I'd like to know how some of you perceive the distance of a hole (or shot)? How some of you have measured the distance's of your course?

Do you measure it by simply walking it off? Then what about elevation changes?
Or, is the distance of a hole (or shot) from point a to point b (laser like)? Then what about a big dog leg hole?

To me, it seems like a very judgemental call, and both could be appropriate. So it basically depends on the circumstances.

What do you think, or better yet know?
How can you be accurate?

Just trying to do the right thing!!

Distance is measured point to point with a laser rangefinder. Normally, a wooded dogleg is measured following the intended flight path. If players of the skill level the hole is intended for can throw over the corner to cut off some distance, you can do that. However, if the wooded dogleg can be defeated by a reasonable percentage of that player skill level, then perhaps the hole design is questionable. However, if the dogleg is created by a water hazard, then the measurement depends on determining where the appropiate landing area is for that player skill level and measuring to there whether it's to the corner of the dogleg or across the corner of the pond.

Elevation isn't considered in the measurement for scorecards and tee signs but is important in determining the proper lengths for the player skill level the hole is designed for. We use a 3 to 1 factor to adjust length up or down from the measured length to determine the effective length. Then, compare that to the charts in the PDGA course design information: www.pdga.com/cd_start.php (http://www.pdga.com/cd_start.php) to see if it falls in the appropriate range.

For Springfield, Illinois - we used the Pythagorean theorem (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythagorean_theorem)

We measured straight line from teepad to one point (usually a stake in the ground) - then the one point another straight line to the basket. Then used the theorem as our distance tool. The device used was walking with a wheel measuring the feet since we do not have the $ for laser range finders.

i'm sharing how we measure to serve as an alternative approach. I am aware that there is no one size fit all standard for measuring especially when it comes to various locations and their strategies.

Still interested in how others measure their distances.

The Pythagorean calc is only appropriate for crossing water or areas of schule that you can't roll a wheel thru where the length is within range of one throw for the player level the hole is designed for. The actual wheel measurements you make are correct for measuring wooded dogleg holes. Calculating the Pythagorean hypotenuse is incorrect if players can't actually throw that route thru/over the woods or the carry over water is too far for that skill level.

For Springfield, Illinois - we used the Pythagorean theorem (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythagorean_theorem)

We measured straight line from teepad to one point (usually a stake in the ground) - then the one point another straight line to the basket. Then used the theorem as our distance tool. The device used was walking with a wheel measuring the feet since we do not have the $ for laser range finders.



I would be carefull using the Pythagorean in this situation becasue it only applies to a RIGHT-triangle. Were you able to place your stick such that the 2 legs you measured created a right triangle? It seems like that would be a little hard to control...

If you are in an area that has good satellite photography available on GoogleEarth, their measurement tool is pretty cool and pretty accurate - assuming you can identify landmarks that give a clue as to where the tee and basket are.

To those who opened discussion - if the throw can be done in a straight line, yes, a simple wheel towards the pin. - i was referring to the difficult holes which require measurement that open discussion (to my view)

right triangle - wooded throwing areas - come and visit Lincoln park #3 from the blues in Springfield Illinois and you will get a gist.

Google maps - i shud download that and see how that goes

let me try and paint a picture.

two ways to attempt a throw.

1. straight with an anhyzer fade for RHBH 300 feet, then a 200 foot putt shot - the left side is water.
2. big arms hyzer over the woods straight at it. teepad to woods approx 150 feet. woods approx 150 feet thick. basket approx 100 feet from the woods.

debate between measuring the safest approach a nice "hook" for 500 feet or a pyhta calc.

we did both - the bigger # will always be the safer "hook" throw than the pytha.

Food for thought: We should include a disclaimer at all course message boards explaining how the distances were measured?? Add a line in course ratings guide?

If it's designed as a red, white or blue level hole/course, then the 500 ft measurement is probably appropriate. If it's a Gold level hole/course then the straight line is probably best. Whether the straight line might be better for blue level depends on how high the woods are. If less than 20% of blue level players can clear it if they wanted to, then the long route is probably the best length.

