If there’s a way to miss a putt, I’ve mastered it.
Low. High. To the side.
Throw in a few scream-inducing rollaways for good measure, too.
Been there. Done that.
And still doing it, might I add.
Naturally, when other factors are introduced into the equation, the chances of an embarrassing miss only skyrocket: wind, moisture, craptastic baskets, etc. You might think “obstacles” are worthy of being added to the list, as well. And yes, on occasion, you’d be right about that …
But not always.
Trees, signs, bushes, gazebos, playground equipment and even gimmicky, USDGC-inspired obstructions: It’s my belief that, though often stationed directly between you and the basket, they can sometimes make draining a tricky putt from the edge of circle one or circle two much easier.
My reasoning?
Stencils.
Stick with me for a second …
I come from a long line of gifted artists. I’m sad to report I’m not a continuance of that tradition. Thankfully, when attempting to piece together a modest pencil drawing, where raw, artistic talent abandons me, a simple, traceable stencil picks up the slack – there are some cool ones out there.
Following along with what’s in front of me, my brain isn’t required to do much.
- Push the pencil.
- Follow the design.
- Enjoy the end result.
That’s it.
I can do that.
You can, too.
It’s the same thing with a tree-framed putt in disc golf.
To successfully get the disc from hand to chains, is the required line ideal?
Probably not.
But if you think about it, you don’t even have to worry about the basket. Instead, your task is to first hit a small gap, clear a tall hedge, pierce a “V” in the trees, etc. And really, that’s about it.
Because once you’ve done that, your disc is already halfway home. So yes, your 28-foot putt is annoyingly obstructed, but given the initial, closer barrier, it’s really quite shorter than that.
Of course, pace plays a sizable role in all of this, but there’s no need to visualize a line to the pin. You simply accept your fate, navigate the obstacle you’ve been given and hope for the best. And in my experience, more often than you’d think, you’ll hear metal on the backhand of the bid.
The obstacle IS the stencil.
No thinking.
Just “trace” (or follow) the line.
So the next time a problematic putt leaves you thinking the bad-luck bug has bitten your inner thigh, yet again, line up your putt, take the line the course provides and thank your lucky stars that precious, pea-sized brain of yours isn’t tasked with more. Because if you miss …
Who cares?
It was a tough lie.
No argument here.
Have anything to add? Take to X to let us know – we’ll actually (for real) get back to you.
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Hope everything’s goin’ good for ya man. Just know we’ll still be here whenever you get back to this blog thing lol.
Thanks, Andy!
New article dropping soon …
The end of the year is pure madness at work as clients seek to use up the remainder of their marketing budgets.
As such, the blog has taken a bit of a back-seat, as of late.
Thanks for sticking around, though!
More content coming soon – appreciate the support 🙂
I literally came here today to comment something similar. Do we need to email you some blog post ideas, Lucas? Just kidding! I’m sure life is busy, brother.
Thanks, Kurt!
Yeah, the end of the year is madness in the PR world …
Barely keeping my head above water, but things should settle down soon 🙂
Don’t worry: The blog’s not going anywhere – appreciate the love!
Also came here today to check in on green splat. See you in January when life slows down.
Thanks, Fletch!
Yeah, it’s pure madness at work right now …
To be fair, it’s like this every year, though, so no surprises on that front 🙂
More content coming soon – and hopefully before January!
Just gotta handle the stuff that pays the bills first, you know?
Appreciate you checking in 🙂
Always great to hear from you!
I hope it’s not getting old, or feeling like a lot of pressure but I came here to check in on you and it was wonderful to see others who had already done the same. Can’t wait for you to unload all of the pent up disc golf content – take care of yourself and yours, throw a round or two, then you can worry about us 👍.
Thanks, Taylor!
Oh, the rounds very much continue (in the evenings) on my end …
In the world of marketing / digital PR, the end of the year is pure madness.
I believe I explained this on other comments, but basically, clients need to spend the remainder of their marketing budgets.
That way, the following year, that same budget (is not more) is given back to them.
So November / December is pure insanity in my neck of the woods.
I’ll be back – no worries!
Thanks for checking in 🙂
Lucas, I have been missing the Blog. Are you posting elsewhere? I hope you and your family are doing well. 😊 Thanks.
Hey, Boomer!
Thanks for checking in 🙂
I have plans to post again, but for the time being, I’m not …
Just to much going on with life / work right now, so I’m on “pause” for the time being.
I’ll be back, though – thanks for checking in!
Hope you’re well 🙂