Can you use the back of your putter - for a left handed stroke?

[Slicer30]

So my 60 degree wedge is getting put in the garage leaving 1 space in the bag.

I feel like I have everything I need, so have been joking with my playing partners that I am gonna stick a left handed 8/9 iron in my bag. Mainly for those shots that a left hander could play but a right hander has to drop or swipe at.

One guy asked if it would be allowed to use the back of the putter and give it a left handed swipe?

I had a few tries today in the garden and it is actually not that hard.

Question is - is it legal to play a chip/stroke with the back of your putter?

N.B On a few shots it definetely felt like there was a double hit so would probably not risk it. But be good to throw it out there tomorrow when we meet up

 

[Iaing]

Yes you can.

 

[CMAC]

you can use the back of all the clubs if you want

 

[Naybrains]

you can use the back of all the clubs if you want

Try your driver, works particulary well :lol:

 

[Imurg]

I know the shot you mean...!

I was tight up against the OB fence short and right of the 13th the other day.
Got the GW out, held it lefthanded with the toe vertically downwards and after a few practice swings had a go at it.
Managed to hack it out 50 yards to just short of the green for a straightforward chip'n'putt for par.

Rather than waste a lefthanded club that you may use once a month - practice with a wedge instead.

 

[ScienceBoy]

14-1. Ball to Be Fairly Struck At
The ball must be fairly struck at with the head of the club and must not be pushed, scraped or spooned

I guess the head means the head, pretty clear.

 

[USER1999]

I just face the opposite direction, and swing a six iron one handed, with the head turned over. Can get about 50 yards very easily. Just need a smooth tempo.

 

[ScienceBoy]

I just face the opposite direction, and swing a six iron one handed, with the head turned over. Can get about 50 yards very easily. Just need a smooth tempo.

I have the same shot but its with my 5 iron, just personal preference, it doesn't get far off the ground though.

 

[Heidi]

you could even use the toe of your putter to stab your ball out of the cuff of the fringe if you wanted!

 

[elliottlale]

wouldnt fancy that shot with my putter!!! #7 Fang!!

 

[shewy]

I used to do this,I put a left handed pw in my bag for just that type of shot,I'm naturally left handed anyway,so a quick swipe and 100 yards up the fairway. It did cause bother with my playing partners though who accused me of cheating (obviously don't know the rules).

 

[duncan mackie]

if you get an opposite handed 8 iron (generally easiest to start) and practice 1. turning it over and hitting shots with your normal swing to build confidence in the experience, then 2. use it correctly but the wrong way for you, to build confidence in your cack handed swing (eventually!), then finally 3. practice with your normal clubs, upside down and the wrong way round to understand how each works for you.
4. sell the 8 iron for a profit to your amazed playing partners after you have illustrated your new capabilities!

 

[Slicer30]

thanks for confirming gents.

My left wrist is knackered, so doubt I'd be able to do the one handed swing suggested. Will give the other options a try.