Miles Bennett
Long handle putters, also known as broom handle putters, are a type of golf club that has been the subject of much debate in the golfing world. While some golfers argue that long putters improve their stability and simplify their putting stroke, others claim that they are a form of cheating. The controversy surrounding long putters centres around the technique of anchoring, where the putter is anchored to the golfer's body, which was banned by the USGA and R&A in 2016. However, long putters themselves remain legal, as long as they are not anchored. With professional golfers like Bryson DeChambeau and Adam Scott using long putters, it is clear that they can provide an advantage for some players. However, the question of whether long handle putters are legal or not is a complex one, with ongoing debates about the anchoring technique and the potential for future rule changes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of long putters | Belly putter and broom handle putter |
| Length of belly putter | 41-45 inches |
| Length of broom handle putter | 50 inches |
| Average length of a short putter | 34 inches |
| Lie angle limit | 80 degrees |
| Lie angle of L.A.B. Golf's most popular putter | 79.5 degrees |
| Anchoring | Banned |
| Arm-locking | Allowed |
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What You'll Learn
Long handle putters are still legal, but anchoring them is not
Long-handled putters, also known as long putters, have been a topic of debate in the golf world for several decades. While some golfers find them helpful, others consider them "monstrosities". The primary question surrounding their use is one of legality. So, are long-handled putters legal?
The answer is yes, long-handled putters are still legal, but with an important caveat: anchoring them to the body is not allowed. This rule was implemented by the USGA and R&A, the governing bodies of golf, in 2016. The rule, known as Rule 14-1b, specifically prohibits anchoring the putter to a fixed point on the body, such as the chest, stomach, or sternum. This rule change was a response to the increasing popularity of long putters and the various anchoring techniques that emerged, such as the "Diegeling" stance developed by Leo Diegel in 1924 and the use of belly putters by players like Phil Rodgers in the 1960s.
The reasoning behind the anchoring ban is to preserve the integrity of the game and maintain the skill and challenge involved in putting. By prohibiting anchoring, golfers must rely more on their own skill and technique rather than the stability provided by anchoring. This rule change caused some controversy, with some golfers and commentators arguing for the freedom to use the equipment and techniques that work best for them. However, the governing bodies stood firm, and the rule has been in place for several years now.
It's worth noting that long putters themselves are not banned, and golfers are still allowed to use them as long as they don't anchor them. This means that golfers have to adapt their technique when using long-handled putters, ensuring that their hands don't rest on any part of their body during the stroke. This can be challenging and may require golfers to develop new habits and techniques to effectively use long putters within the rules.
While long-handled putters may not be for everyone, they can provide benefits for certain golfers, especially those who struggle with traditional putting techniques. Long putters offer increased stability and a simpler technique due to their weight and upright position, which reduces the arc of the stroke and encourages a more linear, pendulum-like motion. Ultimately, the decision to use a long-handled putter comes down to personal preference and compliance with the rules regarding anchoring.
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The two types of long putters: belly putters and broom handle putters
Long putters are longer than a standard model, and they come in two types: the belly putter and the broom handle putter. The belly putter is a variation on the long putter, with a length of 40 to 45 inches. It is anchored to the golfer's midsection, giving the appearance that the club is stabbing the navel. The broom handle putter, on the other hand, is even longer, typically measuring 50 inches or more in length.
The belly putter is considered a hybrid between the broom handle and the short putter. It usually falls between 41 and 45 inches in length. This type of putter gained popularity due to its ability to minimize wrist action in the stroke. By anchoring the putter to the belly, golfers can achieve a more stable stroke with reduced body movement.
The broom handle putter, also known as the "broomstick" putter, is the longest of the two types. It measures 50 inches or more in length. This putter is designed to help golfers achieve better body movement without the need for anchoring. The length of the broom handle putter naturally encourages shoulder movement during the stroke, promoting good habits.
Over the years, the use of long putters has sparked debates and rule changes in the golfing world. Initially, long putters were permitted under the Rules of Golf, with the USGA executive director David Fay emphasizing the importance of preserving golfers' individual styles. However, concerns arose about the anchoring technique, and in 2012, the USGA and R&A proposed a ban on anchored strokes, which took effect in 2016. Despite the ban, golfers can still use long putters as long as they don't anchor them to their bodies.
