Belly Putter 101: Tips for Better Putting - SirShanksAlot.com

Putting can make or break your golf game. It’s the final, crucial step, and even the smallest inconsistencies can cost you strokes. If you’ve been struggling with your putting, you’ve probably considered different techniques and equipment. One option worth exploring is the belly putter. While the anchoring technique associated with belly putters is no longer allowed under the Rules of Golf, these putters can still offer significant benefits for golfers of all skill levels. This guide will explore what a belly putter is, its advantages, how to choose the right one, and how to use it effectively within the current rules. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, understanding the nuances of the belly putter might just be the key to sinking more putts and lowering your score.

Key Takeaways

Explore belly putters for a more stable putting stroke: The longer shaft encourages a pendulum motion, minimizing wrist movement and improving consistency. This can be a game-changer if you often struggle with inconsistent contact.
Find the right belly putter for your game: Consider factors like length, weight, head design, and grip. Experiment to discover what feels comfortable and works best with your putting style.
Practice is key for a successful transition: Focus on a smooth, torso-driven stroke and experiment with ball position. A belly putter isn’t a magic fix, but with dedicated practice, it can significantly improve your putting.

What is a Belly Putter?

Definition and Key Features

A belly putter stands out from a standard putter thanks to its longer shaft, usually measuring between 41 and 44 inches, unlike the typical 32 to 36 inches. This extra length is key, allowing golfers to anchor the putter against their midsection. Think of your stomach as a stabilizer—creating a more consistent putting stroke. This inherent stability is what made belly putters so popular, especially for golfers who find their wrists getting in the way of a smooth putt. LiveAbout.com offers a great overview of different putter types if you’re curious to learn more.

Differences from Traditional Putters

Even with the longer shaft, a belly putter’s form and function are much closer to a traditional putter than a long putter. Like conventional putts, you’ll use a two-handed grip with a belly putter. While anchoring the putter against your body was once a common technique, it’s now against the Rules of Golf. That said, belly putters are still perfectly legal to use without anchoring, providing another option for golfers looking for a more stable stroke. This resource on LiveAbout.com provides further information on the rules and how to use belly putters correctly.

Benefits of Using a Belly Putter

Thinking about giving a belly putter a try? It might be just the thing to shave a few strokes off your game. Here’s a closer look at some key advantages:

Improve Stability and Consistency

One of the biggest selling points of a belly putter is its ability to create a more stable and consistent putting stroke. The extended length, designed to anchor against your belly, helps minimize unwanted movement in your hands and wrists. Think of it as creating a larger pendulum, swinging more smoothly and predictably. This added stability translates to a more consistent putting stroke, meaning you’ll be more likely to hit the sweet spot and send the ball rolling on your intended line. This anchor point against your belly practically guarantees a consistent arc of the putter head, improving your overall putting performance. This can be a game-changer for those who struggle with inconsistent contact or pushing or pulling their putts. For a deeper dive into the mechanics, check out this discussion on belly putter transitions.

Reduce Wrist Action and Tension

If you’ve ever felt your wrists get tense or shaky over a crucial putt, you know how much it can throw off your game. Belly putters can help alleviate this tension by promoting a stroke that’s driven by your larger torso muscles rather than your smaller, more easily agitated hand and wrist muscles. By extending the putter length compared to a traditional putter, you effectively shift control of the stroke to your arms and torso, minimizing wrist action and promoting a smoother, more controlled motion. Golf instruction expert David Leadbetter highlights this benefit, emphasizing how a belly putter lets your torso control the putter’s movement, leading to a more reliable and less tense putting stroke. This shift in control can make a significant difference in your putting confidence and consistency, especially under pressure.

Benefits Across Skill Levels

While some golf equipment trends cater to a specific skill level, the belly putter has gained popularity across the board. From high-handicappers to seasoned pros, golfers of all levels have found advantages in using this style of putter. While they’ve certainly been a hot topic—and sometimes a polarizing one—belly putters can offer real benefits for those seeking more consistency on the green. Whether you’re a beginner struggling to develop a reliable stroke or an experienced player looking to refine your putting technique, a belly putter could be a valuable addition to your golf bag. They can be particularly helpful for golfers who have trouble maintaining a consistent putting stroke, providing that extra bit of stability and control to help them sink more putts. Learn more about how belly putters can improve your putting here.

