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Long Putters / Belly Putters

S

sweeneytoddd

Medal Winner
Joined
May 25, 2010
Messages
54
Location
Scotland
www.braeheadgolfclub.co.uk
Watching the golf on Sky and Simon holmes has just had his usual rant about these putters being non traditional. This is going to be a hot topic this season as there are more and more players going to this style of putting.
I picked up a second hand 2-ball long putter for £50 almost two years ago and can honestly say it is the best purchase I have ever made, although as far as I know I am the only member at our club who plays with one.
So what's your opinion , should they be banned for being non traditional? Personally when I started playing there was no such thing as metal woods, changeable weights, hybrids etc so are these developments not just as " non traditional"?
 
Ive just watched that on sky there was the mention in the role book it says putting stroke now does this stroke mean free hand or can be assisted (hinged) by the belle or chest all the other clubs in the bag are used free hand (not hinged) why should the putter be any different ,,i think to say its cheating is a strong word when all the players could use one if they wish to ,i don't think they will be band ,i do think they will become more popular ,,,life is all about making money & if they haven't banned them by now, there as been to much money invested form all the manufactures

i think within 5 years everyone will have one
 
I’m beginning to think this is something that needs addressed. The odd golfer would go with a long putter when he had real problems with his putting. Now the belly putter is taking over and I think anchoring and pivoting a club against your body should be outlawed. Next we’ll have a player with belt buckle specially made to fit the butt of the putter.
 
it doesn't bother me,the option is there for people to use them and if players are struggling with their putting then whats the issue with them trying something different?

it doesn't work for everyone so it can't be a sure thing,a definate advantage over everyone else,what's the advantage?the fact it is anchored the body...so what?it clearly isn't an advantage because it would work for everyone and it simply doesn't.

so for that reason i don't care whether it gets banned or not..makes no difference if you ask me.
 
Look at the way Els putts with his and you'll realise that there is no obvious advantage. Its just another way of putting, some people master it some don't.

Until you've tried it don't assume its easier or going to dramatically improve your putting stats.
 
Why is a belly putter any different to a cavity back iron, a 460 degree driver or a 64 degree wedge, they are all technical 'improvements'. I don't believe it is an easier method for everybody.
 
The fundamental difference between belly/brooms and other clubs is that all these other clubs are held in 2 hands only and swung.
The belly/brooms are anchored to a part of the body and pivoted, in theory making the stroke more stable
Not against the rules but, and I hate this phrase, to me it's against the spirit of the game.

The Founding Fathers of golf didn't brace clubs against their bodies. Ok, they used wooden clubs, feathery balls and wore Tweed. But the club was held in 2 hands, taken back and brought through. A Swing.

It's not against the rules and so I have no real issue with people using them. I also think that the time has passed for the Authorities to ban them. A Major has been won with one. Many Pros are using them.
I think they're wrong, I think that if you can't putt with a normal putter the problem is between your ears. If you can't drive or pitch you get a lesson and practice. Why should it be any different with putting..?
 
Imurg said:
The fundamental difference between belly/brooms and other clubs is that all these other clubs are held in 2 hands only and swung.
The belly/brooms are anchored to a part of the body and pivoted, in theory making the stroke more stable
Not against the rules but, and I hate this phrase, to me it's against the spirit of the game.

The Founding Fathers of golf didn't brace clubs against their bodies. Ok, they used wooden clubs, feathery balls and wore Tweed. But the club was held in 2 hands, taken back and brought through. A Swing.

It's not against the rules and so I have no real issue with people using them. I also think that the time has passed for the Authorities to ban them. A Major has been won with one. Many Pros are using them.
I think they're wrong, I think that if you can't putt with a normal putter the problem is between your ears. If you can't drive or pitch you get a lesson and practice. Why should it be any different with putting..?
Click to expand...

No one is arguing that its any different. Its a choice that people make.

Why did you change away from your Titleist driver to a Ping? Why did you not just go for lessons until you "mastered" the Tit?

Answer; because you had the choice to change to a different driver/shaft.
 
But I was still swinging the club - that's the fundamrntal difference.
Look back.
Old Tom wore clothes, used a ball, played on a piece of ground, played the ball to a hole by SWINGING a club.
Fundamentally the same as today. Everything has evolved but its basically the same.
Anchoring a club to a part of your body isn't.
 
You still swing it. Yo putt you rock your shoulders, to putt with a belly putter you too your shoulders. Broom, you also make a stroke.
 
Does it give an unfair advantage to user? It's not like it's causing a record breaking number of victories for its users is it?

It's just a variation of what's there, I'm sure two-ball putters had the same response when they came out. People saying it made lining up a putt easier etc.
 
thecraw said:
You still swing it. Yo putt you rock your shoulders, to putt with a belly putter you too your shoulders. Broom, you also make a stroke.
Click to expand...

But it's not held in only 2 hands, it's braced. When was the last time you used a driver with the shaft burried into your stomach?

It's not against the Rules and as such I respect your right to use one. :thup:
But. fundamentally, it's wrong and always will be.

Just out of curiosity, Craw, what made you go to a Broom in the first place..?
 
having owned a belly putter I have to say they are no easier to use than a normal putter. I was able to hole out a lot of 2-6 footers with it but long putts were a nightmare. Changed to a standard putter (ping anser) and although I miss more shorter putts I feel a lot more confident long putting.

I reckon they are here to stay and have no qualms with folks using them
 
Imurg said:
But it's not held in only 2 hands, it's braced. When was the last time you used a driver with the shaft burried into your stomach?

It's not against the Rules and as such I respect your right to use one. :thup:
But. fundamentally, it's wrong and always will be.

Just out of curiosity, Craw, what made you go to a Broom in the first place..?
Click to expand...


It feels more natural too me. Simple.

Its certainly not the be all and end all however its my natural style now. I still fart about with it and while out on Friday I changed my grip mid round to see how I got on.
 
I had a swing or 3 with a broomhandle Rife 2-bar in DG the other day - I was all over the place.
It would take so long to get used to it.....

Anyway- you're alright with me until they ban 'em!:cheers:
 
I use a belly putter and wouldn't be without one because for me it suits my style of play and has improved my putting considerably.

The rules of the game stipulate you can have 14 clubs in the bag so for me it's a simple case of you choose what you use and play accordingly.

I agree with the fact that you do hinge the club however every player has the option to do this so there is no unfair advantage to be gained.

If we wanted a level playing field we would all be playing with clubs with no offset, neutral lie, standard loft, flex and length shafts. In addition we would be playing with a nominated brand ball and a pre determined set of clubs. It could be quite interesting however it would stifle technology and kill any enthusiam for the game.
 
Personally I don't mind them, I wouldn't use one but I have no objection to anyone using anything that's in the rules.

I've seen plenty of missed tiddlers and 3 putts with belly and broom handled putters, it's just another club IMO that suits some and not others.
 
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