Disc golf: 4 tips for better circle’s-edge putting

My least-favorite putting distance?

That one’s easy: Just inside (or outside) circle one.

Of the two, I prefer to barely be outside, as I’ve managed to develop somewhat of a consistent jump putt over the years. But one step closer, and I often feel I don’t have the oomph to get the disc to the basket with any pace – a far cry from what you see Simon Lizotte doing on the reg.

Sound familiar?

Try out a few of the following tips …

You might find a winner.

1. Opt for a glide-heavy putting putter

I’ve putt with KC Pro Aviars my entire disc golf career – I don’t plan on changing. But when I get to 30-ish feet from the pin and can’t jump to inject more energy into the disc, I’ll go with one of my heavily beaten KC Pro Aviars. As the disc ages, more glide gets beaten into it …

With less energy, it goes farther.

Glide is a beautiful thing.

No, you don’t have to stick with the same putting-putter mold. And you don’t have to swing to the complete opposite end of the spectrum, either. Instead of reaching for a Glitch or Polecat like a lunatic, opt for the Colt, Pure, Tomb, Pilot, etc. An uptick in glide rarely makes for a great putting putter when the wind picks up, but it makes getting a putter to “go” much easier.

2. Tinker with pointer-finger placement

I putt with my pointer finger on the rim of the disc.

Regardless of where you place yours, if you’re struggling to generate the kind of power 30-foot putts require, consider messing with it a bit. And I’m not pulling this idea out of my butt: Eagle McMahon swears he puts more pop on his putter with his pointer finger half-curled on the rim.

Here’s what that looks like:

Personally, this does nothing for me …

But I know many golfers who’ve committed wholeheartedly to the putting grip.

3. Make a conscious effort to use your legs

Pay attention …

THIS is the tip that matters most.

With a good weight shift, the arm does little more than guide the disc into the basket. From circle’s edge, you need to use your legs. If you stagger them, rock from back to front to best transfer energy. And if you prefer to straddle putt, drop your hindquarters – think Kevin Jones.

Watch James Conrad show how it’s done:

James Conrad starts out his tournament by birdieing EIGHT of the first nine holes 🔥

Watch MPO Round 1 action of the 2023 Cascade Challenge LIVE: https://t.co/fvXt99sYeb pic.twitter.com/guZCHPcxaD

— Disc Golf Pro Tour (@DiscGolfProTour) May 26, 2023

Failure to do this will have you “arming” the disc to the basket from 30 to 35 feet like Garrett Gurthie. And while he’s undoubtedly a WAY better putter than you’ll ever be, it’s his lack of consistency on the green that’s kept him from regularly competing on the Pro Tour.

I call ‘em like I see ‘em.

4. Pre-determine where you’ll jump, step or stand

It’s frustrating to step up to a putt and not know how you’re going to attack it – or to have to do something different from what you’re used to doing. If you putt from a staggered stance, being forced to putt from a straddle is weird. Likewise, outside circle one, it’s not great to be waffling back and forth on whether or not you’ll jump putt, step putt or putt from a standstill …

The solution?

Know beforehand what works best.

With putting being a mental battle, the more variables (and decisions) you eliminate from the process, the better. By so doing, you’ll fine-tune your routine – and work through it confidently.

For me, the second I find myself outside of 33 feet, I’m jump-putting – the decision’s already been made. For others, anything inside 40 feet is a standstill. From 40 to 50 feet is a step putt. And beyond that is jump-putt territory. There are a million different ways to slay this beast …

Just know what you’re going to do BEFORE it’s time to make a decision.

Do you suck at putting?

Focus first on 22-footers – duh.

But, man …

Circle’s-edge dominance is a good skill to have.

Have anything to add? Take to Twitter to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.

Editor’s Suggestions:

• Disc golf: In defense of floating frisbees
• Smart disc golfers go for birdies when they present themselves
• Gripe No. 31: Guys who only throw overhands in disc golf (and dominate)

Real quick, if you happen to buy something through a link in this article, there’s a chance we’ll get a small share of the sale. It’s how we keep the lights on. To learn more, click here.