Did Adam Scott make long putters cool?

[72strokes]

http://72strokes.com/2011/04/did-adam-scott-make-long-putters-cool/

Did Adam Scott make long putters cool?

 

by Derek

 

 

OK, maybe long putters aren't cool, but it does seem that Adam Scott has at least made long putters an acceptable option for players that previously wouldn't consider one. Lee Westwood put one in play at the Masters. Ernie Els is reportedly thinking about bagging one this week at the Verizon. Nathan Greene and Camilo Villegas are right there with him (even though Greene thinks they should be illegal).

 

Bill Haas is also apparently considering making the switch after Brendan Steele used a belly putter to win the Valero last weekend. Tiger was even photographed practicing a long putter stroke during his golf tour of Asia last week. After all of his 3 putts on Sunday at the Masters, it wouldn't surprise me at all if he's at least been testing one.

 

 

When asked about Scott's success at the Masters with a long putter, Anthony Kim quipped, “Obviously it's working for him. Maybe I should go try it.”

 

In the past, putting a belly putter in your bag was a tacit admission that you had some serious putting problems and you were looking for something… anything to save your game. But now with players like Scott and Steele having success with long putters, players seem to be viewing it as another tool to play better… even if they hold their noses while using it.

 

Personally, I've tried a both a belly putter and a long putter in the past and found that I putted worse with them. But I don't have a problem with people using them. Unless somebody in my foursome shows up with one and beats me. Then they should be illegal.

[daves81]

I just dont think I could use one.Nothing against them,but it s just not me

[Sandy Koufax]

I don't think you should use one unless you're 50+ or have a note from your doctor explaining a serious back condition. Adam Scott looks like he's trying to be gandalf the grey toting around that staff.

[Tony Covey MGS]

I have a Bettinardi Big Ben (back when he was designing for the Ben Hogan brand) Belly Putter that my wife gave me as a wedding gift. It's not my gamer, but I also never hesitate to put back in the back when I get a little bit yippy. It really helps to smooth things out. In some respects I think of it as a USGA legal training aid.

[JBones]

I don't know if he made it "cool", but his success with it has got me trying it. I have always struggled with putting, so I'm willing to try anything.

[Funkyfedora]

The long putter is great to help build confidence. I have 2 of them in my stash and bring them out when I feel like my putting is bad.

[Dave]

I've got a few belly length flatsticks lying around. Normally one of them in the bag 80% of the time. Always been tempted to try a long putter, but never wanted to drop the coin for one.

[JBones]

I've got a few belly length flatsticks lying around. Normally one of them in the bag 80% of the time. Always been tempted to try a long putter, but never wanted to drop the coin for one.

A long shaft and grip only cost me $20 from Golfworks, then I just pulled an old White Hot #2 and glued it on. I'm really digging it, so I'm thinking about buying an STX Pro Fit long putter.