Disc golf: Ditch circle-two putting (and get better because of it)

As a devout disc-golf fan, it doesn’t get better than watching Gregg Barsby drain putts from the moon. And I say that knowing full well there are guys out there who hit 600 feet off the tee with their distance driver of choice. Obviously, I’m painfully far from the putter Barsby is …

Athletically, the ability to putt like Barsby IS within me …

It could happen.

It won’t, but again – it could.

Here’s the thing about Barsby’s “Splash-Bros” putts, though …

They’re NOT needed to get good.

To make ends meet on the Pro Tour, you’ll need talent from deep. But to nab some pocket change on league nights or take down a C-tier or two? You’ll shred as a capable C1X putter. Naturally, for some, this won’t qualify as “good.” For most, though, this is beyond ideal …

Two quick tidbits:

• Circle-one putting is what separates recreational golfers from competitive golfers.
• Don’t mess with your circle-one putting form to take things to circle-two territory.

Allow me to explain …

Kyle Klein, Simon Lizotte, Isaac Robinson and Eagle McMahon: Whether from 15 feet or 65 feet, the way these guys putt looks EXACTLY the same – it’s infuriating for mere mortals.

Don’t worry about it.

Instead, do this:

• Step No. 1 – Dial-in your 18- to 25-foot putts – repetition.
• Step No. 2 – When tempted to stretch things out, resist like mad.
• Step No. 3 – Still itching? Keep at it – there’s no reason to change anything.

It’s extreme, but here’s what happens …

Without doing anything differently, throughout the course of your casual-round play, you’ll find standstill, circle-two putts from 35 and 40 feet easier to achieve. You’re not going to suddenly smash chains like SockiBomb himself, but you won’t have to will the disc to the basket …

You know the feeling.

On its own, the obsessive, short-range work you’ve put in will not only have strengthened your arm, wrist and fingers, but the muscle memory associated with putting, as well. When you notice this taking place, feel free to expand your practice-putting circle – wax on, wax off, Daniel-san.

Also, just for the record …

I came up with NONE of this on my own. This was shared with me by one of those old dudes in my local D.G. club who’s been at this since the early days of the sport – he’s an efficient putter.

To date, I’ve added a jump putt that’s semi-dece, but still …

Ninety-five percent of my practice putts are of the C1X variety.

And my game’s better for it.

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