side saddle putters - what putter are you using?

[BigEx44]

Funny....I'm the opposite of Bluedot.

I started with the "palm facing" grip but tended to often rotate my forearm in a bowling fashion which caused me to miss a lot of putts.

I been using the pencil grip for the last 8 years and love it!

[Faceit]

I use the Bomar on lags and switch to the pencil when I’m inside 10’ approximately. I don’t know why exactly but the pencil encourages a more positive follow through…..

[Horseshoe2]

Bluedot, I have a Bomar Blaze and as you say it is a bit light. I solved the problem by adding weight low in the shaft. This can be done many ways (small lead fishing weights work). After removing the top grip (compressed air) I started adding tungsten powder and experimenting until I got the weight feeling good. I then put a shaft cork into the shaft to hold the tungsten in place, you will need some sort of rod to push the cork home. The tungsten and corks are available on Golf Works web site.  Interesting, the Bomar website Shows the head weight at 425g. Most other broomstick putters (F22, Mez 1) are 500g. With my Resso the weight is adjustable and I have it at 400g but it feels much heavier than the Bomar.

There we’re some questions earlier on putter widths F22 is 4”, Mez Max is 4” (Mez 1 is 3 1/2 but they will not do a broomstick Mez 1). Bomar and DP are 3”

[mv713]

On 9/30/2022 at 9:36 AM, bluedot said:

Great stuff; thanks for posting.

This will be long; I apologize!

 

I’ve mostly putted with the palm facing/Bomar grip over the 7+ years that I’ve been doing this, after starting out with the pencil grip.  I’ve gone back to the pencil grip from time to time over the years, then moved back to palm facing/Bomar.  I’ve fiddled around with the hand forward grip on the practice green, but it just never felt good or made good “biomechanics” sense to me.

 

I suspect that for me, the weight of the JuanPutt and then especially the F22 made the pencil grip not feel stable enough on longer putts, and for most of the time, my home course had bent grass greens that were relatively slow.  But I changed my membership a year ago to a course with much faster greens, and the green speeds I play in tournaments are also typically pretty fast.
 

This is an interesting topic to me because I’ve been in the first putting slump I’ve had since I converted in early 2015.  I’ve still putted well enough to stay competitive in the senior tournaments I play in, but I’ve been uncomfortable and have had to work at it MUCH harder than I’ve been used to.

 

Long story short, my backswing had gotten too long and I’m decelerating, which leads to two-way misses no matter what putting method you use.  So with two important four ball tournaments looming, I worked hard last weekend on a shorter backswing and a better follow thru.
 

I putted ok in the first tournament on Monday, but still just not comfortable, even though my partner and I won. So the next tournament was a two-day, and the first day, we were paired with a guy who is not only a GREAT putter, but has been putting side saddle for over 20 years.  Fwiw, he uses a “modified” pencil grip, with his index, middle, and ring fingers wrapped around the front of the grip, and the tip of his pinkie on the shaft directly behind.  I’ve also seen another guy as well who is a great side saddle putter using that same grip.
 

Again, I putted ok on VERY fast, difficult greens, but still very uncomfortable.  After the round, we talked, and he said he thought my backswing was STILL too long for fast greens, which WILL lead to a decel stroke.  
 

So the second day, I focused even more on the follow thru, especially on the short putts, but I also switched to the pencil grip mid-round, which helped a lot.  No three putts, and better distance control on the longer putts, too.  I don’t have any more tournaments until November, so I’m going to commit to trying the modified pencil grip for awhile.

 

So here’s what I think now:

1. The pencil grip is probably the most natural because it is the way our arms swing.

2. But the palm facing/Bomar grip has advantages on slower greens, especially with heavier putters.  (I have a Bomar and it’s very light; I can’t explain why the Bomars use the grip they do, and I’ve putted well for a long time now with that same grip.)  BUT I do suspect that perhaps the palm facing grip promotes a longer backswing, which at least in my case becomes problematic on fast greens?
3. So maybe the modified version of the pencil grip with the fingers wrapped a bit is a third version that gives more control?  Time will tell, at least for me.

