I’ve started to notice something from disc golf announcers I don’t like …
Apparently, any putt that hits chains, but doesn’t stay in the basket, is a “chain-out.” You might call it a “spit-out,” too. Whatever term you use, the end result sucks – a putt that doesn’t stick.
I’ve harped on the fact that spit-outs are a part of disc golf …
The sooner you can accept it, the happier a human you’ll be.
But while you can’t prevent the occasional chain-out from happening, there’s a way to severely decrease the likelihood of ‘em taking place: Stop laser-beaming putts at the basket like you’re Aroldis Chapman. Yes, some of the pros you see on the Disc Golf Network might do it, but they’re the same peeps who blow a gasket every time a DISCatcher upchucks their Luna.
They complain, but remember …
Baskets are three-dimensional targets.
Getting a disc to stay in them is the POINT of the sport.
This means pouting-prone disc golfers need to not only account for making contact with chains, but doing what’s necessary to get the disc to rest in the basket below. Back in the days of tone poles, sure, smack that thing like it’s talking back to you. Today, you’ve got to be smarter.
Here’s some common putting advice:
“Putt through the chains – not to the chains.”
It’s not bad counsel …
The idea is to teach newbie disc golfers to not putt like pansies. Afraid of blowing far past the basket, fearful putts often come up short. But once you get over this, it’s not like you now have the green light to start assaulting chains like a psychopath, either – find a happy medium, man.
Here’s some advice I’m not nearly good enough to give:
“Putt to the chains – but like you mean it.”
Semantics and stuff.
Again, I’m not Jay “Yeti” Reading, so take that philosophy for what it’s worth – diddly-squat. But, should you choose to ignore it, please, keep the chain-out complaints to yourself …
The rest of us are tired of hearing ‘em.
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