Belly Putter

Has anybody switched to a belly putter and found a huge benefit? I am curious to determine if a belly putter would help me. Anybody switch to the belly putter and switch back?

I've recently discovered a belly putter. I use a 46" version and the anchor isn't in the 'belly' region, it's on the lower edge of my sternum. I feel as if I've found the 'holy grail' of putting. The stroke is so simple that it's a non-issue. Speed and line are the only considerations. I can start putts on line time and time again.

I was tired of winning the game off the greens and giving it away on the greens. My last tournament round was 5 3-putts for a 1 over par 73. I began investigating alternatives and am SO glad that I did.

I sincerely believe that my handicap will go from 1ish to a definite "+" next year.

I've recently began experimenting as well with a Rossa Raylor 7 51" putter.

I tried the standard broom handle style of putting with decent sucess, but if I anchor it in my sternum and go left hand low or right hand low I can keep the putter more square than I have in a long, long time. I'm seriously considering cutting it down to about 48" and trying to anchor it a bit lower at the base of my sternum. It really feels like it has the potential to be money.

Give it a go T-Gates, I bet you'll like the results.

I took an upright (72*) putter that was 36" and removed the grip. Then cut down an old shaft and stuck it in the end of the bare putter shaft. A little tape wrapped around the shaft extension to get it to 'bind' in the right place and I had a nice adjustable version. I tried 51, 48, 46, 45. 46 works like a charm while the other lengths felt awkward. I think fit is VERY important with the belly or 'chest' putters.

Oh, and I added some lead tape to get the swingweight somewhere reasonable...

I used a TM Rossa belly putter for 3 years. Started using it for the short putts and it really helped me hole a lot more (don't think about the stroke, just pull the trigger). It took a couple of months getting used to this putter for the long putts but soon I got the feeling back for all distances.

Last season I started trying regular mallets in the shop again. It felt more natural in comparison with the belly putter. After this I was feeling more and more clumsy with the belly putter so I switched to a regular mallet again last season. My stroke and mental game are better now and I can still make those short putts without the belly putter. But, the belly putter is still in the garage and ready when needed again!

I can advice you to try one yourself, it can really help, especially on the short putts. Take a lesson with it though, the technique is a little different. Tip: It worked really well for me with my hands close to my belly because you only have to make a tiny stroke (less can go wrong).

Good luck,

Ben

I find using the belly putter really helps me learn to release the putter head towards the target. I always use it for practice, and I use it on the course about 50% of the time.

I prefer the shorter putter (35"), but if my stroke leaves me, a session with a belly putter (43") brings it back.

Thanks for the feedback guys. I purchased a belly putter and I will try it this weekend.

How tall are you and what length did you order?

This is a good question to which I cannot totally answer. I went to Golfsmith today and they had a 38" version and it felt a little short so I went for the 40" which I had to place on order. The stock of belly putters is horrible. I was debating if I should go for the 42". I am still not sure if I made the right decision. I will post after I use the putter for a while.

I am 5'10".

Okay, thanks. I am 5'11" and have only played with belly putters for a couple of minutes. There aren't any nearby to test out. To be honest most of the ones I have ever picked up were broom-handle putters, not ones anchored in the belly. If I ever order one I will probably go for 42" as that seems to be pretty popular.. Let us know how it goes!

love it

I find using the belly putter really helps me learn to release the putter head towards the target. I always use it for practice, and I use it on the course about 50% of the time.

 

I prefer the shorter putter (35"), but if my stroke leaves me, a session with a belly putter (43") brings it back.

If you put better with your belly putter why would you go back to the 35"? is it just for looks?

I find using the belly putter really helps me learn to release the putter head towards the target. I always use it for practice, and I use it on the course about 50% of the time.

 

I prefer the shorter putter (35"), but if my stroke leaves me, a session with a belly putter (43") brings it back.

 

If you put better with your belly putter why would you go back to the 35"? is it just for looks?

Every now and then, I just lose sight of my line and switch for a few rounds to help find my visual line. I don't do it much anymore, though. If I have problems "seeing" my line, I use the line on the ball, lined up along my target line.

I have received my belly putter last week and I used it this weekend with very positive results. I did have some real trouble lagging putts close. I left a bunch of 15-20 footers short. I mean way short. 3-4 feet. But from 5 feet and in the putter is AWESOME. I made at least 3-4 putts that I have not made during typical rounds before using the belly putter. I had 27 putts on Saturday. I am typically around 30, although lately I have been closer to 32.

So far the results are extremely positive.

That's great!