4. I don’t get the hand forward grip at all, and I’ve never run across anyone using that.  But I’ve learned enough to know that what works for one person doesn’t work for all.

 

One last note: I think that MAYBE the pencil grip allows a more balanced stance with the feet somewhat more parallel, while the palm facing/Bomar grip needs to have a more staggered stance, sort of like tossing a ball underhanded would?  I could be wrong about that, and it could be just me.

 

The greens I play on are on the faster side, after reading your response I could without realizing it decel when stroking the putt. I think I will give the modified pencil grip a try keeping in mind to follow through. based on my test results the pencil grip is more consistent in the 4-5-6 foot range, this will help avoid the dreaded 3 putt when I need to lag knowing if I could get it to that range, hopefully closer I have a great chance to 2 putt.

 

I also watched some videos of Randy Hagg and I think I will change the way I hold the putter with my left hand, in the past i have been holding the putter in my left palm with all 4 fingers wrapped around the grip, Randy shows the putter being held just with the index and thumb. 

 

Being left eye dominate, I don't know if there is something different I could be doing to help my putting, I ran across something, I believe it was in this forum tread of someone that was left eye dominate but can't find it.

 

Thank you for your response.

 

 

 

 

[bluedot]

17 hours ago, mv713 said:

The greens I play on are on the faster side, after reading your response I could without realizing it decel when stroking the putt. I think I will give the modified pencil grip a try keeping in mind to follow through. based on my test results the pencil grip is more consistent in the 4-5-6 foot range, this will help avoid the dreaded 3 putt when I need to lag knowing if I could get it to that range, hopefully closer I have a great chance to 2 putt.

 

I also watched some videos of Randy Hagg and I think I will change the way I hold the putter with my left hand, in the past i have been holding the putter in my left palm with all 4 fingers wrapped around the grip, Randy shows the putter being held just with the index and thumb. 

 

Being left eye dominate, I don't know if there is something different I could be doing to help my putting, I ran across something, I believe it was in this forum tread of someone that was left eye dominate but can't find it.

 

Thank you for your response.

 

 

 

 

I used the “modified” pencil grip yesterday, and I really liked it.  Felt very natural like the pencil, but more stable on long putts.  
 

As to the eye dominance thing with side saddle, I don’t have a good answer.  I’m not only left eye dominant, but my right eye is so badly damaged after a detached retina, 8 different procedures over the last 4 years, and greatly diminished field of vision, that I’m basically playing with one eye, which plays hell with depth perception.  I’ve wondered what it would be like to putt side saddle left handed, but I just don’t want to head down that rabbit hole.

 

I will say that a sports vision specialist told me that you typically miss more putts to the side of your dominant eye, but I’m not sure how useful that information really is; too many variables.  My sense is that any data on the subject is based on conventional putting only and has a lot to do with parallax error, which is at least minimized, if not eliminated, by facing the hole.

[elmn8r]

On 9/30/2022 at 10:26 AM, BigEx44 said:

Funny....I'm the opposite of Bluedot.

I started with the "palm facing" grip but tended to often rotate my forearm in a bowling fashion which caused me to miss a lot of putts.

I been using the pencil grip for the last 8 years and love it!

 

I found the same for me BigE.  Missed a lot of putts left(right handed) with the palm facing grip.  The pencil grip is much better for me.

[J_Tizzle]

So funny story, I had my F35 in my basement practicing and I had to hide it from my 16 month old baby and totally forgot to grab it when I went out to play yesterday, so i had to use a short putter for the first time in about 7 years...

 

Needless to say, as soon as I got home I immediately went downstairs, grabbed the putter, and put the putter back into my bag.  It is wild how awkward putting normally is for me anymore, everything felt out of alignment and I of course putted terribly.

[stevehj]

There are quite a few former SS putters for sale on ebay that have been cut down to standard length.  While one can buy one and try to put a extender on the cut down shaft, I am wondering if any one has a source for purchasing longer putter shafts?  I found one source on ebay: R&D Golf, but are there others?