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Long putters are heavier, which can add stability
Long putters are legal, but certain ways of using them have been rendered illegal under the rules of golf. For instance, the USGA and R&A banned anchored strokes beginning on January 1, 2016. This was due to the perception that anchoring the putter provided an undue advantage by turning a stroke into a pendulum with a fixed point at the top.
Long putters are a lot heavier, which can add to the already increased stability provided by anchoring. The extra weight is something that many golfers appreciate, especially with belly putters, which are more of a hybrid between the broom handle and the short putter. The belly putter is typically between 41 and 45 inches long, while the broom handle putter is even longer at 50 inches. This significant difference in length results in a noticeable weight difference between the putters.
The increased weight of long putters can be advantageous for golfers who struggle to strike the putter cleanly and experience the "yips." The weight of the putter, combined with the hands being split on the grip, effectively removes the wrists from the stroke. This simplifies the technique, allowing golfers to focus on making more putts. Additionally, the upright nature of long putters, with a lie angle close to the legal limit of 80 degrees, means the putter moves on a straighter path, further enhancing stability.
While long putters offer benefits, most golfers still prefer shorter putters, with 34 inches being the most common length. Shorter putters enable golfers to achieve a natural arm position, facilitating the development of a smooth pendulum stroke. For golfers committed to the longer putter, the additional weight can provide a sense of stability, making it a valuable option for those who struggle with their putting technique.
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The average length of a short putter is 34 inches
The use of long-handle putters in golf has been a subject of debate for several decades. While some golfers prefer the increased stability and simplicity that long putters offer, certain ways of using them have been deemed illegal under the rules of golf. For instance, anchoring the putter to the body was banned by the USGA and R&A in 2016. However, golfers can still use long putters as long as they don't anchor them to their bodies.
On the other hand, taller golfers typically require longer putters. The length of a putter can significantly impact a golfer's performance. If a putter is too short, the golfer will stand too close to the ball, causing their eyes to be outside of it. Conversely, a putter that is too long will require the golfer to stand too far from the ball, resulting in their eyes being too far inside.
Therefore, finding the right putter length is crucial. While a standard putter length of 35 inches may work for some, it might not suit everyone. Golfers should consider their height, putting stance, swing style, and personal comfort when determining the ideal putter length. A professional club fitter can assist in this process, ensuring the putter is tailored to the golfer's unique game and preferences.
Additionally, the putter head design and grip size can influence the overall feel and balance of the putter, further affecting the ideal length. For instance, a larger grip may require a slightly shorter putter to maintain the proper balance. Ultimately, the selection of the right putter length is a highly personal decision that involves experimentation and trial and error.
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Long putters are more upright, with a maximum lie angle of 80 degrees
Long putters have been the subject of much debate in the golfing world, with some arguing that they should be banned. In 2012, the USGA and R&A proposed a ban on anchored strokes, which came into effect in 2016. This rule change rendered certain ways of using long putters illegal under the rules of golf.
The increased upright angle of long putters also encourages a specific putting style. With the longer putter, the stroke is powered by a small rocking motion of the shoulders, rather than the wrists. This style of putting suits golfers who struggle with the traditional putting technique and can help to create good habits in the stroke.
The weight of long putters also contributes to their effectiveness. The extra weight adds stability, especially with belly putters, which are a hybrid between broom handle and short putters. This stability can be beneficial for golfers who have difficulty striking the ball cleanly.
While long putters offer advantages, they also have their drawbacks. They are more expensive than traditional putters, and some golfers may find them cumbersome or less natural to use. Ultimately, the choice of putter comes down to personal preference and what works best for an individual's game.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, long handle golf putters are legal as long as they are not anchored to the body.
Anchoring is when the top of the grip or the hand is rested against the golfer's chest or forearm to create a fixed point at the top of the putter.
Some golfers and fans believe that long handle putters are cheating because they make putting easier. However, proponents of long handle putters argue that they are simply another tool to help golfers improve their game.
