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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)
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