Possible USGA ruling on long/belly putters

[flap]

Hey not for nothing but I saw a female on TV using a hockey stance to put and it made putting look easier.Been looking at my local shops for that putter in lefthanded version to give it a try.All most reminded me of the old sidesaddle where you stand dead open and have a great look at the hole,thus giving you a easier read.

[ricacu]

NO

You just nailed it, you read my lips.

Pros cut their drivers shaft, should that be ilegal too? I dont see belly putters as an advantage over normal putters, isnt golf about comfort? you play with what is cormftable to you, some people prefer mallet putters, some blades, some 33" and some long shafts. PREFERENCES AND COMFORT hey btw, VJ uses it i guess he's horrible putting right? (joke)

[ipark1303]

I think that belly putters must be illegal because they allow you to "anchor" the putter to you, so it gives you a "reminder" or a support that helps you move the putter more steadily and precise.

[Rusterson]

The embarrassment of playing with one should be penalty enough.

[670forged]

I said no because some people that I have played with use them because of back problems,etc. If my back doesn't get better then I may be using one soon too! When you young guns get older like me, you will then appreciate the equipment that allows us to play this great game just a few more years.
If they become illegal and I happen to go to one, then I will just play for fun and not keep a handicap anymore and drop my USGA membership. Just my opinion which doesn't mean diddly squat to the USGA or others anyway.

Mike

[ezmoney5150]

So my vote's a no. If someone wants to look like a buffoon on the green, that's their right.

Hey I resemble that quote! both the buffoon and belly putter.

[ezmoney5150]

hey btw, VJ uses it i guess he's horrible putting right? (joke)

He does have some confidence issues with the putter though.

[Fisherdude]

Just came across this thread.

Interestingly, the previous discussion a few months earlier about "anchoring" the belly putter against the body was much, much closer to the issue than most realize.

In 2003, prior to the 1/1/2004 Revision to the Rules was published, I had an opportunity to discuss long & belly putters with two American members of the Joint Rules Committee of the USGA and the R&A.; The issue of long putters was very much a hot topic at the time, although it's sort of fallen off the radar since. (Other bigger issues, like the ball, have overshadowed it.)

In any event, they shared with me that one of the biggest concerns that the R&A; had with long putters was that small inward movement of the grip end of the putter as you pulled it into your belly to anchor it. Their feelings were that that was not a normal part of taking a stance or beginning a stroke, and if it wasn't, then there were issues with how the club was being used to make a stroke, and thus there were issues with the club itself.

Talk about picking nits!

But, that's a good example of how they're looking at the details of the issues.

Personally, I think a golf club should be held in the hands and swung. If it's not held solely in the hands, but is instead braced against the skeletal structure of the body, then something's not right.

On the other hand, as long as they're permitted, do whatever gets it in the hole for ya!

[sandwedge]

its a matter of personal choice over advantage.

personally i won't be caught dead using a belly putter, it just look too cheesy to me.

[Q.Q.Quillume]

I think the premise Possible USGA ruling on long/belly putters - January 27th, 2005 of this thread is no longer valid.