This is the smartest way to run long putts in doubles disc golf

Doubles disc golf is awesome.

Like many disc golfers, I love it on league nights. This is the most common doubles environment for me. But I do the whole “doubles” thing with buddies during casual rounds, too. Even if there’s only two of us out and about, we’ll note our score and try to beat it at a later date.

There’s so much cut-throat insanity in competitive disc golf. Because of this, it’s sometimes nice to keep the competitive side of the sport well and alive, while truly doing battle with the course.

And good company, too.

THIS is doubles disc golf.

One of the stickier situations doubles partners frequently encounter is the long putt. Sprinkle in some nearby danger, and the intensity is instantly amplified: water, OB rope, drop-offs, etc.

Generally speaking, the knee-jerk response is to have the worse putter pitch up under the pin. After successfully doing so, the second, more competent putter gives the cage a full bid. If he smashes chains, great. Even badly, if he misses, good enough – it’s a tap-in, stress-free par.

For the longest time, this is how my brain analyzed the routine occurrence from distance. Whether blindly following me or complicit in the idiocy, my partners always followed suit.

Know this, though …

There’s a better way.

There’s a smarter way, too.

The next time a long putt has you and your partner’s knees knocking, have the worse putter still go first, but give him the green light to run the basket with confidence. Clearly, he doesn’t need to “Nolan Ryan” his Classic Judge at the cage, but he shouldn’t be shy about his effort, either.

Give it a good toss.

From there, you (the second guy) are left with more intel to work with.

Check it out:

• If the putt goes in, onto the next hole – congrats.
• If the putt is close enough for a comfortable make, go for it.
• If the putt sailed, found trouble or popped and rolled, lay up under the pin.

* Note: Situationally, if a full-fledged bid is required, screw the above – make it happen.

Whatever the outcome, you’ve got the stronger putter on-deck to respond accordingly.

Here’s the REAL beauty of this strategy, though …

The first method allows for one true attempt at the basket.

This gives you two.

The result is more birdies, easier par saves (if needed) and stronger team chemistry, as roles are well-defined – not to mention both partners get a shot at successfully splashing from deep.

And if I had to throw an additional benefit into the mix, it’d be far less on-course regret. Making a bone-headed mistake during a solo round comes with the territory. The best disc golfers in the business make them infrequently, but they do make them. But when you’ve got a second body of disc-slinging flesh and bone by your side and still come up with a totally unnecessary bogey?

It stings.

Good News: Talent is NOT required to play smart doubles golf.

However, it’s easier to mask mediocrity when you’ve got brains on your side.

Make sure dangerous, circle-two birdies are attacked accordingly.

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Editor’s Suggestions:

• Disc golfers: Pay attention during players meetings
• Disc golf: Technically, throw-ins happen all the time
• Disc golf: The feeling of a disc (maybe) en route to an ace? Unreal

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