Putter Length is not a given when choosing a putter. You will find that the standard off-the-rack putters are typically too long, and then there is the question of whether you will putt better with a belly or long putter. Irrespective of your choice it is important to have your putter custom fitted for your height and arm length.
With the correct length it is easier to get your eyes over the ball, and your arms hanging naturally under your shoulders. This set-up will encourage a pendulum-like stroke rather than a gating stroke. The advantage of a pendulum-like stroke is that the putterface stays square to the arc of the swing.
According to a past poll by the Golf Channel 82% of golfers putt with a standard putter length of 35 inches. The remaining percentage is made up of golfers using a shorter putter (12%), a belly putter (3%), or a long putter (3%). More recently there are more golfers using a belly putter than before.
These statistics are interesting when considered alongside the result of another poll. This asked the following question. "On average, how many times do you three-putt during an 18-hole round?"
This revealed that more than 77% of the golfers surveyed three-putted two or more times during the round. 17% of golfers confessed to three-putting four or more times. Unfortunately the poll didn't link the number of putts to the putter length.
The result would suggest that there are a lot of people playing golf who simply can't putt. Either that or the putters they are using are not suited to the task.
For most golfers struggling with their putting the biggest problem is over-active wrists. The greatest manifestation of this habit is known as the 'yips'. One solution for the involuntary hinging of the wrists is to take them out of the play altogether by using a belly or long putter. Originally such a switch was seen as a confession by the golfer that he or she just couldn't putt.
Tom Watson is quoted as saying that a non-standard putter was not part of the tradition of the game and that you would never see him use it. However, this is not the view of golf's governing bodies who have ruled in its favour stating that they were disinclined to make the club unlawful.
Seeking a cure for a twitchy putting stroke often leads to a belly or long putter. Because the butt end of the putter anchors in your gut, chest, neck or chin, it helps you to make a smooth pendulum-like swing.
Putter Length is always a choice. Only you can decide if a belly or long putter can rescue your putting game, or if with better technique and practice a standard putter of the correct length will cure your putting woes.
Learn more about choosing a putter by visiting my web site.
Neville Walker has a passion for golf and is actively involved in researching information on all aspects of Putting and Putter Technology. His dedicated web site http://www.better-golf-by-putting-better.com is written specifically to help fellow golfers achieve greater success on the green with the flat stick.
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