Rules & Etiquette

Drop Zone Rules

Use a drop zone the right way.

Why it matters

A drop zone is an alternative lie the course or event provides when the normal relief would be impractical — across water, past a mandatory, or off a cliff. The confusion is that using one does not necessarily mean the penalty goes away, and whether it applies is set by the event rather than by you.

How to do it

A drop zone is a marked lie the course or the event director designates for specific situations.
Use it when the signage or the event notes tell you to. It is not a general option you may take whenever you prefer it.
Throwing from a drop zone usually still carries the penalty throw for whatever sent you there — missing a mandatory, or going out of bounds.
Some holes offer a choice between the drop zone and the ordinary relief. Read which, before you tee.
Check the players meeting or the event notes: drop zones are often specific to an event, not permanent features.

Common mistakes

Assuming the drop zone cancels the penalty.It usually does not. It provides a lie, not an amnesty.

Using a drop zone because it is a better lie than the one you have.Only when directed to. Otherwise you have just taken an illegal lie.

Not knowing a hole has one until you need it.Read the hole signage before teeing. Finding out under pressure is how it gets used incorrectly.

Key points

A drop zone is an alternate lie set by the course.
Use it when the rules or signage direct you to.
Throwing from a drop zone may still carry a penalty.

The drill

Drill · Find them before you need them — 1 round locating every drop zone on the course before teeing each hole. Walk a round and find every drop zone the course has, noting what each is for. It takes a few extra minutes once, and it means the one time you need one you already know where it is and what it costs.

Watch: Disc Golf Rules School - Episode 5: The Putting Area — PDGA