Long putters: godsend or abomination?

[muttleee]

Do you think belly/chest putters etc are acceptable in golf or should they be banned? I know they're supposed to have make putting easier for those who struggle with it but there are all sorts of illegal clubs out there that would make the game easier but which are also banned under the rules.

To my mind, anyone who has trouble putting with a regulation putter should practise harder and not resort to clubs that rely on using part of your upper body to pivot on. That's just not the way the game should be played but I can't see the R&A banning them now.

Also, how would you feel if your opponent was taking a drop and measured it with his broomhandle putter to make sure that he got a much better lie? Pretty sneaky, but I believe that's technically within the rules!

 

[Golfer2112]

Well if there was a burglar in my house I would prefer a broomhandled putter to wield in his general direction to deter his theft of my valuables.

On a putting green I would always use a normal putter.

Are they acceptable? Well, "Are they legal"? Yes.

Are they daft-looking? Yes

Are their owners more attractive to women? No

Does their owners' putting improve? No idea

Will G_2112 be investing in one? Ever ? No

 

[ANDYTROW]

Another point to bear in mind.
Would they fit in a Smart Car for the occasional embarrassing situations where I have to use the wife car to go to the club ?

 

[madandra]

WOW ... a bloke admitting to driving a smart car ;0)


Just put a hinge half way up the shaft.

 

[ANDYTROW]

And its bright yellow.
Now hears a thought, where does a bright yellow, 2 seater Smart car sit with the dress code debate.

 

[birdieman]

Long putters are abominations, shouldn't be allowed. I too have to take the wife's car on occasion to the golf club, it is an R reg beat up old VW Golf that rattles permanently and everytime you turn a corner some kind of spring twangs near the front left drivers wheel - I can feel the disapproving looks burning holes in me as I enter the carpark and park right at the back.

 

[ANDYTROW]

Ive considered parking on the side road and walking to save my embarrassment

 

[blindpete]

I look fantastic in the wifes Purple Fiesta. As for the Belly Putters, not many of the Pro's seem to use them only a few of the older guys. If they were so good wouldn't they all be using them?

 

[par_par_par_treble]

Don’t people only try them as a last resort when all else fails? Maybe this is why they haven’t caught on...

My putting is average on a good day, but I wouldn’t stoop low enough to use one

 

[Shooter_McGavin]

On the other hand they have helped people who have struggled with the dreaded yips and have given them a new chance to enjoy the game.

 

[muttleee]

On the other hand they have helped people who have struggled with the dreaded yips and have given them a new chance to enjoy the game.

Indeed they might...but you could make the same case for legalising the non conforming drivers that apparently hit the ball too far. As I said in the original post, the answer to putting problems imho is practice, not a club which is not in the spirit of the game.