Long putters – the broomstick-style flatsticks like Bernhard Langer has used for years – have been part of the golf equipment landscape for the last couple decades. Some players swear by them, and some would never touch one. The last few years saw a spike in the use of mid-length putters, also known as “belly” putters for the tendency of golfers to anchor the end of the shaft around their navel. Mid-length putters have the benefits of a long putter, mainly taking the wrists out of the putting stroke, while providing for a more traditional stance and stroke.
An interesting new twist on the belly putter idea comes from New Zealand’s Puku Golf Company. Puku – which is Maori for belly – makes mid-length putters with an innovative design that allows golfers to adjust the length of the putter. We had the chance to try one out, and here’s our gut feeling about it.
And now we all turn our attention to the Ryder Cup, is only a month away. The United States finally has some new talent on the roster. The new guys have tons of incentive to prove themselves worthy of the spot they fill and the old guard are tired of losing.
Tom Lehman went with two veterans to round out the 2006 Ryder Cup team. No, we’re not talking about Fred Couples and Davis Love. While not the flashiest players, Stewart Cink and Scott Verplank gave Lehman what he was looking for – consistent, solid golfers with above average short games.
Tiger Woods has captured his second major of the year, his fourth in the past two years, and his twelfth overall. Wow. Also this week, Tom Lehman’s captain’s picks for the Ryder Cup – Stewart Cink and Scott Verplank – Sergio Garcia “waiting” for a win, Shaun Micheel, drug testing on the PGA Tour, Dave Pelz’s dumb comments, Pat Hurst, and Carolyn Bivens. Tune in to this episode of Golf Talk for more.
Tiger Woods heads-up the field at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio in search of his fifth title at the famed course. Other than being on track for his fifth NEC Invitational, Woods is also trying to win his fourth straight start since the streak started at the British Open last month.
The outcome of the PGA Championship this past weekend was pretty clear after three and a half rounds of action, but it was interesting to see who would finish second. 
Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman is holding a live press conference today to announce the final two captain’s for September’s team. We’re going to be live blogging all the way up through the press conference.
I once scripted a video we shot with Tom Watson at his home course in Kansas City. After the shoot, the crew was invited to play a few holes. Not having clubs with me, I was loaned a bag of Watson’s spares.
The final major championship of the year may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean Hittin’ the Links is going to go into hibernation! Check out this week’s links and relive one of the greatest shots in Masters History.