Disc golf: Should you change your putting putter in a headwind?

Want to know the secret to getting good at putting?

Keep this on the down-low … 

It’s a simple, straightforward process:

  • Find a putting putter mold that feels good. And don’t switch.
  • Identify a putting style that works for you. And don’t change.
  • Get well-acquainted with your practice basket. And don’t stop.

Considering the source, question the above all you like. But corner any touring golfer at a Pro Tour event near your hometown, and trust me: They’ll hit you with SOME version of the above.

Which makes wind all the more annoying …

Especially a headwind.

DGPT: Kyle Klein

Even if you’re fully converted to the above process, a strong headwind can take your go-to putter and make it instantly unreliable. With even the tiniest bit of exposure, headwinds catch the underside of putters and cause them to lift when you least expect it – up, up and away.

For example, Jay “Yeti” Reading putts with Yeti Pro Aviars. And if you’re not familiar with his game, your hunch is spot-on with this one: The Yeti Pro Aviar is (literally) named after him.

And even HE admits the fade of one the Yeti Pro Aviar offers isn’t enough …

Lucas emailed him about it – here’s what he said:

“If I were to give a negative feature to the Yeti Pro, it may be that – while the puddle-top assists in tracking the disc straight – it’s prone to catch swirling wind that pushes the puddle to negative effect. I’m more of a push-putter, so the wind affects my putts more. I actually use an old-school, out-of-production Bulldog for windy putts. The Bulldog is a beefy, firm and overstable putter.”

Please don’t take this the wrong way …

DGPT: Isaac Robinson

You are NOT Jay Reading.

With putting putters, less is more.

Wind or no wind, if you can make a single mold work for 95% of your putting duties, your game (and UDisc stats) will be better off for it. To that end, though adjustments are still needed to account for a headwind, consider the following when choosing a workhorse putting putter:

  • A fade of two is overstable enough for most windy putting work.
  • The more flat, firm and low-profile the putter, the stronger it’ll perform.
  • Spin-putting cuts through headwinds better than its push-putting cousin.

* Note #1: For headwinds of 20-plus mph, opt for an overstable midrange to get the job done.

* Note #2: And if that feels too funky, try putting with your putter upside-down – click here.

Of course, if you’re already in a committed relationship with a stable-to-understable putter, all is not lost. Keep a freshie of your preferred putting mold in your bag at all times for headwinds. Or, bust out that overstable throwing putter of yours for a little inside-the-circle work. The in-hand familiarity will be there, which is a plus – it’s just a different use-case.

DGPT: G.T. Hancock

Whatever you do, the fewer variables you have to account for, the easier things’ll be.

As I see it, one putter mold for ALL putting duties is best …

But if you choose to go the two-mold route, you’ll be in good company: Reading’s a five-time Putting World Champion. Again, he switches things up in a headwind – so it’s doable.

Find your rhythm. Then, stick with it.

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

Editor’s Suggestions:

Real quick, if you happen to buy something through a link in this article, there’s a chance we’ll get a small share of the sale. It’s how we keep the lights on. To learn more, click here.

Photo of author

Taylor Larsen

Taylor Larsen is a staff writer for Green Splatter. He uses disc golf to self-reflect, pondering questions like, "Where the heck did I throw that?" and "What happens if the disc lands on top of the basket?" He resides in Utah with his dog, Banks, who loves to chase frisbees of all sorts.

4 thoughts on “Disc golf: Should you change your putting putter in a headwind?”

  1. I have found that putting on a hyzer makes for a cleaner release, meaning less wobble in a headwind. I’m not sure about all the science behind it, but I have just found that to work. Also I try to putt super slow in a headwind. It helps more to keep from wobbling. Don’t know if the pros would recommend it or not. Also, I just made the switch from the Classic Soft Warden to the KC Aviar. That helps too

    Reply
    • Benji, did something we write convert you to KC Pro Aviars?

      Even if it didn’t happen, lie to me …

      I need to THINK I had something to do with it.

      Reply
  2. Oh I don’t 100% know if I would have made the switch if Calvin putted with something else but I always have wanted to putt with something harder anyway. And all that you have said about the KC Aviar just kind of pulled me in.

    Reply
    • It’ll take some getting used to …

      And again, let it hit the basket a bit – you need that “seasoned” feel for grip.

      Let us know how it goes!

      Reply

Leave a Comment