When I first picked up disc golf, I had no idea how crucial putter selection would be to my game. I’d grab any old disc and hope for the best when approaching the basket.
But as I’ve grown in the sport, I’ve come to realize that choosing the right putter can make or break your short game.
Putting is an art form in disc golf, requiring precision, consistency, and confidence. The right putter can elevate your performance, helping you sink those crucial shots and shave strokes off your score.
But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best frisbee golf putter for your style?
Understanding Putter Dynamics
Before we dive into specific putter recommendations, it’s essential to understand the key factors that influence putter performance:
Stability
Putters come in three main stability types: overstable, stable, and understable.
Overstable putters resist turning over and excel in windy conditions. They tend to fade harder at the end of their flight, making them great for players who prefer a consistent finish.
Stable putters fly straight with minimal fade, making them ideal for most putting situations. They offer predictable flight paths, allowing for greater accuracy on those all-important short-range putts.
Understable putters are easier to throw straight for beginners and work well for longer putts. They have a tendency to turn slightly to the right (for right-handed backhand throws) before fading back, which can be useful for certain putting styles or situations.
Plastic Type
The material of your putter affects it’s grip, durability, and flight characteristics.
Premium plastics like Innova’s Star or Discraft’s ESP offer increased durability but may be slicker. These plastics maintain their flight characteristics for longer periods, making them great for players who want consistency over time.
Base plastics like Innova’s DX or Discraft’s Pro D provide excellent grip but wear faster, potentially changing the disc’s flight pattern over time. Many players prefer base plastics for putters because of the superior grip and the way they “beat in” over time, often becoming more understable and easier to throw straight.
Bead vs. Beadless
Beaded putters have a small ridge on the bottom rim, offering increased stability and a consistent release. The bead can provide a comfortable grip point for some players and may help with wind resistance.
Beadless putters have a smooth bottom rim, providing a clean release and versatility. They often feel faster coming out of the hand and may be preferred by players who like a lower profile disc.
This choice often comes down to personal preference and hand feel. I recommend trying both types to see which feels more natural in your grip.
Weight
Putter weight typically ranges from 170-175 grams. Heavier putters offer more stability in wind but need more power to throw.
They can be great for short, controlled putts, especially in breezy conditions.
Lighter putters are easier to control but more susceptible to wind interference. They can be useful for longer putts or for players with less arm strength.
Best Frisbee Golf Putter Picks for Different Styles
Now that we understand the basics, let’s look at some top putter choices for various playing styles:
For Spin Putters: Innova Aviar
I’ve found the Aviar to be incredibly versatile. It’s predictable flight path allows for confident putting from various distances, and the wide range of plastic options means you can find the perfect feel for your hand.
It is the most popular Putter of all time and has been used to win more World Championship titles than any other Putter.
For Push Putters: Gateway Wizard
The Wizard’s deep profile and stable flight make it ideal for push putting. It’s beaded rim provides a consistent release point, and the wide variety of plastic blends allows you to find the perfect grip for your style.
What I love about the Wizard is it’s ability to hold a straight line on push putts. The depth of the rim gives a satisfying feel in the hand, and the stability means you can really commit to your putt without fear of it turning over.
For Windy Conditions: Discraft Zone
The overstable Zone excels in windy conditions. It’s low profile and flat top cut through the air, resisting turn even in strong headwinds.
While primarily an approach disc, many players rely on it for windy putts.
I’ve come to appreciate the Zone on those blustery days when my regular putter just won’t cooperate. It’s ability to punch through the wind and maintain a consistent flight path can be a real game-changer.
For Beginners: Dynamic Discs Judge
The Judge’s straight flight and minimal fade make it forgiving for beginners. It’s beaded rim provides a comfortable grip, and it’s versatility allows new players to use it for both putting and approaching.
When I’m introducing new players to disc golf, the Judge is often my go-to recommendation. It’s predictable flight helps build confidence, and the comfortable grip makes it easy for beginners to develop a consistent release.
Mastering Your Putting Technique
Having the right putter is just the first step. To truly elevate your short game, you need to master your putting technique.
Here are some key tips:
Find Your Stance
Experiment with different stances (straddle, staggered, etc.) to find what feels most comfortable and stable for you. A solid stance provides the foundation for a consistent putt.
I spent weeks trying different stances before settling on a slightly staggered stance that felt natural and allowed me to generate power from my legs.
Develop a Routine
Create a consistent pre-putt routine to help you focus and maintain consistency. This could include taking a deep breath, lining up your shot, or a practice swing.
My personal routine involves taking a deep breath, visualizing the flight path, and taking two practice swings before stepping up to putt. This helps me clear my mind and focus solely on the task at hand.
