Disc golf: Why you putt through the chains (and not TO them)

If you’re new to this, here’s what many a savvy disc golfer preaches:

“Putt through the chains – not TO the chains.”

While I enjoy poking holes in everything related to disc golf, not this …

This is tried-and-true doctrine.

Tired of putting like a Spice Girl?

Here’s why you should make it part of your game …

First, fearful bids at the basket quickly get your putting putter acquainted with the front of the tray. Whether you admit it or not, as evidenced by your subconscious lay-up, your fear of having to make an uncomfortable comebacker is stronger than your desire to make the original putt.

You know you’ll drain a five-foot putt, but you’re not certain you can do the same from 18 to 22 feet. It takes hours of work with a practice basket, but putting with pace is a sign of confidence. No, putting through the chains doesn’t guarantee makes, but it leads to a belief you’ll convert.

Next, with putting a backhand task, as most putters approach the basket, they finish with fade. When you putt to the basket, as opposed to through the basket, the disc travels slower. As it’s traveling slower, mid-flight, it has more time to work from right to left or left to right …

NOT into the chains.

And lastly, regardless of your preferred putting angle, point-A-to-point-B putts are repeatable. Simply put, there are fewer variables to worry about – with speed being a major one. Less affected by the elements, for better or worse, YOU are accountable for the end result.

One quick word of caution, though …

Don’t be overzealous with this – you’re not Gannon Buhr.

Have mercy on the poor DISCatcher: There’s no need to take the chrome off the chains with the speed of your Special Blend Luna. Avoid extremes. Your putter needn’t nestle comfortably in the basket, just as getting it there with an Aroldis Chapman fastball will hardly prove effective.

Crisp. Clean. Confident.

That’s it.

Be deliberate with your bids: Putt through the chains.

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

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