[bluedot]

On 10/7/2022 at 9:40 AM, J_Tizzle said:

So funny story, I had my F35 in my basement practicing and I had to hide it from my 16 month old baby and totally forgot to grab it when I went out to play yesterday, so i had to use a short putter for the first time in about 7 years...

 

Needless to say, as soon as I got home I immediately went downstairs, grabbed the putter, and put the putter back into my bag.  It is wild how awkward putting normally is for me anymore, everything felt out of alignment and I of course putted terribly.

I still have a couple of conventional putters, and every now and then I’ll pull one out of the hall closet and hit a few putts on the mat.  It’s awful; I can’t see anything!  I might as well have a bag over my head.

[J_Tizzle]

1 hour ago, bluedot said:

I still have a couple of conventional putters, and every now and then I’ll pull one out of the hall closet and hit a few putts on the mat.  It’s awful; I can’t see anything!  I might as well have a bag over my head.

 

Yep exactly how I felt.  Every putt, no matter how hard I focused on my starting line (like I do with a side saddle) felt like I was aimed about 18ft right of the pin.

[ZestWithEase]

New to this thread. And it's an awesome thread! Thanks to everyone's contributions! 

(I apologize if this question has already been covered, I can't find an easy way to search within just this thread). 

Can someone help me understand the definitive rules for Side Saddle putting?

I understand that the putter can't have more than an 80 degree lie angle, but I've seen various interpretations here (and on the wider web) that says you CAN'T use a conforming putter IF you stand it up too upright during your putting motion.

bluedot, who appears to have contributed to this thread more than anyone has said this about the GP putter: 
 

Quote

1. The guy that makes the GP putter provides a letter from the USGA that states that the putter IS conforming because the straight part of the shaft is at 80*. That said, the putter is designed to be held and used nearly vertically, which is for SURE in conflict with the rest of the rule. 

 

and also said this back when DeChambeau was trying it out
 

Quote

As to Dechambeau, I am not the least bit surprised that there was a problem. As I mentioned earlier in the thread, as soon as I saw how he was holding the club and tried it myself, I thought that he MUST be holding the putter vertically, but I couldn't see the heel of the putter off the ground when he putted. Since the USGA ruled one of the putters he submitted to be conforming, but the one that he was using to be non-conforming, I'm guessing that the sole design allowed him to "tilt" the putter at address.

 

but then I've seen many side saddle putters on here say they do putt with the shaft at or near vertical... 

I see in USGA Rule 1d.1 Interpretations for Shaft Projections, that there is an illustration (attached) that states: 
 

Quote

However when the same putter head is soled in this position, the shaft is vertical, (and therefore), the putter is non-conforming.

 

Is it the PUTTER itself that is always either conforming / non-conforming, OR is it the golfer who can use any ol' putter in a non-conforming manner? 
 

Long story short, is I don't want to invest a lot of time at Side Saddle if I could be called out for using my USGA-approved putter in a non-conforming manner. 

Please Help! Thanks! 

Edited October 9, 2022 by ZestWithEase

[bluedot]

9 hours ago, ZestWithEase said:

New to this thread. And it's an awesome thread! Thanks to everyone's contributions! 

(I apologize if this question has already been covered, I can't find an easy way to search within just this thread). 

Can someone help me understand the definitive rules for Side Saddle putting?

I understand that the putter can't have more than an 80 degree lie angle, but I've seen various interpretations here (and on the wider web) that says you CAN'T use a conforming putter IF you stand it up too upright during your putting motion.

bluedot, who appears to have contributed to this thread more than anyone has said this about the GP putter: 
 

 

and also said this back when DeChambeau was trying it out
 

 

but then I've seen many side saddle putters on here say they do putt with the shaft at or near vertical... 

I see in USGA Rule 1d.1 Interpretations for Shaft Projections, that there is an illustration (attached) that states: 
 

 

Is it the PUTTER itself that is always either conforming / non-conforming, OR is it the golfer who can use any ol' putter in a non-conforming manner? 
 

Long story short, is I don't want to invest a lot of time at Side Saddle if I could be called out for using my USGA-approved putter in a non-conforming manner. 

