Going Belly Up
The “sweeping success” of the game’s long putters and belly putters has caused a stir on Tour. Three of the last five major champions punctuated their victories with a controversial tool. Traditionalists argue that by anchoring the putter into the chest or stomach, it creates a distinct advantage. The extra stability removes late-round tension in the arms and hands, configuring a stroke that is devoid of pressure.
Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson, Ernie Els, your thoughts?
Are the best players in the world (Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy) still winning with the standard-bearer because they are supremely gifted, but players like Simpson and Bradley have distilled the field with an unfair instrument? It makes for interesting fodder.
While I think the long putter adds a more balanced approach to lengthier putts, I believe it can hinder shorter putts. The weight and shape of a “life size” putter can be awkward and difficult to control inside of 10 feet. I find that a putter in the 30-35″ range (relative to your height–I’m 5’9) is easier to manage. Much like choking down on a wedge or iron, you are reducing the window for mistakes. During this year’s British Open, Adam Scott felt the bind down the stretch, and missed several practice green gimmes. Was the long putter to blame?
I disagree with the idea of placing a ban on the long/belly putter. At the same time, I am an old-fashioned player at heart and would never use a putter that Jack Nicklaus or Johnny Miller didn’t put in the bag. Let’s compromise and carry two sticks.
–Anthony Stipa
GoFer Eats 