You know disc golf is brilliant, yet trying to convince friends to try disc golf can feel like pitching a picnic during a downpour. They picture stiff collars and silence, or they think it is some niche frisbee thing. In reality it is outdoor fun, low stakes competition, and budget friendly entertainment. Use the simple ideas below to make the invite feel easy, and to make a yes feel natural.
How to Convince Friends to Try Disc Golf
People rarely say yes to a mystery. They say yes to something their mates already enjoy, that feels welcoming, and that will not cost the earth. That is your angle. Present it as an easy day out together, a disc golf group activity where the chat matters more than the scorecard.
Frame it as social and low pressure
Disc golf is a relaxed way to hang out, with fresh air and gentle walking between throws. Make the point that perfection is optional. The aim is time together. The idea of social proof helps here, people like what people like. Mention that the PDGA shows steady growth1, often through a friend’s invite. I first played because a friend asked. Twenty five years later, most of that group still plays.
Play up the outdoor bit
It is a walk in the park with a purpose. You get trees, birds, and a target to aim at. The focus is fun, not flawless form. Research from the University of York links outdoor activity to improved mood and lower anxiety.
Position it as a social connector
Shared, low stakes experiences build trust fast. A round on a friendly disc golf course creates easy conversation and small wins. Everyone throws, everyone laughs, everyone gets better. That is the social benefits of disc golf in action.
Use simple invite scripts
Copy, paste, and send one of these to invite friends to play disc golf:
- “Fancy trying a quick nine at the park on Saturday, low stakes competition and a coffee after?”
- “I have spare discs. Come try disc golf with friends, no experience needed.”
- “Looking for easy outdoor fun, how to get friends into disc golf starts with a walk and a laugh. You in?”
If they hesitate, offer options. “We can keep score or skip it.” “Short course or the easy loop.” Choice reduces the risk of a bad time, which nudges friends to try disc golf without fuss.
Make It A Bargain Group Activity
Group plans often sink on price. Disc golf sails through. It is budget friendly entertainment, and you can play today with a couple of basic discs.
Highlight the affordability
Minimal equipment costs
You can play disc golf on a budget. Starter sets with a driver, mid range, and putter often cost $20 to $50. That is cheaper than most hobbies.
Free or low cost courses
Many courses in public parks cost nothing. Pay to play spots are usually a few dollars per round. That makes last minute disc golf outing ideas painless to plan.
Compare with other group activities
Traditional golf
Green fees, kit, and time add up quickly. Disc golf feels similar in spirit, yet it is quicker and far cheaper.
Bowling or mini golf
Charges stack per person, per game, plus rental. Disc golf usually costs less, and you can play again without paying again.
In my group, the low cost is why we play often. It keeps things casual and frequent, which is the best way to introduce disc golf to new people.
Sell The Fun And Skip The Pressure
Disc golf has character. Trees get in the way. Wind has opinions. That unpredictability is part of the joy.
Enjoy the quirky obstacles
Natural challenges
Trees, hills, and the odd pond make every throw interesting. You are solving small puzzles together, which keeps the round lively.
Creative course design
Good courses make smart use of the park. You will throw left, right, high, and low. It keeps things fresh without being harsh on beginners.
Keep it low stakes competition
Casual play
The culture is friendly. People will cheer your tree hits as much as your birdies. Forget perfection, chase good throws and good chat.
Inclusive for all skill levels
New players can join in straight away. Mistakes are part of the fun. I once watched a gust lift a tee shot, then drop it thirty feet behind me. Still funny, still a great day.
Health Perks Without The Gym Face
Think of it as exercise by stealth. You walk, you throw, you talk. That is light cardio with a side of nature activity and stress relief.
Physical benefits
Gentle exercise
Most rounds involve a few miles of walking, depending on the layout. That adds up without feeling like a workout.
Muscle engagement
Throwing uses your arms, shoulders, and core. You will feel it tomorrow, in a good way.
Mental benefits
Stress reduction
Time outside is good for your head. Nature plus movement can lower stress and lift mood.2
Improved focus
Choosing lines and judging distance is a tidy mental workout.3
Ready To Set Up Your First Round
Start small. Introduce your friends to disc golf with a nine hole course and a relaxed pace. If they ask why play disc golf with friends, tell them it is easy fun, cheap, and good for you. If they ask how to get friends into disc golf, show them. Pick a simple layout, bring spare discs, and suggest a coffee afterwards.
I have taken colleagues for quick rounds at Valbyparken in Copenhagen and Zilker Park in Austin. It works everywhere, because the format does the heavy lifting.
Want more help getting started, see our guide for new players and our disc golf for beginners resources. Use these as your quick prep before you invite friends to play disc golf.
One last nudge. If you want friends to try disc golf, give them a low risk first taste. Offer to keep score or skip it, choose the short tees, and let the day run on chat and chucking. That is the best way to introduce disc golf without overthinking it.
