Disc golf: How playing holes ‘backwards’ can lower scores

Have you ever heard of playing a hole this way?

Backwards.

The concept was new to me until a reader brought it to my attention a few weeks back. No, it’s not a creative way to play a safari round of disc golf, though that’d certainly do the trick.

Instead, it’s one pulled straight from the world of ball golf. Playing a hole “backwards” is a strategy meant to help disc golfers card lower scores, especially on the trickiest of layouts.

Within the amateur realm, at least, due to an overwhelming abundance of par-three courses at public parks, most disc golfers approach a hole with a tee-to-green mentality. And it’s hard to fault them: It’s what they see the pros do on Disc Golf Network coverage, so it’s what they attempt to do, too. Besides, from the tee box, the basket can frequently be seen …

It’s (clearly) reachable.

As such, the goal is simple:

• Get to the green.
• Quickly card a birdie.
• Move onto the next hole.

Rinse and repeat.

The problem with doing things this way, however, is that it eliminates hole-by-hole analysis. In theory, the birdie-or-bust mindset is great. In practice, it’s a pipe dream – again, for amateurs.

Alternatively …

Throw smart.

• Choose your spots.
• Score when the time is right.
• And when it isn’t, take the safe par.

There’s less heartache that way.

Playing a hole backwards can help.

To play a hole backwards, begin with the disc in the basket – I’m well aware this is weird. Then, in accordance with your individual strengths and skill level, ask yourself the following question:

“Where does my previous lie need to be for me to comfortably get here?”

For example, if it’s a 250-foot par-three, this’ll likely involve taking a detailed look at the green. Pay attention to the placement of the pin, in relation to any nearby obstacles: trees, rocks, bushes, etc. Speaking of obstacles, consider how your disc’s proximity to them will affect your normal putting routine. And don’t forget to take into consideration the slope of the surface, either.

Identify where you want to be.

Then, off the tee, figure out what’s needed to get you there.

But wait …

There’s more.

This time around, let’s say the hole in question is a par-four or par-five – something longer. Or, maybe it’s still a par-three, but it’s one you’d prefer to play on the safe side. Once you’ve pinpointed your ideal putting location on the green, yet again, repeat the inquiry:

“Where does my previous lie need to be for me to comfortably get here?”

And so on and so forth until you arrive back at the teepad.

Drives, approaches and putts – as well as the discs required to make ‘em happen – are ALL accounted for. Essentially, to play a hole backwards is to reverse-engineer how you’d like it to play out in a perfect world. Or rather, what you think is realistically doable, given your ability.

No, not every hole needs this kind of treatment – most probably don’t, in fact. But if there’s one or two you’re worried about derailing an upcoming tourney, go ahead and play ‘em backwards.

Easy as pie.

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