Practice Visualization
Before each putt, visualize the disc’s flight path and the chains moving as it sinks into the basket. This mental rehearsal can improve your confidence and accuracy.
I’ve found that the more vividly I can picture the putt in my mind, the more likely I am to execute it successfully.
Focus on Follow-Through
A smooth, consistent follow-through is crucial for accuracy. Practice your follow-through even on short putts.
This helps maintain consistency in your form and can improve your accuracy on longer putts.
When I first started, I’d often cut my follow-through short on close putts. Once I focused on maintaining a full follow-through regardless of distance, my overall putting accuracy improved dramatically.
Master the ‘Goldilocks’ Power
Learn to put just enough power behind your putts – not too hard, not too soft. This comes with practice and developing a feel for your putter.
I like to practice putts from various distances, focusing on using the same putting motion and letting the power come naturally from my legs and core, rather than my arm.
Common Putting Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced players can fall into putting traps. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
Overthinking
Don’t get caught up analyzing every aspect of your putt. Trust your practice and let muscle memory take over.
Overthinking can lead to hesitation and inconsistency.
I’ve found that counting down from three in my head before each putt helps me avoid overthinking and maintain a smooth, natural motion.
Ignoring the Wind
Always check the wind before putting. Adjust your aim and power accordingly.
Even a slight breeze can significantly affect your putt’s flight path.
I make it a habit to pick up some grass or leaves before each putt to gauge wind direction and strength. This small action has saved me countless strokes over the years.
Neglecting Practice
Consistent practice is key to improving your putting. Set aside time for focused putting practice sessions.
Even 15 minutes a day can make a significant difference.
I keep a practice basket in my backyard and make it a point to putt for at least 15 minutes every day, rain or shine. This consistent practice has been crucial to my improvement.
Changing Putters Too Often
While it’s good to experiment, constantly switching putters can hinder your ability to develop consistency. Once you find a putter that feels good, stick with it for a while to really learn it’s nuances.
I went through a phase of trying a new putter every few weeks, always chasing the “perfect” disc. It wasn’t until I committed to one putter for an entire season that I really saw improvement in my game.
Focusing Only on Distance
Practice putts from various distances and angles to prepare for real game situations. While it’s satisfying to sink long putts, most of your putts in a round will be from shorter distances.
I like to set up stations at various distances around my practice basket, ensuring I get equal practice from all ranges and angles.
Adapting Your Putting Game
As you grow in the sport, you’ll need to adapt your putting game to different scenarios:
Elevation Changes
Uphill putts need more power, while downhill putts need a softer touch. Practice on courses with varied elevation to develop a feel for these adjustments.
I seek out courses with elevation changes specifically to practice these types of putts. The ability to confidently putt up or down hills can give you a significant advantage on many courses.
Obstacle Putts
Learn to putt around obstacles by adjusting your release angle and choosing the right line. Practice visualizing and executing different lines to the basket.
I often set up artificial obstacles in my backyard practice area to simulate challenging putts. This has greatly improved my ability to find creative lines to the basket during rounds.
Pressure Situations
Simulate tournament pressure in practice by setting consequences for missed putts. This could be additional putts, push-ups, or any other challenge that adds a bit of stress to your practice.
I like to practice with friends and add a competitive element, like a small wager or a challenge. This helps recreate the pressure of tournament play and prepares me for those crucial putts.
Different Basket Types
Practice on various basket types as different chains can affect how your putts stick. Some baskets are more forgiving than others, and familiarity with different types can be a big advantage.
Whenever I travel to a new course, I make sure to take some practice putts on their baskets before starting my round. This helps me adjust to any differences in how the chains catch.
Varying Weather Conditions
Don’t limit your practice to perfect weather. Learn how your putters behave in rain, wind, and extreme temperatures.
This knowledge can be invaluable during tournaments or casual rounds in less-than-ideal conditions.
I make it a point to practice in all weather conditions. Some of my most valuable putting insights have come from practicing in the rain or on windy days.
Advanced Putting Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics, consider these advanced techniques to take your putting game to the next level:
Turbo Putt
This overhand throw can be effective for putts with low-hanging obstacles. The turbo putt involves gripping the disc with your thumb in the rim and your fingers spread across the flight plate, then throwing it like a dart.
I was skeptical of the turbo putt at first, but after practicing it, I’ve found it invaluable for certain situations, especially when faced with low branches or other obstacles.
Spin Putting from a Standstill
Develop a powerful spin putt without a run-up for situations where space is limited. This technique relies on generating power from your core and arm rather than momentum from your legs.
Mastering the standstill spin putt has greatly improved my game in tight wooded courses where there isn’t always room for a full putting motion.
