Each year, disc golfers from around the world gather at their local courses for one purpose: to throw aces! No putting, no approaching... just runnin' at the chains.
To add to the challenge and excitement, players all throw the same model disc: a brand new, never-seen-before Discraft prototype disc that is introduced each year especially for Ace Race. Everyone gets a player's pack that included two discs and other cool gear valued at no less than $50... and your entry fee is still only $25!
When: August, September and October. Check the calendar for the Ace Race in your area... or run your own ace race! To run an event, see the TD info page.
Format: Two rounds of 18 holes, one throw per hole per player.
Course layout: Holes are generally between 180 and 250 feet (55 to 75 meters).
Entry fee: $25
Player package: Guaranteed to be at least twice the value of your entry fee! The 2012 player pack included two identical Discraft prototype discs made especially for Ace Race, plus a SuperColor mini, sunglasses, a sticker and a sweet water bottle for every player. More than a $50 value!
Rules of play: Players are required to use the player package discs, and only these discs. If a disc is lost, the player has the option of using the second disc from the package. Only one throw per player per hole. All players should have their own scorecards and mark "A" for aces (a hole-in-one) and "M" for holes on which they hit metal.
After all players in the group have thrown, discs are picked up and the group moves directly to the next tee. Players keep their scorecards for round two, using the next line on the card to record the round.
The player with the most aces after 36 holes is declared the winner. In case of ties, the number of metal hits is used as a tie breaker. If a tie persists, a closest to the pin contest is then used to determine the event winner.
Prize package: Grand prize for each event last year a Discraft merchandise package, including a bag and eight new discs. 2013 grand prize will be announced soon. Events are also encouraged to offer an optional cash side pot for those who wish to participate, which is divided proportionally among the number of aces and/or metal hits.
To sign up: Contact your local Ace Race Event Director from the calendar page.
Each event receives three free posters. Additional copies are available (3 for $5) or you can download to print your own and/or customize for the Web.
2012 proto reviews
Nate Hill, Truckee, CA: "The disc is a sure winner! I vote to call it "The Stinger". Great job Discraft!" Bob Stachowski, Effingham IL: "Discraft proves they make the best quality discs out there. Hands down. And the best events!" Chad Irvine, Carmel IN: "Gotta say guys, love the disc." Andrew Jinks, Neosho, MO: "Almost all of the players LOVED the disc. Nice and flat for a while with a hard fade at the end." Rodney Bell, location unknown: "Reviews are positively straight & gliding!" Chris Foster, Becker MN: "Love this disc!"
The history of the Ace Race prototype discs
Each year Ace Racers are the first players to ever throw a new Discraft prototype disc. These discs are always designed to be easy to throw and control. Only 2008's Nebula and 2011's Zeppelin have never been officially released outside of Ace Race. Here's the breakdown of the discs since our first year in 2003:
Returning event directors have already taken advantage of their pre-registration option, and now it's your turn!
No previous experience in running events is needed, but timing is a factor since we put a 30-mile buffer zone around most events. If you wait to register, someone could lock in the Ace Race in your town ahead of you. Get your event registered and get ready to run it!
2013 Ace Race: Get Ready To Run It!
What is Ace Race? It's a fun event that helps disc golf grow by introducing thousands of new players to the joys of the sport! Each participant gets a huge player pack of cool stuff, then everyone plays two rounds of disc golf, but instead of keeping score the only goal is to throw aces (also known as a hole-in-one)! Holes are shortened, and everyone is throwing the same disc: a brand new Discraft prototype disc that is easy to throw and developed just for the event. It's a blast!
How to be a player: Go to the event calendar page and zoom the map to your area to find the nearest ace race. Click that event's icon to find the city and date information, then scroll down the calendar page to that date and find the contact information for your local event.
How to be an event director: If you don't find a scheduled event in your area, you can host your own Ace Race! No previous experience as a Tournament Director is required. Ace Races are limited to one per community, so register your local event early. If you wait, someone could lock in the Ace Race in your town ahead of you. See the TD info page to learn more.
Updates coming later in the year on the 2013 disc and player pack.
How fun is Ace Race? The Joplin, MO club will show you!
Thanks for another record year!
The 2012 Ace Race was our biggest ever, and we would like to thank the 15,600+ players at 347 local events around the globe who helped us to have such an awesome time! The disc is now approved for PDGA tournament use, see below for details.
2012 Prototype Disc is now the Zombee
The 2012 Ace Race disc has been officially named Zombee, and it wants CHAAAAINS! The disc has also been approved for PDGA tournament use, including all Ace Race copies. Zombee isn't especially fast, but it is relentless in pursuit of its basket victims, moving in a straight line with added glide toward its prey. Zombee joins the Discraft hive as a utility driver with a 1.0 stability rating.
In stores now! Ask your favorite disc golf retailer for a Zombee.
Every player receives a sweet player pack!
Your $25 entry fee also includes a player pack that is always worth at least twice the entry fee! Last year's player pack included everything you see here. The 2013 disc and pack will be announced this summmer. Stay tuned!
