Does Anyone Use A Long Putter?

[GolfSpy Barbajo]

I've tried them at golf shops and just can't get my head around them....just doesn't feel right or natural, so I've never given them the time of day.

 

Also, don't see to many in people's bags on the course.  Does anyone here use a long putter?  Are you planning on paying any attention to the USGA's ban on anchoring?

 

I've been fit twice for putters, and both times they found the right length for me is 31-32 inches, which is the opposite of long.

 

What say you boys?  Anyone game one? Why? What are the benefits?  What sort of improvement do you see?

[westy]

Not any more!

 

I moved from a belly putter last year as I play competitions and knew I only had till January 2016.

 

Before the big grips came in I believe they did a good job for those not to comfortable with 6 footers (and shorter) - was always my problem. The weakness I found was with long putts on slower greens - direction was an issue.

 

However, a fatso grip and the centre shafted Piper TR has me putting better than I have for years.

 

It's hard to flick between long and short, a major change of equipment takes a while - I reckon a lot of people would have loved belly putters if they'd tried them for 3 months. But it's a mute point now. How often do people love a putter in a shop, rolling a few on a mat and it ends up gathering dust in the garage (can't just be me!).

 

And barbajo, I've got my Piper set at 31.5 inches. But that was also where my hands where on the grip of my belly putter.....

[evershady]

I've never played one but at my old club in Minnesota there were a couple of older players close to their 80's that played them the one said his hands shook to much with a short putter I doubt they will change to the shorty when the time comes.  

[Kenny B]

My back swing is so horrible that adding more length to the club only seems to make it worse.  I haven't been fitted for a putter, but 31-32 inches is a good length for me.  Light putters are no good; I need something heavy to keep my backswing straight.  

 

My swing coach said that most people play a putter that is too long for them.  The average tour player is 6' 1'' and the average amateur is 5'10".  Most pros use a putter that is 34-35 inches, so that is what golf shops stock based on OEM recommendations.  The average golfer should probably use a shorter putter, but they are not commonly available so they "adjust" their swing accordingly and wonder why they don't putt very well.  Amazing!

[Jmikecpa]

I played a broomstick putter for the better part of 10 years and it really was no better than a short putter for me. I made the change when I had my last ACL surgery as it was the only putter I could roll a ball with when I had the brace on after the surgery. I got comfortable with it and it was working so I just did not change it out until I had time to work with a conventional putter. I have always been an advocate of keeping the broomstick legal since there is no real advantage in using one over a short putter for 90% of the world's golfers.

[PlaidJacket]

No.

But a guy I play with does. Although he doesn't anchor it. Kind of uses a side-saddle method.

[BIG STU]

I played a broomstick putter for the better part of 10 years and it really was no better than a short putter for me. I made the change when I had my last ACL surgery as it was the only putter I could roll a ball with when I had the brace on after the surgery. I got comfortable with it and it was working so I just did not change it out until I had time to work with a conventional putter. I have always been an advocate of keeping the broomstick legal since there is no real advantage in using one over a short putter for 90% of the world's golfers.

I used one for a short time but found out what was wrong and abandoned it. I have absolutely no problem with anchoring or the long putter. some guys it is good for and some it is not. IMHO I see the rule change as garbage because nothing was said until a FEW players won on tour with them and the clowns at the GC got started on it. OK USGA what's next some guys are putting great with Super Stroke grips are we going to ban them too? Some guys putt good left hand low are we going to ban that too? You see my logic don't you? I guess in the USGA way of thinking we may all have to go back to 8802 style or Calamaty Jane style putters oh hell that ain't gonna work either because some folks can putt good with those style putters too!!

[BIG STU]

To answer Barbajo's original question and I think I have stated this before but it deserves mentioning again.

In this area we have a lot of older retirees well up in years that still play quite a bit during the week and year round weather permitting. They through their memberships are the backbone of the golf industry here. A lot of these guys use the broomstick because of health concerns with bad backs etc. A lot of the clubs here have basically told the USGA to screw themselves and have elected to waive the anchoring ban in golf leagues and inter club comps. A lot of the retirees had said if forced to switch they would give up the game entirely or just not do the league thing any more. Either way would cut course revenue. None of the powers to be had even considered the effects of this on the golf industry. And this comes from a USGA member---me! and further more what is the USGA going to do send the Rules Police to arrest someone and throw them off the course and shut the course down? Yep like I have stated in the past I for one have ABSOLUTELY NO problem what so ever if one wants to anchor whether he/she is 20 or 90. That is my bottom line for what it is worth

[BIG STU]

My back swing is so horrible that adding more length to the club only seems to make it worse.  I haven't been fitted for a putter, but 31-32 inches is a good length for me.  Light putters are no good; I need something heavy to keep my backswing straight.  

 

My swing coach said that most people play a putter that is too long for them.  The average tour player is 6' 1'' and the average amateur is 5'10".  Most pros use a putter that is 34-35 inches, so that is what golf shops stock based on OEM recommendations.  The average golfer should probably use a shorter putter, but they are not commonly available so they "adjust" their swing accordingly and wonder why they don't putt very well.  Amazing!

You are absolutely correct on length and how putters come "stock" I am 6' 2" and my stock putter is 35". And your synposis is absolutely 100% accurate on why the average player does not putt well. IMHO custom putter fitting to ones height is just as important as iron and wood fitting and for some reason most folks fail to see that

[BIG STU]

I've never played one but at my old club in Minnesota there were a couple of older players close to their 80's that played them the one said his hands shook to much with a short putter I doubt they will change to the shorty when the time comes.  

GOOD FOR THEM! Tell them to tell the USGA to stick it for me!!!