Top Belly Putter Brands and Models

Finding the right belly putter can feel like searching for the perfect club in a massive pro shop. But don’t worry, we’ll break down some top brands and models to make your decision easier. This section focuses on four popular manufacturers: Odyssey, Ping, TaylorMade, and Scotty Cameron.

Odyssey, Ping, TaylorMade, and Scotty Cameron: Comparing Features and Prices

Odyssey putters are known for their innovative tech, like the Stroke Lab shaft and the White Hot insert, which gives you great feel and forgiveness. They frequently release new models with advanced alignment aids, such as the Triple Track system, helping you improve your aim and consistency. A good example is the Odyssey Tri-Hot #2 putter, blending a classic blade design with modern technology. Expect to spend between $200 and $400 for an Odyssey, depending on the model and tech. For more info, check out these Odyssey putters reviewed by Golf Monthly.

If stability and forgiveness are your priorities, consider a Ping belly putter. Models like the Ping Shea often have a larger head and a unique weighting system to help maintain balance during your stroke. This design promotes a consistent roll and better accuracy. Ping putters generally cost between $200 and $350, a competitive option for golfers seeking quality and performance. Golf Monthly also reviews Ping putters if you want to explore their lineup.

TaylorMade belly putters, such as the Spider GTX, are known for their high MOI (Moment of Inertia) design. This increases stability and reduces twisting on off-center hits. Many TaylorMade putters also come with adjustable weights, letting you customize the feel and performance. They typically range from $200 to $400, with the Spider series at the premium end. For a broader look at putter options, including TaylorMade, see Breaking Eighty’s guide to the best golf putters.

Finally, Scotty Cameron putters, like the Super Select Newport 2, are famous for their craftsmanship and performance. Often featuring a classic blade design with modern enhancements, these putters are a favorite among pros. Scotty Cameron putters are generally the priciest, ranging from $300 to $500, reflecting their premium quality and tour popularity. GolfMagic offers a helpful buyer’s guide covering top putters, including Scotty Cameron models.

Choosing a Belly Putter: Factors to Consider

Picking the right belly putter can feel overwhelming with so many options. But by focusing on a few key factors, you can find the perfect putter to improve your game. Think of it like finding the right golf club – it needs to feel comfortable and work with your putting style.

Length and Fit

Belly putters extend to your belly, hence the name. But the ideal length isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your height and posture. A good starting point is to grab your standard putter and practice your putting stance. This helps you understand how a longer putter will fit into your setup. As MyGolfSpy suggests, consistent posture and loft are key elements of a solid putting game (MyGolfSpy). Finding the right belly putter length plays a big role. The goal is a comfortable stance where you can maintain a consistent stroke.

Weight and Balance

The weight and balance of your putter affect how it swings and feels. A heavier putter can provide more stability, while a lighter one offers more control. Experiment with different weights to see what feels best. The balance point—also known as the sweet spot—also matters. A putter with a higher balance point might suit a golfer who tends to hit the ball off the toe, while a lower balance point might work better for heel strikers. As more golfers explore anchoring techniques with belly putters, finding the right weight and balance is crucial for a consistent putting stroke (MyGolfSpy).

Grip Size and Style

The grip is your connection to the putter, so finding the right size and style is essential. A grip that’s too small can cause excessive wrist movement, while one that’s too large can hinder feel. Consider your hand size and grip pressure. Also, think about the texture and material. Some grips absorb moisture, while others offer a firmer feel. As Golf Digest points out, proper fit is crucial (Golf Digest), especially regarding ball position. Make sure the putter anchors comfortably against your body.

Head Design and Materials

Putter heads come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own characteristics. Mallet-style heads are generally larger and more forgiving, while blade-style heads offer more feel and control. The materials also influence performance. Common materials include steel, aluminum, and various composites. Each material has its own weight and feel, so experiment. A belly putter, with its extended shaft, helps maintain a consistent stroke (Golf Fitness and Training Tips). The head design should complement this feature.

