Disc golf: You need a soft approach disc in your bag

Putting better will drastically lower scores.

And throwing farther makes for great social media posts.

But arguably, it’s one of the least sexy shots in disc golf that moves the needle most …

The approach.

I’ve written about this before, so I won’t waste my breath much on it. Stable-to-overstable approach discs are a fan favorite. Once the right one for the right player’s been identified, it’s only a matter of time before full-blown mold discipleship takes over: Bergs, Harps, Zones, etc.

And it makes sense …

They can be thrown forehand and backhand. And not just for approaches – they’re used for short drives, too. Even putts into a fierce headwind sometimes require a workhorse putter or midrange.

Case in point?

These things see LOTS of action.

If you’ve found your mold of choice, here’s what I’d encourage …

Nab another.

But in a softer, more flexible polymer.

Don’t feel like you need to take this to an extreme or anything. I’m not talking about an Elevation Rubber Koi – a putter that can (literally) be folded in half like a taco. Still, whatever the manufacturer of your favorite disc, go with something gummier – something with some give.

It’s a simple move, but the benefit to your approach game will be BIG …

Not to mention instantaneous.

Here’s why:

Hit and stick.

This isn’t a novel idea – it’s not a Lucas original. I’d heard this for years before making the move for the betterment of my own bag. It’s true, though. Softer discs DO “hit and stick.” You’ll see fewer skips; you’ll see fewer rollaways. You’ll also see your approach game improve.

In my own case, I bagged a rock-hard Champion Rhyno for a number of seasons. It took one regrettable tournament on a mountain course with multiple rollaways for me to make the change.

I haven’t looked back.

If you’re wondering, no, the soft-first approach hasn’t branched out to other disc types. I loathe malleable putting putters, as the KC Pro Aviar is my go-to option. And with everything else, if too soft, whether it’s all in my head or not, I feel like the disc recoils in my hand during my reachback and pull-through. Approaching from anywhere inside of 225 feet, though?

I reach for a bendy DX Rhyno.

Please and thank you.

Forget what the Viagra executives might say …

Go soft.

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