Anhyzer and Hyzer Putts
Learn to manipulate the angle of your putter release for curving putts around obstacles. An anhyzer release (outside edge tilted up for right-handed backhand throws) will cause the disc to curve right, while a hyzer release (outside edge tilted down) will cause it to fade left.
These angled putts have become a crucial part of my game, allowing me to navigate around trees and other obstacles that would otherwise block a straight putt to the basket.
Jump Putts
Master the timing and technique of jump putting for longer attempts outside the circle. Remember to release the disc before your foot touches the ground to avoid a foot fault.
Jump putting has added valuable distance to my putting range, allowing me to confidently try putts from distances I would have previously considered approach shots.
Straddle Putting
Develop a comfortable and consistent straddle putt for when you can’t take your preferred stance. This wide-legged stance can provide stability and allow you to putt around obstacles.
I’ve found the straddle putt particularly useful when putting from behind bushes or other obstacles that prevent a normal putting stance.
Putting Practice Drills
Incorporate these drills into your practice routine to sharpen your putting skills:
Around the World
Place markers in a circle around the basket at a set distance. Putt from each position, moving to the next only after making the current putt.
This drill improves your ability to putt from various angles.
I like to start with a close distance and gradually move the markers back as I complete full circuits. It’s a great way to build confidence and consistency.
Ladder Drill
Start close to the basket and move back a step after each successful putt. See how far you can go before missing.
This drill helps you develop touch and confidence at increasing distances.
The ladder drill has been crucial in extending my consistent putting range. It’s also a great way to warm up before a round.
Pressure Putts
Set a consequence for missed putts (e.g., 10 push-ups) to simulate tournament pressure. This helps you get used to putting under stress.
I often practice pressure putts with friends, adding a competitive element that mimics the stress of tournament play.
Wind Practice
Set up a fan to create artificial wind and practice adjusting your putts accordingly. This will prepare you for real-world windy conditions.
While it might seem silly at first, practicing with a fan has significantly improved my performance on windy days.
Eyes Closed Putting
Putt with your eyes closed to develop a better feel for your putting motion. This drill helps ingrain the physical motion of putting into your muscle memory.
I was amazed at how much this drill improved my putting consistency. It really forces you to focus on the feel of your putt rather than visual cues.
Remember, the key to improving your putting is consistent, focused practice. Even just 15 minutes of dedicated putting practice a day can lead to significant improvements in your game.
People Also Asked
What is the best putter for beginners in disc golf?
The Dynamic Discs Judge is often recommended for beginners because of it’s straight flight and forgiving nature. However, the best putter ultimately depends on personal preference and feel.
How do I choose the right weight for my disc golf putter?
Most players prefer putters in the 170-175 gram range. Heavier putters (173-175g) offer more stability in wind, while lighter putters (170-172g) may be easier to control for some players.
What’s the difference between beaded and beadless putters?
Beaded putters have a small ridge on the bottom rim, offering increased stability and a consistent release. Beadless putters have a smooth bottom rim, providing a clean release and often a faster feel.
How often should I practice putting in disc golf?
Consistent practice is key. Even 15-20 minutes of focused putting practice daily can lead to significant improvements in your game.
Can weather conditions affect my disc golf putter’s performance?
Yes, weather can significantly impact putter performance. Wind can alter flight paths, while rain can affect grip and the disc’s flight characteristics.
What is a spin putt in disc golf?
A spin putt involves throwing the putter with more spin, often resulting in a straighter flight path. It’s typically used for longer putts or when players need to putt with more power.
How do I improve my putting accuracy in disc golf?
Improving accuracy involves consistent practice, developing a reliable routine, focusing on form and follow-through, and learning to adjust for different distances and conditions.
What is the difference between putting and approaching in disc golf?
Putting typically refers to shorter, more controlled throws aimed directly at the basket, usually from within 10 meters. Approaching involves longer throws to get near the basket, often using different discs and techniques.
How do I putt in windy conditions?
In windy conditions, consider using a more overstable putter, aim into the wind slightly, and put more spin on the disc to maintain it’s flight path.
What is the “Circle” in disc golf putting?
The “Circle” refers to the area within 10 meters of the basket. Inside this area, players must putt without stepping past their lie until the disc comes to rest.
Key Takeaways for Choosing the Best Frisbee Golf Putter
- Choose a putter that fits your throwing style and feels comfortable in your hand.
- Understand the impact of stability, plastic type, and weight on putter performance.
- Develop a consistent putting routine and practice regularly.
- Master your technique before moving on to advanced putting methods.
- Adapt your putting game to different scenarios and weather conditions.
