Long Putters Today

[Texian]

I know this one has been hacked and re-hacked, but another blow might not be a bad idea.

 

I'm a long putter fan. It started maybe 10 years ago when I three-putted seven times during the finals of a club championship match. Undeniable case of the "yips."

 

This is not a review of a single long putter, because I've got about five of them and the first one I bought, for $9.99, is in a friend's bag and I'll probably never get it back. But I think we need to keep reminding people, even a few in high places, that the long putter is not dead. Sort of  like Bernhard Langer, who might have given up and died a couple of times but didn't, thanks to his long putter.

 

This was prompted by comments last week during the U. S. Open. First, by Paul Azinger, one of my favorite commentators when he makes one of his rare appearances, who referred straight out that the long putter had been "outlawed." Someone else, I think maybe Curtis Strange but I'm not sure, also said the long putter had been "outlawed." 

 

I know these guys have lots to talk about on air, and maybe that's the way they refer to long putters in private conversations, but they need to be careful and let people know that it's the anchored stroke that has been outlawed, not the putter.

 

If not, they're doing a disservice to people like me, and Bernhard, who have been and could be helped to enjoy the game more. I could go on about how to most effectively use the long putter (in my opinion), but this is probably too long already. 

 

So, that makes me feel better. Golfers, don't throw away those old long putters. Manufacturers, keep making them, and make them even better. 

[GeekingGolf]

I am really confused by the rule. The way I understand it, it has to do with anchoring, correct? What does anchoring mean exactly? What about belly putters? I have often wondered if a long putter or belly putter would help with my putting but my confusion over the new rule has forced me to stay clear of either of them.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[cnosil]

I am really confused by the rule. The way I understand it, it has to do with anchoring, correct? What does anchoring mean exactly? What about belly putters? I have often wondered if a long putter or belly putter would help with my putting but my confusion over the new rule has forced me to stay clear of either of them.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

It is about anchoring and yes there is lots of confusion. Length of the putter is irrelevant and it is more about how you hold the putter. I have seen some charts that show the various legal and not legal ways to hold the putter. Just do a google image search for anchored putting rule

[GeekingGolf]

It is about anchoring and yes there is lots of confusion. Length of the putter is irrelevant and it is more about how you hold the putter. I have seen some charts that show the various legal and not legal ways to hold the putter. Just do a google image search for anchored putting rule

I found it USGA website does anyone here use long putter?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[Texian]

Basically you can't rest the grip end of the putter against your belly or chest. I started using a 43-inch and never anchored, but just held it out from my chest a half inch or so to keep my body movement from affecting the stroke. From there it's just a one-handed pendulum. That's why I think it's effective. You don't have to coordinate two hands. The USGA put out some graphics that show it pretty well, although I'm still ticked at them for coming up with an answer for which there is no question. Who cares if it's anchored or not. Somebody just didn't like the way it looked. 

[cnosil]

Basically you can't rest the grip end of the putter against your belly or chest. I started using a 43-inch and never anchored, but just held it out from my chest a half inch or so to keep my body movement from affecting the stroke. From there it's just a one-handed pendulum. That's why I think it's effective. You don't have to coordinate two hands. The USGA put out some graphics that show it pretty well, although I'm still ticked at them for coming up with an answer for which there is no question. Who cares if it's anchored or not. Somebody just didn't like the way it looked. 

 

With a chest length putter, there is a little more than just keeping the end off your chest.  You cannot press your forearm against your chest as well. 

[downlowkey]

I recently posted this pic in another thread: https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/20082-magic-wands/?p=301575

 

But these are two "long putter" options that pass the anchor ban test. Mallet on the left is an SSP (Side Saddle Putter) and the broomstick on the right is an arm lock setup.

 

[Canucklehead]

I haven't seen a long putter in any store around me in probably 3 years

 

Sent from my E6853 using MyGolfSpy mobile app

[Canucklehead]

... Also, when anchoring putters were still on tour, most that anchored weren't that good of a putter

 

Sent from my E6853 using MyGolfSpy mobile app

[Texian]

... Also, when anchoring putters were still on tour, most that anchored weren't that good of a putter

 

Sent from my E6853 using MyGolfSpy mobile app

 

Ernie Els won the 2012 British Open, and a quarter of the field used long putters. He was the third golfer in 12 months to win a major with a long putter.  Els was one of seven players who won on the Tour in 2012 using long putters. So the problem NOT that the long putter wasn't effective, but it was TOO effective. The "traditionalists" of the USGA and R&A thought it was ugly and demeaning to "their" game and eventually outvoted those with better sense.

[Canucklehead]

Ernie Els won the 2012 British Open, and a quarter of the field used long putters. He was the third golfer in 12 months to win a major with a long putter. Els was one of seven players who won on the Tour in 2012 using long putters. So the problem NOT that the long putter wasn't effective, but it was TOO effective. The "traditionalists" of the USGA and R&A thought it was ugly and demeaning to "their" game and eventually outvoted those with better sense.

In 2012, only 3 golfers who anchored were it the top 50 of strokes gained putting

 

Sent from my E6853 using MyGolfSpy mobile app

[WillieStoutJr]

The thing that really got the USGA and R&A was when that Asian kid won and got a spot in the Masters as a amateur. I recall during the telecast it was mentioned that they weren't thrilled that the up n coming golfers were using long or belly putters instead of traditional putters. That in my opinion was the thing that started the whole anchor ban. They (USGA and R&A) DIDN'T like the look. It also didn't help that two or three majors had been won by long putters.

 

Iron specs: Adams a12os regular (needing senior) 4-sw.

Driver specs: Adams super s adjustable regular (SAA).

Handedness: Right

Handicap: 16

Wise County, Va.

[ole gray]

One of our seniors still putts with a two ball belly putter.  He's 77 years old and just glad to be able to come out a couple times per week.  He's usually a decent putter however today he was awful and he was bitching like a robin in a worm pulling contest.   

[TBT]

I played around with a long putter a few times, I never could get the hang of it.

[STUDque]

With a chest length putter, there is a little more than just keeping the end off your chest. You cannot press your forearm against your chest as well.

Bernhard Langer sure seems to toe that line awfully close. To me it looks like he rests his forearm.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[Texian]

That's why this is such a dumb ruling. The rule says it has to be intentional. Only the golfer making the stroke knows. If you ask it might sound like a politician in a Congressional hearing. "Senator, to the best of my recollection, and I was so focused on line and distance, that I don't recall. But if I did, I certainly didn't intend to." That said, I don't think Bernhard does, but if he did how would you know unless you made him take his shirt off when he putts? Oh wait. Forget I wrote that. The USGA and R&A apparently have too many folks with not enough to do but come up with stupid rulings. That could be next.

 

Sent from my SM-G920V using MyGolfSpy mobile app