The term “death putt” is overused.
Just because your putt rocketed off the top of the basket, doesn’t mean the original putt was any kind of knee-knocker. And the comebacker you’ve now got to contend with doesn’t qualify. In fact, most nerve-wracking, situationally significant putts don’t deserve the “death” label, either.
A death putt is a putt in which a failure to convert (likely) results in a tougher putt than the one you just attempted. And if it doesn’t, there’s a good chance you’re looking at a penalty stroke.
Or worse.
Interested in a few specifics?
See for yourself …
1. Beware of the drop-off
I live in Utah.
I play mountain courses.
Given the unique landscape the Beehive State offers, local course designers can’t help but teeter baskets on the edge of steep, intimidating drop-offs. Thankfully, these aren’t full-blown cliffs, as they could literally lead to death – and some slam-dunk lawsuits, if you’re into that sort of thing.
You’ll frequently see these as man-made structures, as well. Box- or shelf-like stands atop which a basket is placed. In fact, depending on the setting or whatever the wind’s doing, in and of itself, an elevated basket could produce this kind of death putt, as well – that’s all that’s needed.
Whether natural, manmade or aided by Mother Nature, when a drop-off is involved, should you miss metal, there’s plenty of space for your putter to soar before coming back down to earth.
It’s ugly.
* Note #1: To see a video clip of this death putt in action, click here.
2. With an O.B. line nearby
Mountains are dangerous.
It’s funny, though …
All that’s needed is a thin nylon string within feet of the basket to inject terror into even the most fearless of putters. While your life’s not on the line, there’s a good chance the success of your round is. There’s no easier three-putt in all of disc golf than the tap-in following an O.B. putt.
Not even the richest of disc golfers can afford to give strokes away …
This is a great way to do it.
* Note #2: To see a video clip of this death putt in action, click here.
3. At the top (or bottom) of a hill
I hate these blasted things.
They make for interesting rounds, though:
- Miss the basket putting downhill, and gravity will do you in.
- Miss the heart of the chains putting uphill, and watch your disc roll.
And roll and roll and roll …
Back to your original lie, if you’re lucky – it’s not uncommon for it to zoom past your mini.
In these situations, consider a lay-up to avoid heartache.
* Note #3: To see a video clip of this death putt in action, click here.
4. Near water (or anything else sucky)
Water is usually marked as O.B. territory.
So yes, this one is similar to the second item on this list.
For me, however, the difference in this kind of death putt is that there’s a chance you lose your disc – and your putting putter, at that. My mind can accept losing a Champion Roc3 or Star Destroyer to a fast-flowing stream. But in theory, putters are supposed to be safe. Losing (inarguably) the most important frisbee in your disc golf bag blows major chunks …
And to a 15-foot throw, to make matters worse.
Salt, meet Wound.
I won’t limit this to water, either:
- Mud is gross.
- Poison ivy is itchy.
- Thorns are painful.
It’s all bad.
* Note #4: To see a video clip of this death putt in action, click here.
Want a sign you’re good at disc golf?
You stop caring (and thinking) about putts.
You simply sink them.
Until you get to that point, though …
Death is imminent.
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