How Does the Disc Golf Course Rating System Work?

The disc golf course rating system uses two parts: letters describe the course difficulty, while numbers describe the level of course infrastructure and amenities. For example, an AA1 course is an advanced-level course with high-quality facilities.

Finland has more than 1,000 disc golf courses, and the rating system helps players quickly find courses that match their skill level — whether you’re trying disc golf for the first time or preparing for tournament-level play.

What Do the Letters A, B, C and D Mean?

The letter rating describes the overall difficulty of the course. This is mainly based on the number of holes, average hole length, and total par.

The classes work roughly like this:

• A Class (A, AA, AAA) — at least 18 holes with lengths ranging roughly from 50–300 meters. A-level courses suit most active players, AA is more advanced, and AAA represents the most demanding championship layouts.
• B Class (B, BB) — at least 9 holes with lengths around 50–150 meters. This is the most common course category in Finland and works well for both recreational and competitive players.
• C Class — at least 7 baskets with mostly shorter holes under 75 meters. These courses are commonly aimed at beginners and casual local play.
• D Class — 3–6 baskets with holes usually under 50 meters. Typical for school courses and first-time players.

It is important to remember that the system does not evaluate terrain difficulty, elevation changes, wooded fairways, or technical shot requirements. Two courses with the same letter rating can still feel completely different to play.

What Do the Numbers 1, 2 and 3 Mean?

The number after the letter describes the course infrastructure and equipment quality — not the difficulty.

The levels are:

• Level 1 — high-quality tee pads, tee signs, and a full course map. Easy to navigate even for first-time visitors.
• Level 2 — partial infrastructure. Some course features are present, but not everything found on top-tier courses.
• Level 3 — baskets only or very limited infrastructure. Tee pads and signage may be missing entirely.

For newer players, infrastructure matters a lot. Starting on a Level 1 disc golf course is usually far easier than trying to navigate a minimally marked Level 3 course.

How Should You Use the Ratings When Choosing a Course?

The two parts of the rating should always be read together.

A B2 course is generally a recreational-level course with decent infrastructure — a good fit for casual rounds. An AA1 course, on the other hand, is a longer and more demanding layout with high-level facilities aimed at experienced players.

Course ratings are commonly listed on Finnish course directories and apps, making it easy to compare courses before visiting.

Some smaller or newer courses may still appear without official ratings, especially volunteer-maintained local layouts.

Can Beginners Play Championship-Level Courses?

Absolutely. Even top-level A-class courses are open to everyone and do not require tournament licenses or advanced skill levels.

That said, beginners usually enjoy B- and C-class courses more at first. Shorter fairways make learning technique easier and prevent early rounds from becoming exhausting.

As throwing technique and confidence improve, moving to larger championship courses becomes a natural next step.

Choose the Right Discs for the Right Courses

The course you play affects your experience, but so does your disc selection. Beginner-friendly discs can make even difficult layouts feel far more manageable.

At DiscKing, you’ll find a wide selection of disc golf discs for beginners, recreational players, and tournament competitors alike.