The "Belly Putter" and why I am glad Garcia (his putter rather) Lost the OPEN

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Then maybe all those "poor" belly putter guys should remove an iron or wood (heck Phil uses 2 drivers, Sergio can use 2 putters) and drop in a normal putter to lag up to the hole with. then they can anchor that phone pole into their gut and make the tricky 2 footer.

 

Still don't like them, but use 'em if you like them, they are LEGAL.

[steventoo]

I've grown up using a long putter, and I'm not sure they offer a significant advantage. For a while, I had both a long (anchors at my chest) and short (traditional) version of my putter. I'd switch between the two regularly. I found that line was easier with the longer putter, while length suffered... and the reverse for the short putter. Switching putters did not change the quality of my putting, or change the number of putts per round to a meaningful degree.

 

I got rid of the short putter and kept the long one, mostly because I feel more confident with the long one because I've been using them for years. The only down side I've found is that I can't fit it in the boot of my car with the rest of my clubs!

[Caligula]

Whilst I don't mind the belly putter, the long putter should not be allowed IMO as the motion is more akin to the swing of a croquet mallet and less like a putting stroke.

[enterprise920]

all a belly putter does is turn a lousy putter into a mediocre putter. I dont have any problem with people using them.

[FreakinA]

What about the super stroke then? Doesn't that eliminate the wrists?

[Skippy11]

Im all for change in golf but Boo Weekly looked like a complete idiot with the hunting sleeves. Belly putters are fine and all, 460 square drivers, check, but please dont try to look like the biggest hick tool on the planet. The worst part was I was at my uncles house in Florida, and all the local rednecks thought it was the greatest thing.

 

 

I guess this is how politics work though too. If you can't beat it, complain about it untill jackass makes a law about it.

 

Just be glad he didn't have the number 8 plastered all over his body.....

 

 

As far as belly putters are concerned, maybe we all should go back to bulls eyes.

 

I know I hit more fairways with my Wilson Staff JP (persimmon) back in the day. That baby was always on, 230 yds was my max but it was in the short grass. Now I can fly that with a hybrid.

 

Long or short, you still have to make the stroke....

 

Rick

[kentutz]

I tried the belly putter and it has yet to work for me. But if it does, i'll get one in a heartbeat. Don't hate, just play your game.

[Two Down]

I just started messing with a 48 " long putter 2 days ago. (just messin around.) Found the only advantage for me was i could see the line better. I have to admit I did putt better at shorter distances. And yes I will be making myself one soon!! As far as the 2 major complaints from the opponents of long putters:

 

1) NOT TRADITIONAL- if Bobby Jones seen one of those square drivers he'd s@*t himself!!!

 

2) TOO BIG OF AN ADVANTAGE- the putter i'm trying out is from a mini tour buddy of mine and he said "here, i can't putt worth a crap with this!! (some advantage!!!) later

[Dyno]

all a belly putter does is turn a lousy putter into a mediocre putter. I dont have any problem with people using them.

 

 

Nice summary.

 

 

I agree. Because I live it. :)

[andechr]

I wonder which will happen first, a major with with a belly putter or a heavy putter.

[KF_Tower]

I wonder which will happen first, a major with with a belly putter or a heavy putter.

 

Didn't Vijay win with a belly putter??

[abewley]

not a major