Please Help! Thanks! 

The putter itself is either conforming or non-conforming.  ANY conforming club can be held toe up or heel up; there is no requirement that any club be soled. With putters, Stricker (heel up) and Aoki (toe up) are good examples.  And lots of instructors teach chipping with the heel of irons just slightly elevated to reduce drag.  
 

Maybe take comments here about holding the putter in a “vertical” position with a grain of salt; we really should be saying “more” or “less”, I think.  I think it’s a fair statement to say that using any conforming putter an other than a soled position is going to involve a trade-off, just as it does with irons; there are alignment issues and a reduced sweet spot.  How big those issues are varies according to the particular putter, and whether or not they are worth it is up to the individual.  

 

One other note from personal experience.  Over the last 7 1/2 hrs since I started putting side saddle, I’ve played a couple of hundred tournament rounds.  I’ve been asked a LOT of different things about what I’m doing, but the question of verticality has never come up a single time.  The only real rules question I’ve been asked by other players were right after the anchoring ban, and they were asking out of ignorance of what was actually involved in that ban. 

Edited October 9, 2022 by bluedot

[brentflog]

58 minutes ago, bluedot said:

The putter itself is either conforming or non-conforming.  ANY conforming club can be held toe up or heel up; there is no requirement that any club be soled. With putters, Stricker (heel up) and Aoki (toe up) are good examples.  And lots of instructors teach chipping with the heel of irons just slightly elevated to reduce drag.  
 

Maybe take comments here about holding the putter in a “vertical” position with a grain of salt; we really should be saying “more” or “less”, I think.  I think it’s a fair statement to say that using any conforming putter an other than a soled position is going to involve a trade-off, just as it does with irons; there are alignment issues and a reduced sweet spot.  How big those issues are varies according to the particular putter, and whether or not they are worth it is up to the individual.  

 

One other note from personal experience.  Over the last 7 1/2 hrs since I started putting side saddle, I’ve played a couple of hundred tournament rounds.  I’ve been asked a LOT of different things about what I’m doing, but the question of verticality has never come up a single time.  The only real rules question I’ve been asked by other players were right after the anchoring ban, and they were asking out of ignorance of what was actually involved in that ban. 

As usual Blue has it right. Dechambeaus putter was deemed illegal because it had a slightly rounded sole. This was nitpicking for sure but that was the determination, not the way he used the putter. Having said that the usga has had horrible leadership ever since Mike Price took the reigns and under his watch the game shrunk significantly in popularity. Covid bailed them out and popularity is back but if a player made it on tour putting side saddle, especially holding the club vertically then I think they would try to screw it up. Look at what they did to the Bomars. Forced them to go to 76 degrees. If I had an idea for a side saddle putter, I would submit it to the usga as a broomstick to avoid this. 

[bluedot]

54 minutes ago, brentflog said:

As usual Blue has it right. Dechambeaus putter was deemed illegal because it had a slightly rounded sole. This was nitpicking for sure but that was the determination, not the way he used the putter. Having said that the usga has had horrible leadership ever since Mike Price took the reigns and under his watch the game shrunk significantly in popularity. Covid bailed them out and popularity is back but if a player made it on tour putting side saddle, especially holding the club vertically then I think they would try to screw it up. Look at what they did to the Bomars. Forced them to go to 76 degrees. If I had an idea for a side saddle putter, I would submit it to the usga as a broomstick to avoid this. 

I really dislike the USGA, but I’ll side with them on the Dechambeau issue.  I knew that putter should be ruled non-conforming the second day he used it after I tried the grip and stance he was using and realized that his putter was completely vertical AND completely soled.  Furthermore, I think he more or less made the putter himself, and if anybody would know the rules about this issue, he would.  I thought then, and still believe, that he was knowingly cheating with that putter.  Just my opinion…

[ZestWithEase]

3 hours ago, bluedot said:

I really dislike the USGA, but I’ll side with them on the Dechambeau issue.  I knew that putter should be ruled non-conforming the second day he used it after I tried the grip and stance he was using and realized that his putter was completely vertical AND completely soled.  Furthermore, I think he more or less made the putter himself, and if anybody would know the rules about this issue, he would.  I thought then, and still believe, that he was knowingly cheating with that putter.  Just my opinion…

 

I really appreciate the thoroughness of these explanations! Side note: there does seem to be a double standard (at worst) or great subjectivity (at best) in interpretations of the heel / shaft angle limits depending on if a putter is intended for Broomstick vs SS. At least it would appear that there is far more leniency around sole design for broomstick. But I digress... 

