Whether you’re designing your own disc golf basket, setting up a new course, or just curious about what makes an official target “tournament legal,” understanding PDGA basket standards is key. This guide breaks down the official rules, explains what’s allowed at different competition levels, and answers common questions about basket design, performance, and maintenance.
Understanding PDGA Disc Golf Basket Standards
The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) has clear technical standards for disc golf targets. These standards help ensure every basket used in sanctioned play catches discs consistently, no matter where you compete. The PDGA categorizes baskets into three approval levels:
- Championship Level: The highest standard, used in professional and elite tournaments. Must meet all design and measurement specifications precisely.
- Standard Level: Commonly used for local leagues and A or B-tier events. Meets most of the same specs but may allow slight variations.
- Basic Level: Approved for casual or low-level play. These baskets are functional but may not meet all advanced PDGA measurements.
Key PDGA Disc Golf Basket Specifications
- Basket Height: The rim of the catching tray must be 82 cm (±6 cm) above the ground.
- Basket Diameter: The opening should be 66 cm (±4 cm) wide.
- Chain Assembly: Championship-level baskets must have at least 12 outer and 6 inner chains, evenly spaced for 360° coverage.
- Deflection Assembly: The chain area must be symmetrical, with no large gaps greater than 23 cm.
- Basket Depth: The tray should be at least 18 cm deep for tournament play.
- Construction Material: Must be metal or another durable, weather-resistant material suitable for permanent outdoor use.
These measurements ensure that no matter where a PDGA event takes place, the targets behave in a consistent, fair way. Manufacturers that meet these specs can submit their designs for official PDGA approval and listing.
Can You Build Your Own Disc Golf Basket?
Yes, you can absolutely build your own disc golf basket — and many players do for backyard practice. However, there’s an important difference between building to PDGA specs and being PDGA approved.
Even if your homemade basket perfectly matches PDGA measurements and materials, it’s not automatically approved for tournament use. The PDGA only allows officially tested and approved targets in sanctioned events. Approval involves submitting a sample unit to the PDGA for review, measurement verification, and durability evaluation. Once passed, it’s added to the PDGA Approved Targets List.
If your DIY basket meets all the same physical dimensions, it will perform very similarly for home practice — but it cannot be used in official tournaments until the PDGA approves that exact model.
Where Can Different Types of Baskets Be Used?
The PDGA’s Competition Manual (section 5.05.B) defines which basket types are legal for various events:
- Championship & Elite Tiers: Must use Championship-level PDGA-approved baskets.
- A, B, and C Tiers: May use Standard or Championship-level baskets.
- Leagues or Non-Sanctioned Events: Can use Basic or unapproved baskets, depending on the event director’s discretion.
In short, if you’re building a course for casual or league play, you have more flexibility. But for any event listed under PDGA sanctioning, only approved baskets of the correct level can be used.
Portable vs Permanent Baskets
Disc golf baskets generally come in two main styles: portable and permanent.
Portable Baskets
Portable baskets are lighter, often collapsible, and easy to transport. They’re perfect for home practice or temporary courses. Because they’re designed to be mobile, they often use thinner chains or lighter frames to reduce weight and cost. While great for casual play, they may not always catch discs as well as a full-weight course basket, especially in windy conditions.
Permanent Course Baskets
Permanent baskets are built to live outside year-round. They use thicker steel, reinforced welds, and weatherproof coatings to withstand thousands of throws and harsh outdoor conditions. These are the baskets you’ll find on most public or tournament courses. They’re heavier, more expensive, and far more durable than portable models.
If you’re building a course or designing your own permanent setup, investing in a course-grade basket with galvanized steel and high-quality chains will save you maintenance headaches later.
Disc Golf Basket FAQ
How many chains should a disc golf basket have?
Most regulation baskets have 12 to 24 chains arranged in two layers (outer and inner). The more chains, the better the disc-catching performance. Basic baskets may only have outer chains, while championship-level baskets include both for reduced bounce-outs.
Are all baskets the same size?
No, but most PDGA-approved models follow similar dimensions to maintain consistency. Regulation baskets have an opening about 66 cm wide and a rim height around 82 cm from the ground.
Are elevated baskets legal?
Yes. Elevated baskets — those placed on platforms, mounds, or longer poles — are allowed in tournaments. As long as the basket itself meets PDGA specs, course designers can adjust the installation height to increase challenge.
Can I use a portable basket in a PDGA tournament?
Portable baskets are allowed only if they’re PDGA-approved and match the required event level. Smaller events may use approved portable models, but professional tournaments typically require permanent Championship-level targets.
Why do some baskets “spit out” discs?
This happens when the chain setup isn’t tight enough or there are wide gaps between the chains. High-quality baskets with proper chain tension and good spacing tend to catch more consistently.
Can I leave my basket outside all year?
Permanent baskets are designed for that, but portable baskets aren’t. If you have a portable practice basket, bring it indoors during winter or bad weather to prevent rust and wear.
How much does a disc golf basket cost?
Prices vary by type and quality:
- Portable baskets: $60–$200
- Course-quality permanent baskets: $300–$600+
Higher-end models last longer, catch better, and are more stable in outdoor conditions.
If I build my own basket that matches PDGA specifications, can I use it in tournaments?
No. Even if your homemade basket perfectly follows PDGA measurements, it’s not officially approved until the PDGA has tested and certified it. You can use it for home practice or casual play, but not in any sanctioned tournament. To be legal, the exact model must appear on the PDGA Approved Targets List.
Final Thoughts
Disc golf baskets may look simple, but there’s a lot of engineering and regulation behind them. Whether you’re setting up your backyard basket, designing a new course, or considering building your own, understanding PDGA standards helps ensure a fair, consistent playing experience. Choose the right basket for your needs—portable for practice, permanent for courses, and PDGA-approved for competition—and you’ll be set to enjoy years of great putting practice and play.