With Tiger Woods still trying to dominate the Golf News landscape, it is refreshing to have a new controversy to stew over. I am referring to the last club used on a hole that seem to be taller than my 11 year-old daughter, the belly putter.
We have seen the evolution of the putter through the years go from the traditional flat stick used by a 19 major winner (Jack Nicklaus), to what is referred to as a “two ball” putter (which just looks like a mallet that I have hanging in the garage). The grip has also changed through the years to now include one that is so thick that it looks like you are using the wrong end of a baseball bat (By the way, I use a Tiger Shark grip that is rather thick). I even played with an older gentleman that seemed to have this “sucker” on the end of his club that picked up his ball for him so he did not have to bend down. As a society, we are always tinkering with items to try and make them better. So after going through the grip and the size of the heads, why not continue to the shaft?
I remember watching a special on the Golf Channel that deal with how many different ways there are to putt a golf ball. You have the multitude of putter variations that we have only barely skimmed the surface of, but also a conglomerate of varied hand positions to try and certainly confuse you. To me, the point they were trying to make was that putting was the one item in a pro’s golf game that can cause the most consternation. In other words, putting can truly start messing with your head.
Quick story to illustrate my point. Friend of mine drives the green on a short par 4. Goes up and 4 putts for a bogey. Next hole hit the green in two on a par 5. You guessed it, 4 putts for another bogey. I vividly remember the splash his club made in the pond on the adjacent hole. Putting can mess with you.
My son (4 years old) and I headed down to the local golf shop to try our hands at belly putters. I wanted to feel firsthand what the fuss was all about, and I wanted to be amused by the sight of my 3 footer holding a belly putter. I warmed up with a traditional flat head putter, and then proceeded to everyone’s nemesis.
Ok, clear my throat. I putted better with the belly putter. After I got over the initial “weirdness” of having a putter attached to my stomach, I actually started to put smoother and, dare I say it, better. I am trying to duck through the clothes of the shop so the “Golf Gods” are not able to send some sort of punishment my way.
To be frank, I cannot switch to the belly putter as it does just feel too awkward, and they are a bit pricey. I am also just worried about my own psyche. Picture it:
Bend down and look at the line of your putt. Check out the contours of the green. Is it breaking left? Right? Uphill? Down? Place your ball inside your marker and begin your practice swings. Make sure you have your hands positioned correctly. Is your stomach in the right position?
Something just tells me I have enough to think about.
Here are some four articles to help make up your mind:
About.com talks about the different sizes up putters and give advice on the right one for you.
E. Michael Johnson wrote an article for Golf Digest in 2009 asking if the belly putter was an unfair advantage for tour players.
Brendan McEvoy wrote on World Golf.com about how belly putters can win you over.
This articles title says it all. When It Comes to Long Putters, Kids, Just Say No