The Belly Putter Craze
Posted on Wed, Feb 15, 2012 @ 09:50 AM
"The Yips!" Now there's a phrase to frighten a golfer no matter to what standard one plays.
The Yips is a condition where the mind and the body lose communication and even a two foot putt becomes a nightmare. A push or a pull or for some even the ability to take the putter back becomes impossible.
The Belly Putter may be the answer to this dreaded condition and with Keegan Bradley’s win at the PGA and Phil Mickelson using one, big manufacturers are clambering to get their product onto the shelves.
Up until the early 80's, golfers were expected just to suffer. It was not until Bernhard Langer lost patience and started using a broomhandle, the belly putter's larger brother, that the idea built some momentum.
So, what are the benefits you ask? Well, by creating a point of connection with body, the putter will swing with less influence required from the hands. The hands, being the “Yippers Curse“. The action will be more controlled by the shoulders with the hands acting more as passengers during the stroke.
It is generally recognized that for shorter putts the belly can be very effective. Longer putts, or when the conditions are very windy, technique needs to be better. It is vital that the length of the putter enables the golfer to anchor it exactly where it feels most comfortable and through that produce a stroke that reflects both the length of the club and the distance the golfer stands from the ball.
Golfers who use belly putters well in the main have to ball closer to their bodies with the golf ball under their eyes. This allows for a stroke that is straight back staright through. The further away one is the more an independent hand action will be needed. A pencil style grip or claw is often used instead of a more orthodox putting grip.
Most users also use what is called a "Face Balanced putter head". This is one--where if set at it's fulcrum point--the face will point to the sky and not swing into an open position. These putter heads are designed to compliment an action less reliant on the hands and more on the shoulders.
As the shaft is longer on belly putters, the head will need to be a bit heavier by design and; therefore, its not as simple as just adding length to a standard putter. The shaft will need to be bent at an angle that will allow for the blade to be flat on the ground.
For the reasons stated above, choosing a model by a noted golf manufacturer would be the best route to take and more golf shops both on and off course have a selection in stock.
So the big question is- should you take the plunge and go with a long belly putter? Should you take more than 36 putts a round, or really struggle on the short ones, then It could be a great move. You should be aware; however, that it can take time to adjust to the required technique and you may require help to get it right. If you do put one in the bag, then you will join an increasing number of players who have taken this step. If it is good for Keegan, Phil and other notables then it will be right for you!
Want to check some out? You can find King Par Superstore's selection here.
-Nigel
