I write a lot about putting.
It’s what consumes the bulk of my practice time.
And that’s not me being committed to doing things the right way or anything. I’m a dad, husband and working professional with enough on my plate to keep me busy during the daylight hours. Because of it, I don’t always have the time to make it out to the course for 18 holes of golf.
I do have 30 minutes for my practice basket, though. Assuming I find a good rhythm, stay focused and put in at least three or four sessions a week, it’s not hard to see improvement.
But because I spend so much time working with my practice basket out in the backyard, I expect perfection. It’s not going to happen, but still – I expect it. At least within circle one. Of course, I want the “biscuit in the basket” as much as possible, but I also want my putt to look good …
Like I know what I’m doing.
Crisp. Clean. Confident.
Putter flutter is NOT that.
Are you somewhat similar?
If so, few things bring about more frustration on the putting green than seeing your putter look like a wounded duck en route to the basket. As is the case with anything, there are a few reasons your putts might fly uglier than those of other disc golfers – see if any of the below fits the bill.
If your putting grip has a tendency to loosen at the moment the disc leaves your hand, flutter is often the end result. Inadvertently, there’s excess drag. The release isn’t clean. Flutter ensues.
Next, you might think a wobbly putt means more spin is needed. There’s a bigger issue at play than spin rate, though: It’s off-axis torque. Off-axis torque (OAT) occurs when a disc golfer injects energy into a frisbee that doesn’t align with the original plane on which it was set.
More often than not, this is a problem off the tee. It can, however, occur from short distances. Again, a loose putting grip could be to blame. On the flip side of things, if you tightly lock your fingers to the inside of the rim when putting, this also can alter a putter’s plane and cause flutter. Tinker with thumb placement. Workshop different putting grips to see if there’s a better option.
Whatever the case, identify 1) where you generate putting power, and 2) the last part of your hand to touch the disc when putting. Knowing the answer to each makes setting and maintaining a putting plane that much easier, as they’re the biggest culprits in short-range OAT taking place.
Lastly, if NONE of the above appear to be the issue, consider this …
Your putter’s too soft.
There’s nothing wrong with opting for one of those flimsy, foldable putters by which so many golfers swear. I’ll admit it: They 100% grab the chains better. And rollaways are less likely, too. But pay attention to the guys (and gals) who bag ‘em – their putters flutter like mad in the air.
Here’s the thing, though …
It’s okay to be a flutter-putter.
Jay “Yeti” Reading is a five-time Putting World Champion. His putts flutter all over the place. Without a doubt, Ohn Scoggins is one of the top female putters in the world. Her JK Pro Aviar-Xs seesaw on every single basket bid. James Conrad’s another good example.
What do all three disc golfers have in common?
They’re epic putters.
In a ripping headwind, flutter can prove detrimental. And from 50, 60 or 70 feet, it’s harder to make the fluttery stuff work. But inside the circle, where putts REALLY matter, as long as your aim, line and pace are consistent, it’s not all that important how clean the flight looks.
If you’re making putts, screw sex appeal …
Stick with what’s working.
Flutter-Puter: Embrace the label.
Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
Editor’s Suggestions:
- The beauty of an empty disc golf course
- Disc golf: There’s something about white putters …
- Disc golf: No flick? Try a (controlled) ‘chop’ sidearm
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