Bluedot, I have one more question for you, if you don't mind. I see a lot of people altering putters to make them more applicable to side saddle. Here's a vide of Jimmy "The Machine" who is using a "modified" Charles L. Owens "Slim Jim" putter made by Matzie Golf.

 

I believe Matzie didn't make this putter with a lie angle of 79 degrees. So my question to you is, is it risky to take these more conventional putters and modify them on your own? Or, if you are going to play in a USGA (or other sanctioned) event with a putter like that, do you need to send it in (and to who?) ahead of time and get it pre-approved? 

Much appreciated for all your wisdom here. 

 

 

Edited October 9, 2022 by ZestWithEase

[brentflog]

3 hours ago, bluedot said:

I really dislike the USGA, but I’ll side with them on the Dechambeau issue.  I knew that putter should be ruled non-conforming the second day he used it after I tried the grip and stance he was using and realized that his putter was completely vertical AND completely soled.  Furthermore, I think he more or less made the putter himself, and if anybody would know the rules about this issue, he would.  I thought then, and still believe, that he was knowingly cheating with that putter.  Just my opinion…

I talked with the creator of his putter. The guys name is Bobby Schafer.  It had an 80 degree lie angle but the sole was ever so slightly rounded. Dechambeaus had a few modifications but was pretty much this putter. Starting at about 55 seconds. 

 

[bluedot]

On 10/9/2022 at 1:51 PM, ZestWithEase said:

 

I really appreciate the thoroughness of these explanations! Side note: there does seem to be a double standard (at worst) or great subjectivity (at best) in interpretations of the heel / shaft angle limits depending on if a putter is intended for Broomstick vs SS. At least it would appear that there is far more leniency around sole design for broomstick. But I digress... 

Bluedot, I have one more question for you, if you don't mind. I see a lot of people altering putters to make them more applicable to side saddle. Here's a vide of Jimmy "The Machine" who is using a "modified" Charles L. Owens "Slim Jim" putter made by Matzie Golf.

 

I believe Matzie didn't make this putter with a lie angle of 79 degrees. So my question to you is, is it risky to take these more conventional putters and modify them on your own? Or, if you are going to play in a USGA (or other sanctioned) event with a putter like that, do you need to send it in (and to who?) ahead of time and get it pre-approved? 

Much appreciated for all your wisdom here. 

 

 

I don’t know the answer to this.  I don’t know if a conforming club becomes nonconforming if it is altered but is still at an allowable lie angle; I would assume it would be ok, since pros do all,sorts of stuff to clubs, especially wedges.  But I don’t know that.

 

Again, I’ve been questioned or even had a conversation with any of the tournament directors of the CGA tournaments I play in, and they’ve all seen me putt.  I’m not the only one; there are several of us putting side saddle, and I don’t know of any of them having been asked.

 

Sorry I can’t be of more help on this; I think we’ve gotten well above my pay grade.

[bluedot]

23 hours ago, brentflog said:

I talked with the creator of his putter. The guys name is Bobby Schafer.  It had an 80 degree lie angle but the sole was ever so slightly rounded. Dechambeaus had a few modifications but was pretty much this putter. Starting at about 55 seconds. 

 

I’ve seen this video; it’s excellent.  I’m familiar with the Bobby Schafer putter, though I’ve never run across one in person or for sale.

 

As to Dechambeau, regardless of who made the putter or how much he altered it, he was holding it absolutely vertical, and the heel was completely soled.  There is no way that’s possible with an 80* lie angle; ven a small head like the GP has some separation when you hold it completely vertical.