In the case of doglegs, whether the lenght listed for the hole is straight at the pin or aroung the courner, the graphic of the hole should include the corner point and the distances from that point to the tee(s) and pin(s).

I think the listed length should be the direct length and the other pertinent lengths should be included in the graphic.

Just define a flight path and measure the distance. If someone finds a shortcut, so be it. Doglegs in golf are not measured by cutting the corner. If someone is good enough or lucky enough to find an alternate way good for them. Heck, if there are two routes (or more) define multiple distances. Who really cares, unless you're bragging for the longest course in the world - then jusy define your flight path as mu wife plays (shanks the disc waaaaaaaay left, then shanks it behind her, then across the street, then way left again, and so on).

This is a trick question. The true distance is defined by the flight of the disc, not the physical features of the hole. Consider throwing a HUGE spike hyzer where the horizontal distance is only 200 feet, but that disc traveled 300 feet plus along its arc. So, by defining a hole distance over trees, it's not just the horzontal portion, but the entire length of the arc - afterall, you have to throw the disc with the speed and strength of a 300' shot to clear 200' of 40' trees. (Chuck, please check the math on that arc equation for me :D

The actual distance wouldn't be 300 feet along the arc (maybe 230), but the equivalent power requirement might be. If the player is releasing from say 5 feet off the ground and has to clear 40 ft trees, let's say he has to throw 45 feet high at the peak (probably much more when you consider it might be a grove of 40 ft trees that's 60 feet wide). Using our 3 times multiplier, the equivalent length conservatively adds at least 120 feet to the throw.

Is that also considering the angle of the projectile? I was thinking more liek clearing a grove of trees about 100-150' wide (deep, long, however). If I were 5 feet away from 40' high trees, I'd have to throw higher than 45' to clear them all. Same goes for if the basket were very close to the edge, as compared to 100' past. Maximum distance at 45 degrees, but not if you or the basket are real close to either edge. You'd be throwing in an arc with a huge maximum height and steep slopes.

So, if that were your only true path to the basket, you could define the hole length as 150' and rely on skill to determine that you have to throw at 350' power, or you could mark the tee sign as 350' (or whatever the arc travel was required). I don't think defining the hole by the arc is the way to go, same thing with an paths around obnstacles. You've got to define a reasonable flight path from the tee to basket, and figure out that horizontal distance. It comes down to skill and claculating in your head what it's going to take to circumvent that obstacle or clear it.

For Springfield, Illinois - we used the Pythagorean theorem (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pythagorean_theorem)

We measured straight line from teepad to one point (usually a stake in the ground) - then the one point another straight line to the basket. Then used the theorem as our distance tool. The device used was walking with a wheel measuring the feet since we do not have the $ for laser range finders.



I would be carefull using the Pythagorean in this situation becasue it only applies to a RIGHT-triangle. Were you able to place your stick such that the 2 legs you measured created a right triangle? It seems like that would be a little hard to control...



If you can fina a side and angle you can find all the sides. Simple Trig.

The cheapest hand-held GPS units will give you distance accuracy to within 10 feet.

The best way by far is to use a 300 foot tape measure, get the exact measurement, and then add 10% so people think the hole is longer than it really is.

The cheapest hand-held GPS units will give you distance accuracy to within 10 feet.


Not true. Unless the GPS system has WAAS it will not be that accurrate, and the cheapest GPS units still don't have it. Also, accuracy within 10 ft is dependant on getting enough satillite signals to your GPS unit. Trees and buildings will block satillites, and last time I checked most disc golf courses have trees. I've used three different GPS units and depending on how open an area I'm in accuracy is between 10 and 45 feet.

Now if you want to pay the big bucks you can get within a couple of inches with GPS

Alright... "The cheapest hand-held GPS units *can* give you distance accuracy to within 10 feet."
Your mileage may vary...

Sorry, i'm a little picky. :D