UDisc recently published an article with example photos and graphics titled “Disc Golf Rules Explained: Out of Bounds (OB)” providing a clear breakdown of the rules for Out of Bounds (OB). The article helps newer (and some not-so-new) players understand what OB means and how to handle different scenarios.
Common Out-of-Bounds Situations:
-
Throw lands fully in OB
Player takes a penalty and throws from the last in-bounds location or a marked drop zone. -
Disc comes to rest above OB (e.g., in a tree above a river)
Still considered OB if the point directly beneath the disc is OB. -
Disc lands on a line marking OB
Not treated as OB when any part of the disc is in bounds. -
Partially OB (disc touching OB and in-bounds area)
If any part of the disc touches in-bounds territory, it is considered in bounds. -
Disc lands in-bounds but rolls or skips into OB
It is treated as OB based on where it came to rest. -
Relief from OB
Players can take one meter of relief from the OB line in the direction perpendicular to the OB boundary. -
Using Drop Zones
Some courses provide a marked drop zone as the throwing location after an OB penalty. -
Casual Areas vs OB
Casual areas (e.g., mud, water not marked OB) do not result in a penalty but allow relief. -
Permanent OB zones (like roads or private property)
Always off-limits regardless of whether marked during play. -
Hazard vs OB
Hazards may not carry a penalty stroke but require throwing from where the disc lies.
👉 Read UDisc’s full guide for further explanation and visuals of each case.