20 years in the PDGA(Professional Disc Golf Association), Ken Climo has scored a total of 103 aces.
How rare is an ace in disc golf?
According to the statistics, if you play once a week or less, the chances of getting an ace are about 21%.
What do you do when you ace in disc golf?
Scoring an ace in disc golf is a huge achievement and is celebrated. The players write the date, course, and distance of the hole on the disc plate.
What is a field ace in disc golf?
A field ace is not a thing in golf. It is a term used in disc golf to describe a shot hit from a very long distance, usually around 200ft or more.
What are the rules for ace in disc golf?
When players hit an ace, they usually write the date, course, and distance of the hole to celebrate the achievement. There are proper rules as to where you are supposed to write it.
A golfer should not write on a target or a tee sign.
If any golfer wants to write the details, they are supposed to write it on their disc.