The Official Newsletter of the Friends of Sedgley Woods Disc Golf Club
Putting For Dough - Barry Noakes, Sedgley Woods Course Pro

Whether you play for money or just for fun with your friends you will always remember that one putt that did not go in. Putting often makes the difference between a good and a bad round. Good putts can make up for a poor drives. The following tips can and will help anyone become a more consistent putter. So enjoy and I guarantee that your golf rounds will be more fun.

The Disc-Use a disc that feels comfortable. A thicker rim is better than thin. A softer plastic will settle in the chains better. I recommend an Aviar or 86 mold as an example.

The Target-Your stance should feel comfortable and well balanced. Try not to stand on one leg. You should not have to fall forward after the release. Two typical stances are the straddle and the front-to-back. The straddle is particularly useful for moving sideways when an object interferes with your stance.

The Mindset-It's very important to have full concentration. Don't take any putt lightly, even the short ones. If you feel that you are being distracted, then back off and reset. Keep in mind that you have 30 seconds to putt. Take every putt with the same mindset, even in practice. This will allow you to develop a standard approach and make you more comfortable. If you have just gotten a 'closest to the pin', make sure you first make your putt, then mark the CTP.

The Aim-Throw through the chains, not into the basket. Pick a link to throw at. The link should be about 2/3 of the distance down from the top of the basket. A right-handed, backhand putt should hit a little bit right of the pole because the clockwise spin of the disc will push it left into the chains. Avoid hitting the pole straight on as this may cause the disc to bounce out. Pay attention to the environment around you. Throwing downwind, you should aim a little high on the basket/link because the relative airspeed of the disc will be low, with less lift and the disc will drop faster. Throwing upwind, the airspeed will be higher and the disc will tend to rise. With a crosswind, throw at your normal target spot with the disc flat. The best thing to keep in mind is to keep the disc flat, both front to back and right to left. This minimizes the disc's cross section from exposure to the wind. When putting uphill, aim a little high on the basket. For downhill putts, it is not as important to adjust your aim. In the rain, putt with less speed, as the chains will be slippery.

The Release-Have a comfortable grip. Don't grip the disc too hard or soft. Concentrate! Breathe out and release with a smooth motion. Throw through the chains. Make sure you follow through with your throwing hand. I find it helps to point to the basket after you release.

The Practice-Get 5-10 (or more) of the same type of disc and all the same weight. Playing rounds of golf is not good putting practice. Repetition is the key. Try different distances and throwing the discs from the same spot. This allows you to observe and correct your release. Practice is the key to consistent putting.

Remember: Drive for show, but putt for dough! (Mmmmmmmm…….dough)