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Disc Golf Courses: Tee Installation

 

Table Of Contents
Introduction, Growth
About Disc Golf, Top 15 Reasons
Budget Analysis
Course Packages
Course Design
Equipment - Targets
Equipment - Signs
Equipment - Tees
Lifetime Sport, Revenue Stream
Education - EDGE Program
Recreational Programs & Competitions
Appendix - Tee Installation
Appendix - Disc Golf History
Target Installation

Proper Tee Design and Construction
Tees should always be as level as possible, not sloping more than 1/2 inch per linear foot, or no more than 6” from front to back of a 12 foot tee. Tees should also be level from side to side, and should not slope off sharply in front of the pad. Ideally, the pad is on flat level ground with 3 feet of flat level space in front and to the sides, and 6 feet to the rear for those who like to approach the pad with some momentum. Edges of the pad should not drop off sharply, especially on long open holes which may require a follow through. One of the most common injuries results from falling or tripping while on the tee. Proper design will dramatically reduce the potential for injury.

Concrete Tees with a coarse finish provide the best throwing surface for all types of disc golf drives. A firm, slip-free surface must be provided for long power drives. Also, a reasonably level surface should be created for finesse drives demanding accuracy.

Tee Length and Width
Tee size is greatly affected by several factors: mainly cost, hole length, and remoteness to access roads. For longer courses that will see tournament play, a minimum of 4 feet by 8 feet allows most everyone with an acceptable zone to begin throws. Longer tees may be considered for wide open longer holes, while smaller pads may be strategically placed on tight wooded holes to eliminate options. The width of the pad affects the angle of comfortable run up, not as important on wide open holes, but tees for holes with center mounted obstacles may benefit from a trapezoidal tee that allows for a wider range of shots while utilizing minimal concrete. Tournament courses may have teepads as large as 6' by 12' or larger.

Considerations:

  1. Concrete tees are virtually maintenance free.
  2. Concrete tees with a coarse finish will help to prevent slipping during wet conditions.
  3. Concrete tees will improve the user’s/public’s overall impression of the disc golf facility.
  4. Erosion is easily controlled.

Key Tip
Astroturf® affixed to a broom, and weighted down with a piece of 2 by 6, makes an excellent tee texturing tool.
Create a very coarse finish!
Most broom finishes will wear smooth within one year and will be ineffective during wet conditions. To achieve an excellent finish, affix a weighted Astroturf® mat (see photos) to a broom and drag the mat across the wet concrete.

Timing is essential to the finish. Drag the grass-like blades across the wet surface shortly after floating but before a broom finish would normally be applied.
Safety dictates that forms should be dug into the ground. A concrete tee that is not dug into the ground is a potential trip hazard.

Concrete Specifications:

  1. 4” Minimum Thickness
  2. 3000+ PSI Minimum
  3. 4” slump (recommended)
  4. Approximately 1 cubic yard for a 12’ by 6’ by 4” tee.
  5. Use rebar or wire when building on unstable soil or in areas that may receive heavy vehicular traffic.
  6. The tee should be essentially level from side to side.
  7. To allow for drainage, the pad should never be perfectly level or have low areas that will harbor water.
  8. Pad elevation should not interfere with mowing and other maintenance operations.

Next section: Disc Golf History
West Coast Sales
11077 Arrow Route
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
P: 800-408-8449
F: 909-481-6263
East Coast Sales
2850 Commerce Drive
Rock Hill, SC 29730
P: 800-476-3968
F: 803-329-3472
 
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