Disc golf: 6 tell-tale signs you’re putting scared

Putting.

In disc golf, there’s no getting around the need.

Forget talent, though …

Are you school-girl scared on the putting green?

Here’s how you can tell:

1. There’s wobble

Yes, I’m aware of Ohn Scoggins’ freak putting ability. And the fact that virtually all of her putts fly like wounded ducks. On the MPO side of the aisle, James Conrad’s short-game frequently does the same thing. There are proven reasons for “putter flutter,” but they’re not all bad …

One of the “bad” ones?

Uncertainty.

2. Zero comebackers

Nobody likes lengthy comebackers …

But they happen.

If you putt confidently, though somewhat seldom, they occur.

If you believe more in yourself missing big than actually making a putt, they don’t.

Cute lay-up.

3. The dreaded 22-footer

Whether off the tee or from an approach, do you ever feel a pit in your stomach as you get closer to your lie and realize you’re about 22-ish feet from the basket? By all accounts, yours was a quality shot. The result of which is (hopefully) an inside-the-circle putt for birdie or par.

However, upon realizing you’ve got a 22-footer headed your way, if you’ve already done the plus-one math in your head to pinpoint your probable score, you might as well head home.

Tap-in-or-bust thinking is lame.

It’s also fear-driven.

4. Hardcore hyzer angles

The hyzer is the easiest angle to hit in disc golf.

That goes for putting, as well.

There’s nothing wrong with deliberate hyzer-putts. Paul McBeth uses them. Isaac Robinson is big on ‘em, too. But so is Garrett Gurthie. And though he’s undoubtedly a better putter than you’ll ever be, it’s a well-known fact on the Pro Tour putting is the worst part of his game.

If yours is a STEEP hyzer-putt, head back to the drawing board.

Fear has you taking what you perceive to be the easy way out …

And it won’t work.

5. Lots of front-cage action

You’ve heard this advice before:

“Putt through the basket – not to the basket.”

The tip is given to prevent wimpy putting.

Should you take the opposite to an extreme, yours is a putting putter that’s no stranger to smacking the front side of the cage over and over (and over) again. Even worse, round after round, you can be heard swearing off short-arming your putts, only to keep right on doing it.

I can speak of this pain, because I know of this pain.

6. You quick-putt everything

Catrina Allen.

Remember when her putt was a jittery dumpster fire?

Here’s what it looked like:

• Zero routine.
• Zero thought process.
• Zero belief in making the putt.

The result was a host of sucky putting compilations featuring her bum-rushed bids.

No, you don’t want to overthink your putt – that leads to panicky putting. Strangely, though, overcompensating leads to the EXACT same thing. So don’t think, but do think. Don’t take forever to putt, but take time to work through your routine – there’s a balance with this.

Find it.

Perhaps the biggest sign of ‘em all?

I’m too nice to give it its own subheading …

You putt like Eveliina Salonen.

It’s harsh, but true.

Sorry, Finland.

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