[brentflog]

6 hours ago, bluedot said:

I’ve seen this video; it’s excellent.  I’m familiar with the Bobby Schafer putter, though I’ve never run across one in person or for sale.

 

As to Dechambeau, regardless of who made the putter or how much he altered it, he was holding it absolutely vertical, and the heel was completely soled.  There is no way that’s possible with an 80* lie angle; ven a small head like the GP has some separation when you hold it completely vertical.

 

[J_Tizzle]

I don't understand why Bryson made side saddle putting look so insanely awkward.  Doing it with a longer putter unanchored is so much more simple and a natural move, vs whatever that was...

[bluedot]

16 hours ago, J_Tizzle said:

I don't understand why Bryson made side saddle putting look so insanely awkward.  Doing it with a longer putter unanchored is so much more simple and a natural move, vs whatever that was...

Amen to that.  
 

putting side saddle can feel like being on an island at times; I’m the only guy at my club who putts this way.  And one of the questions people have from time to time is why don’t any pros putt this way.  Sometimes that question is curious, sometimes it’s critical.

 

So I was really excited when I read the BCD was going back to side saddle, which he had apparently done quite a bit as am amateur.  When I saw him, I was stunned that he was doing something so counterintuitive, at least to me, though to be fair I think that’s the grip that Pelz talks about in the famous story.  That said, I’ve never seen ANYBODY else hold the putter that way, and it just feels awful to me.

 

Of course, little did we know at the time how truly “unusual” BCD really is.  In retrospect, that putting grip probably doesn’t make the top five of his quirks.

 

 

 

Edited October 13, 2022 by bluedot

[BigEx44]

On 10/13/2022 at 6:58 AM, bluedot said:

Amen to that.  
 

putting side saddle can feel like being on an island at times; I’m the only guy at my club who putts this way.  And one of the questions people have from time to time is why don’t any pros putt this way.  Sometimes that question is curious, sometimes it’s critical.

 

So I was really excited when I read the BCD was going back to side saddle, which he had apparently done quite a bit as am amateur.  When I saw him, I was stunned that he was doing something so counterintuitive, at least to me, though to be fair I think that’s the grip that Pelz talks about in the famous story.  That said, I’ve never seen ANYBODY else hold the putter that way, and it just feels awful to me.

 

Of course, little did we know at the time how truly “unusual” BCD really is.  In retrospect, that putting grip probably doesn’t make the top five of his quirks.

 

 

 

Bludot,

We're getting near the end of the golf season here in Upstate NY.

I know you have a lot more golfing in front of you, but I'm wondering where you are on your Mezz?

Did it finally kick your BG F22 out of the bag?

Any firm opinions on the putter?

Curious minds want to know!  Lol....

E

 

[bluedot]

53 minutes ago, BigEx44 said:

Bludot,

We're getting near the end of the golf season here in Upstate NY.

I know you have a lot more golfing in front of you, but I'm wondering where you are on your Mezz?

Did it finally kick your BG F22 out of the bag?

Any firm opinions on the putter?

Curious minds want to know!  Lol....

E

 

Well, I’ve gone back and forth several times…

 

Right now, I’m using the Mezz.  Our greens (bent) have gotten a lot faster now that the heat is less, and fast greens have always been a bit of a problem for me with the F22.  
 

The challenging part of using the Mezz is that it pretty much has to be soled.  For better or worse, the F22 lets me do almost anything.  I’m not sure whether that’s good or bad, and I could argue it either way, but it’s an adjustment.  
 

The Mezz actually weighs out heavier than the F22 by a little, but feels much lighter.  I think that’s a big help in releasing down the line on fast greens, which has always been a weakness of mine no matter what method or what putter.  Probably is for everyone.

[J_Tizzle]

On 10/14/2022 at 9:15 AM, bluedot said:

Well, I’ve gone back and forth several times…

 

Right now, I’m using the Mezz.  Our greens (bent) have gotten a lot faster now that the heat is less, and fast greens have always been a bit of a problem for me with the F22.  
 

