The short answer
A disc golf course needs two kinds of signs: a course map sign at the start of the course and a tee sign at every tee. The course map sign shows the course map, the playing order, the rules and who maintains the course. The tee sign shows the hole number, length, par and a map of the hole, plus out-of-bounds areas and mandatories where needed. An 18-hole course therefore needs one course map sign and at least 18 tee signs.
Signs are the user interface of a course. They tell players where the round starts, which way to throw and where the next tee is. Good signs make a course easy for first-timers, guide players onto safe lines and show that the course is looked after.
This guide covers what belongs on the course map sign and the tee signs, where to place them and how to keep them up to date.
Why signs matter
- Playability: players find the first tee and play the holes in the right order.
- Safety: signs guide players to throw in the intended direction and show where a hole crosses a footpath.
- New players: first-timers understand how to play the course from the signs, without needing an app.
- Appearance: consistent, tidy signs show that the course is looked after.
- Contact details: players know whom to report damage to.
Course map sign
The course map sign is often the first thing a player sees on arriving at the course. Place it near the first tee or at the meeting point where rounds start and finish.
What goes on the course map sign
- A course map showing all holes, the playing order and the walks between holes
- Hole lengths, pars and difficulty levels
- The basic rules of disc golf and course etiquette
- Safety instructions: throw only when the fairway is clear
- Who maintains the course, with contact details for reporting damage
- The course name and address, which also helps in an emergency
- Partner and sponsor logos where needed
Product: Course map sign, including frame and graphics. The frame can also be ordered on its own: course map sign frame.
Tee sign
The tee sign gives players the key information about a single hole. Place it next to each tee so that it is easy to read before throwing but stays out of the throwing line and the run-up area.
What goes on the tee sign
- Hole number
- Length and par
- A map of the hole: tee, basket, trees and other obstacles
- Hole-specific rules, such as out-of-bounds areas and mandatories
- Direction to the next tee, if it is not obvious
A clear tee sign helps players understand how the hole is meant to be played, so they play the course safely and correctly. If a hole has two tees, both lengths can be shown on the same sign.
Product: Tee sign, including frame and graphics. The tee sign frame can be ordered on its own, and the A4-size graphics can then be ordered from us or produced yourself.
Other signs
- Direction signs: arrows or signs pointing to the next tee where the route is not obvious.
- Warning signs for other park users: where a footpath crosses a fairway.
- Municipal signage guidelines: on municipal sites, signs should follow the city's own signage and park sign guidelines.
Frames and installation
The frames for the course map sign and the tee signs are made of powder-coated metal that withstands outdoor conditions all year. The frames are installed in the ground with concrete, so they stay firmly in place and cannot be taken away without permission.
- Mark the sign positions on site at the same time as the tees and baskets.
- Check for underground cables and pipes before digging.
- Place the tee sign next to the tee, out of the throwing line and the run-up area.
- Install the frame vertically so that the graphics are easy to read from the tee.
Course map and graphics
The sign graphics are produced from the course design. When the design exists as digital material, the course map on the course map sign and the hole maps on the tee signs are consistent and match the tee and basket positions marked on site.
Our course package includes course design and a course map, so the sign graphics come straight from the design.
How we help: we produce the course map and sign graphics from the course design and supply the course map sign and tee signs with their frames.
How many signs you need
| Course | Course map sign | Tee signs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice area | 1 | – | One sign with the rules and maintainer details |
| 9 holes | 1 | 9 | Plus direction signs as needed |
| 18 holes | 1 | 18 | Plus direction and warning signs as needed |
Maintaining the signs
- Check the signs at the start and end of each season.
- Replace faded or damaged graphics.
- Update the course map and tee signs whenever holes or basket positions change.
- Keep the area around the signs tidy and the view unobstructed.
Because the tee sign graphics are a replaceable A4-size panel, a change to a single hole does not require replacing the whole sign.
Frequently asked questions
What should a disc golf course map sign include?
The course map sign shows the course map, the playing order, hole lengths and pars, the basic rules, course etiquette, safety instructions and the contact details of the course maintainer. Place it near the first tee.
What goes on a disc golf tee sign?
A tee sign shows the hole number, length, par and a map of the hole with its obstacles. Where needed, it also shows hole-specific rules such as out-of-bounds areas and mandatories.
Does every hole need its own sign?
Yes. Place a tee sign near every tee so that players have the information they need before throwing. An 18-hole course therefore needs at least 18 tee signs.
How are the signs installed?
The frames for the course map sign and the tee signs are made of powder-coated metal and installed in the ground with concrete. Place the tee sign next to the tee, out of the throwing line and the run-up area.
Can we produce the tee sign graphics ourselves?
Yes. The tee sign frame can be ordered on its own, and the A4-size graphics can be ordered from us or produced yourself.
Where should the course map sign be placed?
Near the first tee or at the meeting point where rounds start and finish. This way players find the start of the course and get the information they need before the round.
How to get started
Tell us about your course and the number of holes, and we will quote the signs, baskets and tee pads. The sign graphics are produced from the course design.
Read also: How to Build and Design a Disc Golf Course: The Complete European Guide, How to Choose Disc Golf Baskets for a Permanent Course and Disc Golf Tee Pads: Materials, Size and Installation