Disc golf: Can you putt with something other than a putter?

I don’t respond to many blog comments …

But I read ‘em for help with article ideas.

Last week, a reader dropped us a line about putting with something other than a putter. The comment resonated with me, as it’s something I strongly considered as a newbie disc golfer.

Unlike many, within a week of my first round, I could put a golf disc out 300-ish feet. But for as much success as I saw off the tee, it was the complete opposite experience on the putting green. Distance drivers felt great in my hand. Having never picked up an ultimate frisbee, however, putters felt bulky and awkward. I was convinced I could putt better with something else …

To be more specific, a Champion Beast.

My buddies were right …

Three or four rounds later, I knew I was wrong.

Putters are slow. Which makes sense, because they don’t have all that far to travel. And because they’re slow, mid-flight, you don’t see nearly as much right-to-left or left-to-right movement en route to the basket. And lastly, unlike a faster frisbee when they miss, they (usually) stay close.

So can you? Yes.

Should you? Absolutely not.

But it’s not quite that cut-and-dry, either …

For example, before the MD5 was approved by the PDGA, Eagle McMahon threw a Gator for his overstable midrange duties. This was back when you could do that sort of thing as a member of Team Discmania. And wouldn’t you know it, when the wind picked up, he’d putt with it too.

Other beefy mids see similar action:

• Disc No. 1 – The Drone
• Disc No. 2 – The Justice
• Disc No. 3 – The Recluse
• Disc No. 4 – The Deflector

* Note: I’ve seen the Tilt used in a similar capacity, as well.

It’s (somewhat) common in uncommon conditions – think hurricane.

Another reason you could conceivably NOT putt with a putter?

If you’re randomly draining putts with something else, why change?

The reality of the situation is that – for reasons outlined above – most disc golfers don’t test these waters. Putting is hard enough that putting in practice hours with molds that’ll never see action during an event would be a colossal waste of time. Granted, you’ll see guys putt with a putter mold not known for putting when the wind starts howling: the Pig, Berg, Harp, Zone, etc.

But again, wind is weird – nothing all that shocking.

Your best bet with this?

Stick with what’s proven to work: Putt with a quality putting putter.

Don’t overthink this, Einstein.

Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

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