The challenging part of using the Mezz is that it pretty much has to be soled.  For better or worse, the F22 lets me do almost anything.  I’m not sure whether that’s good or bad, and I could argue it either way, but it’s an adjustment.  
 

The Mezz actually weighs out heavier than the F22 by a little, but feels much lighter.  I think that’s a big help in releasing down the line on fast greens, which has always been a weakness of mine no matter what method or what putter.  Probably is for everyone.

 

I tend to just play with the weights.  I have a F35 I've been gaming a lot this year and I'll keep it loaded up sometimes, and one day if the putts don't drop I'll pull out a couple of the weights, which I think is close to removing 60g.  

[Faceit]

Can someone explain to me why using a totally upright lie angle, or any grip anchored or not is considered cheating or against the rules if these things are equally available to all players? I don’t get it 

[bluedot]

1 hour ago, Faceit said:

Can someone explain to me why using a totally upright lie angle, or any grip anchored or not is considered cheating or against the rules if these things are equally available to all players? I don’t get it 

You’re asking two different questions here.  
 

The answer to the first question is that it’s cheating to do anything that violates the Rules of Golf, whether it’s moving your ball or taking an incorrect drop or placing the wrong ball or using a nonconforming club or anchoring.  That’s the easy question.

 

The second question is really about whether or not there should be an anchoring rule, or restrictions on the lie angle of a putter, and I’m sure there are other examples.  This is MUCH deeper water, IMO, and a place where the USGA is often fundamentally different than other rule making bodies in sports.  The two guiding principles in sports rules making are to reduce judgment calls wherever possible, and to treat like situations alike.  The anchoring ban went in the other direction on BOTH of those ideas; I doubt there is anybody who has watched Langer or McCarron or Scott putt that hasn’t at least wondered if they might be violating.  And it’s perfectly ok to anchor your elbow; just not your hand.  
 

All of that said, I’ve never really objected to the lie angle requirement. 

[jamgam]

I did a thing.  initial feelings are good

 

[Joe Duffer]

On 10/28/2022 at 11:16 AM, jamgam said:

I did a thing.  initial feelings are good

 

Updates?

Did you get out and roll a few this last weekend?

BTW, I like your color choice. 👍

[bluedot]

Twice in the last month, I’ve been in the same senior tournaments with two other veteran side saddle guys, both of whom are VERY good putters, and both of whom were using putters I hadn’t seen before, at least as side saddle options.

 

The first one was a Hogan Big Ben Bettinardi, and the second was a Bobby Grace MacGregor V Foil.  The guy using the BG had been in Bobby’s shop in Highlands, NC and the V Foil was actually a trade in that Bobby had bought back.  He loved it; said it’s the best he’s ever used, and he’s been side saddle for over 10 years now.  The other guy using the Hogan has been putting side saddle for over 20 years.

 

Its always refreshing and reinforcing to run across another side saddle guy, and to see what they’re doing in terms of grip, setup, and the putter they’re using.  And it also helps to see that EVERY side saddle guy that I run into is a very, very good putter.

 

 

[Joe Duffer]

8 hours ago, bluedot said:

Twice in the last month, I’ve been in the same senior tournaments with two other veteran side saddle guys, both of whom are VERY good putters, and both of whom were using putters I hadn’t seen before, at least as side saddle options.

 

The first one was a Hogan Big Ben Bettinardi, and the second was a Bobby Grace MacGregor V Foil.  The guy using the BG had been in Bobby’s shop in Highlands, NC and the V Foil was actually a trade in that Bobby had bought back.  He loved it; said it’s the best he’s ever used, and he’s been side saddle for over 10 years now.  The other guy using the Hogan has been putting side saddle for over 20 years.

 

It's always refreshing and reinforcing to run across another side saddle guy, and to see what they’re doing in terms of grip, setup, and the putter they’re using.  And it also helps to see that EVERY side saddle guy that I run into is a very, very good putter.

 

 

B-Dot, out of your many side saddle options, have you decided on your gamer? F-22?

Edited November 2, 2022 by Joe Duffer