The R&A has convinced the USGA to take another look at the use of belly putters -- actually, at the way players anchor the club, not the putters themselves.
The R&A's contention is partly based on the view that in British weather, which tends to be windy, rainy and cold, players are actually using the club as a crutch, per se -- steadying themselves with the putter, "using it for something other than the traditional stroke." But the bigger debate goes back to that last phrase -- if anchoring the long-handled putters against the body creates something outside the definition of a natural or traditional stroke.
It sounds like there will be serious discussions on the topic. Here's a link to the story: http://golfweek.com/news/2012/feb/05/usga-r-may-not-spare-belly-putters-after-all/
What's your opinion? Does securing the putter against your body change the true putting stroke? Do you use a belly or chest putter?
If it reduces the level of skill required to play, it should be banned.
Very interesting look on the putter and its "use."
I think it would be impossible to govern how players use it as a crutch or not. I think the players should have the right to play what they want within the given USGA R&A guidelines. That being said, like most equipment fads in golf, there will be a time where the belly putter will no longer be the hot play. Who knows? I think until there is significant research against them, let the guys use 'em all they want.
Personally, I dabbled with the idea of getting one but I decided to lose weight and get back to the basics.
Thanks for the article!
This was discussed today on Morning Drive as well, so it's becoming a hot topic again.
My own personal philosophy is..... No putter that comes in contact with your body. Long-ish is fine, but your hands or butt end of the putter can't touch any part of your body. Securing is the key word, and it's pretty cut and dried.
It is the anchoring or securing to your body that is an advantage and should be illegal but not the length of the putter
If you secure the putter against the body, I would think, and agree that this should be banned. As to length, as long as it is not used as a stabilizing factor, it should be allowed. Watching a number of the Pros that now use the belly putter, I would have to agree that it is being used as a stabilizing or anchoring factor. Really never gave it a lot of thought before, but it does give the player using it a definite advantage over the player that uses the "pure putting stroke" in my humble opinion.
THANKS CHRIS. GREAT POST.
IF IT ANCHORS TO THE BODY IT SHOULD BE BANNED,,,,IMO.
Touchy subject. If everyone has the opportunity to use it I don't see the problem. Putters come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and lengths. If a belly putter makes John Doe better but Larry Doe uses it and doesn't like it then I don't see a problem. However, I do see the point of "securing" the club in the belly could be the point that gives the longer putters problems.
Hmm,
I always thought that belly putters were for those wanted more support/control with the putter. I guess this should be discussed if everyone is just changing over to combat the weather conditions. Play through it!
While personally I do not prefer the long putter, I can also see it's advantagtes per the data. I do agree it can offer an advantage on certain length putts. However I am torn on the subject because the R&A and USGA have put so many guidelines in place that limits manufaturers from building equiptment for the average Joe. It is not fair to punish the "many to cater to the few". Why punish the recreational golfer? That is where the manufacturers make their money in the 1st place. We need to grow the game, not hinder it. They need to understand the economic issues that have effected our courses and clubs. Currently courses are dropping their yearly dues trying to hold on to every member they can. "That is data the R&A and the USGA needs to be looking at".
Short putter won this week over a long putter, was it the club or the guy holding it that made the difference? My opinion is that it is the player, not the tool he holds that shows what type of player he is. Look at Vijay, I think he would use a broom if they would let him he has gone back and orth so many times.
Personally I just don't think any golf club should be able to be anchored/secured to your body, and as such I wouldn't be upset if they dis-allowed that aspect of it. I don't care if someone wants to use a longer putter, but I don't think it should be anchored like they are currently.
They do not look like a normal golf club.