What Is A Long Putter In Golf – Are They Legal And How To Use It
There are two types of long putter in golf, the belly putter and the broom handle putter.
These clubs have been somewhat vilified in recent years and certain ways of using them have actually become rendered illegal under the rules of golf. These clubs are still useable though.
What is a long putter, who should be using one and how can we use them legally? This article is here to help you answer these questions and hopefully give you an idea if this kind of putter could help your game. These putters are iconic, read on to learn more about them.
What Is The Theory Behind Using A Long Putter?
A good putting stroke sees very little of the body move, the shoulders should rock and that’s about it.
Some struggle to achieve such an action and so long putters can help them achieve more stability.
These putters can be “anchored”, although this is controversial, to help golfers.
Pros Of Using A Long Putter
The new rules on long putters mean that you can run the putter up your lead forearm to provide more stability in your stroke.
They also have more weight in the grip end of the putter which can make them more stable, it is like they are counterbalanced which can help you.
Finally, if your putter is longer than your driver then you will potentially get better relief if you need to take a drop on the course.
The rule is often measured by one or two club lengths so the extra-long putter can mean that you get to drop further away from the hazard, it all helps.
Cons Of Using A Long Putter
These are controversial clubs and many of the main benefits of them have been banned by the rules.
Well, that is unless you’re Bernhard Langer and people seem to be blind to the fact that you clearly still anchor…anyway, they aren’t what they once were.
These clubs remain controversial and, although no rule changes are planned, you never know with long putters. It is clear that many golfers struggled when the rules changed recently and you definitely don’t want to leave yourself in that position.
Are Long Putters Even Legal?
Since we are on the topic, yes they are, however the use of them has been changed considerably and you need to be careful.
Anchoring to the body has been outlawed but some players still anchor on the forearm. Will Zalatoris used this technique to his advantage at the 2021 Masters!
What Is Anchoring A Putter?
Anchoring is when you basically attach the putter to your body to increase stability.
This technique reduces the putters ability to move around which should lead to you holing more putts.
Unfortunately, this was deemed illegal but of course some players have found a way around.
What Are Some Other Names For A Long Putter?
There are a couple of names depending on the type of long putter that is being referred to.
The broomhandle putter is the longest and comes up to around chin-level.
The belly putter is longer than a standard putter and, as the name suggests, comes up to around belly height.
What Are The Other Types Of Putter And How Do They Compare?
The most common type of putter is between 33”-35” long and is played by nearly every player on tour.
These putters are what most of us learn with and it tends to be only those who really suffer with the yips who end up trying the longer putters to cure their putting woes.
Long Putter Vs Short Putter
Long putters are a lot heavier which can add to the already increased stability thanks to the anchoring.
This extra weight is something that many golfers love, especially with the belly putters as they are more of a hybrid between the broom handle and the short putter.
Most golfers prefer short putters and 34 inches is the most common length. Some like it even shorter like Phil Mickelson who used a 32 inch putter for a spell.
Short putters help get your arms into a natural position to give you the best chance at developing a nice pendulum in your stroke.
How Much Longer Are Long Putters?
For this section we will take 34 inches as the average length of a short putter.
The belly putter is normally between 41 and 45 inches, the broom handle putter is even longer at 50 inches. Seeing the huge differences in length, you can just imagine the weight difference of these putters.
What Players Will Benefit From Using Long Putters?
Golfers who really struggle to strike the putter and this suffering from the dreaded yips could benefit greatly from a longer putter.
Even with the new rules, resting the longer putter against your lead forearm can really help you develop consistency in your stroke and rebuild your confidence.
Even the broom handle putter can help you get your body moving better without the need to anchor. You cannot putt with these longest of putters without using your shoulders, this again can help you create good habits in your stroke.
If you’re a wrist putter then consider trying this.
Do Many Pros Use Long Putters?
Some do but they are certainly more rare than those who use short putters.
The most famous examples of those committed to the longer putter are Bryson DeChambeau and Will Zalatoris who love the belly putter.
Zalatoris putted like a demon on the slick Augusta greens at the Masters.
Adam Scott tries new putters often but he is a regular user of the long putter. His game dipped markedly after the new rules came in but after finding a new way with the broom handle he has got his game back.
Bernhard Langer is also a fan of the full-length putter.
Are They Good For High Handicappers?
I would say that a couple of putting lessons would be a much better investment than buying a long putter if you’re a high handicapper.
By spending your money on lessons then you can develop your skills and technique, changing putter so drastically isn’t ideal.
Are They More Accurate?
Before the anchoring ban came in, these putter were significantly more accurate than short putters.
This was the main reason that both the R&A and the USGA banned anchoring. Since the new rules have come into place they are probably just as accurate as short putters.
Players who use the arm-lock technique may find better accuracy as the putter face can move less through the stroke though.
This could be your way to maximize your accuracy whilst staying within the rules. It takes a while to get used to the feeling of the arm-lock though.
3 Best Long Putters
Odyssey 2-Ball Broomstick
This is the putter that is used by Bernhard Langer to great effect.
Odyssey Two-Ball is one of the most popular putter styles of the last decade or so and it is a great feature in this putter.
It helps the golfer visualize the sweet spot of the blade and increases confidence in their stroke.
It also has an advanced face insert that helps get the ball rolling quickly.
If you are giving a long putter a shot, this isn’t a cheap place to start so it is more for those golfers who are already dedicated to this style of putter.
It is a lovely club for those who love a broom handle putter.
Overall Score: 96/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
SIK Pro C-Series Armlock Putter
The armlock putter is the new way of securing the putter as much as possible and the SIK Pro C-Series Armlock is the model used by Bryson DeChambeau.
If you are a fan of DeChambeau then you will know how meticulously he approaches equipment. If he uses this then it must be good.
Again, this is an expensive putter from a brand that many may not have heard of.
However, your putter is your most used club in the bag and I always say that it is the club you should be investing in most. Upping your putter budget is never a bad thing.
Overall Score: 94/100
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Wilson Staff Infinite Putter Bean
Names after landmarks in Chicago, Wilson Staff Infinite putters have been a huge success for the company and this long-necked version is a standout.
The Infinite Putter Bean looks fantastic, feels great at impact and is so stable through the stroke. It is also a great price.
If you are unsure about committing to the long putter but want to try it properly over a long period then this could be the perfect putter for you.
The ball may not roll as well as the other two mentioned so far, this is the only drawback of this option on the list.
Overall Score: 93/100
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Conclusion
Putting is often referred to as a game within a game and I absolutely agree with this.
It is the thing that can make a good round great or a bad round worse, when we putt well we play well.
Investing in a good putter can make a huge difference to your game and is worth your attention.
The long putter may be controversial but for those who love it they will never move from it.
Go out and give one a shot, speak to your pro about trying one and see if they think it will help your game.
You never know, it could be the best thing you ever do for your game.
Hi, I am Matthew, a mid handicap golfer who likes to play as much as possible. I love trying out new gear and this blog is where you can find all the gear I have tested over the years!
