using a longer putter

[Hacker James]

Okay, so I have this Odyssey Metal-X Mid 7 belly putter which I am going to start using (again). I do not anchor it per sei as a belly putter, but do separate the hands several inches. My forearm touches the torso, but not really any more than one does with left elbow with a standard putter. There are different ways of gripping i.e. capping, claw, saw, extending left elbow as a pointer but I am more comfortable with a more or less normal style grip except for the hand separation.  I am hoping this will help me by standing erect, less pressure on the back e.t.c.  I am pretty accurate from 5 to 8 feet, but longer putts it feels a bit strange.  I am not too worried about the anchored putter rules and I would guess for the amateur golfer, not so many would be either. I do like the heavier weight.

[Liko81]

As long as it works for you and it's legal (the ROG does not forbit longer putter lengths, but it does forbid making a stroke with any part of the putter "anchored" to the body), then I say go for it. Extended-length putters are not my cup of tea; I play a 34.5" putter with a midsize grip and take my stance with arms fully extended but shoulders not pushed forward, and that works for me. Other people will probably chime in with their own preferences, but they'll be exactly that; individual preference.