The PDGA has published updates to the Official Rules of Disc Golf, effective January 1, 2026. While most changes focus on gameplay and tournament procedures, two updates are especially relevant for course design, caddie book and signage.
Standardized Color Markings for Regulated Areas
The PDGA has officially standardized the colors used to mark regulated areas on the course. This improves clarity for players and creates better consistency across courses and events.
The standardized colors are:
- Out of Bounds (806.02): White
- Casual Area (806.03): Red
- Required Relief Area (806.04): Pink
- Hazard (806.05): Yellow
- Drop Zones (802.05.C) and Mandatory Restricted Planes (804.01): Orange
Clear and consistent colors make it easier for players to instantly understand how an area is played — both on the course and on maps.
Casual Area and Required Relief Area Are Now Clearly Separated
Another important clarification in the 2026 rules is the formal separation between Casual Areas and Required Relief Areas.
While both provide relief without a penalty throw, they are now more clearly defined and played differently:
- Casual Areas allow supporting points to be inside the area and offer relief options along the line of play.
- Required Relief Areas are played like Out of Bounds without penalty, but do not allow line-of-play relief or returning to the previous lie without penalty.
This distinction removes long-standing confusion and makes it clearer how different areas should be marked and communicated.
Why This Matters for Parkdly
Parkdly helps course designers and organizers create clear, professional tee signs and course maps. These rule updates make it easier to:
- Design courses that align directly with PDGA rules
- Use correct and consistent colors for regulated areas
- Clearly differentiate Casual Areas and Required Relief Areas
- Reduce confusion, misplays, and rule disputes
Support for the updated regulated area definitions and color standards have been added to Parkdly to ensure courses remain fully PDGA-aligned.
Interested in learning more about the 2026 PDGA rule updates? You can read about additional changes — such as group vote procedures and shot clock updates — on the official PDGA update page: 👉 https://www.pdga.com/news/official-rules-disc-golf-and-competition-manual-disc-golf-events-updated-2026