Lucas couldn’t review this product.
He’s put the DiscDot on blast mode too many times.
Because of it, this topic wasn’t for him.
However, I’m open-minded with basic putting aids like the Pick-a-Link. If you couldn’t tell from the image alone, designed by PuttConfidently, the Pick-a-Link is a product used to help golfers improve their putting accuracy. Similar to the more well-known DiscDot, the Pick-a-Link is a small, ball-like structure that latches onto a single target chain-link inside a disc golf basket.
The idea is that, as opposed to merely aiming for the “meaty” part of the pin and hoping for the best, using the Pick-a-Link, you teach yourself to hit the area of the chains that 1) works best for your putting style, and 2) increases the likelihood of the putt staying put when it draws metal.
* Note #1: For more information on where that might be in the basket, click here.
That’s fine and all …
But does it work?
Yes, of course it works. The purpose of the Pick-a-Link is hardly quantum mechanics. You could dangle a bloody, severed pinky finger from a chain-link, and it’d a accomplish the same thing:
- Pin it.
- Aim at it.
- Then, hit it.
Rinse and repeat.
But unlike Lucas, I do think the Pick-a-Link has some hidden value for serious disc golfers. Lucas’ main argument is that there’s no point in purchasing something so painfully simple.
In fact, in this article, he straight-up outlines how to make your own for a fraction of the cost. Bright-colored Saran wrap, pipe-cleaners and duct or electrical tape can ALL do the same thing.
And while that’s true, what he fails to recognize is that ideal putting locations differ depending on a number of factors. For example, generally speaking, for a right-handed disc golfer, about half-way up the basket and just right of the center pole is prime real estate. But in a headwind, height-wise, the lower, the better. And conversely, with a tailwind, the disc will drop …
Aim higher.
See what I mean?
Try accounting for this during a practice session with hunter-orange duct tape. You’re not removing (and reapplying) that sticky stuff every time you decide to switch things up. With the Pick-a-Link, changing your smash-point is literally a 15-second task, and you’re back at it.
Speaking of which, here’s a two-sentence tutorial on how to attach the Pick-a-Link:
First, loop the corded-end of the tool through your preferred chain link.
Finally, loop it back over the top of the ball on the opposite end.
Doneskie.
Another thing worth mentioning about the Pick-a-Link is how crazy durable it is. This isn’t colored arts-and-crafts string attached to a ping-pong ball, by any means. It feels more like camping-grade equipment. After a half-hour putting session, bring your pack of two Pick-a-Links in the house and toss ‘em in your disc golf bag for use the next day.
* Note #2: Just so you know, one pack of Pick-a-Links comes with two inside.
Or, leave them outside. No matter the temperature, sun, sleet or snow, the thing’s NOT pulling a KC Pro Aviar and shattering after the tiniest bit of contact in just the right place – not a chance.
My biggest takeaway after a week of using the Pick-a-Link?
Before taking this thingamajig out for a test-drive, I never realized how much I aimlessly putt at the basket. Without a doubt, there’s value in taking a more intentional, fine-tuned approach to things on the putting green. For a one-time, 10-bone purchase, it’s easy to see the logic.
Aim small. Score small.
The PuttConfidently Pick-a-Link works.
The Final Green Splatter Grade: A-
Have anything to add? Take to X to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
Editor’s Suggestions:
- Disc golf: Did you notice Tristan Tanner’s transformation?
- Disc golf: Smashing a putt from the drop zone is underrated
- The most awkward, every-tournament moment in all of pro disc golf
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