Finish and Aesthetics

While performance is paramount, the putter’s appearance can also influence your confidence. Choose a finish and style that appeals to you. Whether you prefer a classic or modern look, a belly putter is out there to match your taste. A putter that looks good can boost your confidence and help you sink more putts. Focus on torso movement for a consistent stroke (Golf Digest). A putter you enjoy looking at can help you maintain that focus.

Using a Belly Putter Correctly

Getting the hang of a belly putter involves mastering a few key techniques. It’s not just about anchoring the putter against your body—it’s about creating a consistent and repeatable stroke. Let’s break down the proper techniques for anchoring, stance, posture, and stroke mechanics.

Proper Anchoring Technique

The defining characteristic of a belly putter is its length, designed to anchor against your midsection. This anchoring creates a stable point of contact, promoting a more pendulum-like stroke. As one seasoned putter user points out on GolfWRX, anchoring the putter against the belly helps create a consistent putting arc. This consistent arc is key for accuracy and a predictable roll. Experiment to find the most comfortable and stable anchoring point on your belly. Consider factors like your body type and putting style.

Stance and Posture

Your stance and posture are crucial for effective belly putting. The idea is to create a stable base while allowing for a free-flowing stroke. The design of the belly putter encourages a consistent setup, as explained by Golf Fitness and Training Tips. This consistency in stance and posture translates directly to consistency on the green. Maintain a comfortable and athletic posture, with your weight balanced and your eyes directly over the ball. A helpful tip from Golf Digest emphasizes the importance of ball position relative to your anchor point. This subtle adjustment can significantly impact your putting accuracy.

Stroke Mechanics and Drills

With a belly putter, the stroke should be controlled by your torso, not your hands and arms. Think of your arms and hands as mere extensions of the putter, passively guiding it along the intended path. As Golf Digest points out, this torso-driven motion is a key benefit of using a belly putter. To practice this, try the drill recommended by MyGolfSpy: stabilize a standard-length putter against your belly to get a feel for the torso movement. This drill helps you develop a smoother, more controlled putting stroke. Remember, the goal is a pendulum-like motion, with your torso rotating around a stable axis.

Debunking Belly Putter Myths

Let’s clear up some common misconceptions about belly putters. These myths often discourage golfers from exploring this helpful tool, so let’s set the record straight.

Legality and Regulations

One of the biggest questions surrounding belly putters is their legality. Yes, the USGA and R&A implemented a ban on “anchored” putting strokes back in 2016. This means you can no longer anchor the club against your body. However, this rule change didn’t outlaw belly putters. You can still use a belly putter; you just need to ensure your putting stroke doesn’t anchor the club against your stomach or chest. Think of it more like a longer traditional putter. David Leadbetter offers further insights on the rule and how it affects belly putters.

Effectiveness for All Skill Levels

Another myth is that belly putters are only for pros or high-handicappers. The truth is, a belly putter can benefit golfers of any skill level. If you struggle with maintaining a consistent putting stroke, a belly putter can offer added stability. It can help quiet your wrists and create a pendulum-like motion, leading to more predictable putts. This article on belly putters offers a great perspective on how they can improve putting for a wide range of players.

Practice Requirements

Finally, some golfers believe switching to a belly putter is a quick fix for putting woes. While a belly putter can certainly help, it’s not magic. Like any change to your equipment or technique, it requires practice and adjustment. Before making the switch, spend time with your standard putter, focusing on a consistent posture and stroke. Then, when you transition to the belly putter, you’ll have a solid foundation to build upon. For advice on getting fitted for a belly putter and making the transition, check out this article on belly putter fitting. Remember, finding the right length and setup is key to maximizing the benefits.

Switching to a Belly Putter

Thinking about giving the belly putter a try? It’s a change, but getting comfortable with this style can really improve your putting game. Here’s how to make the switch:

Adjust Grip and Stance

First, grab your regular putter. Before anchoring against your body, work on consistency. Dial in your grip and stance—these are foundational for any putting stroke. Practice finding a comfortable, repeatable setup. When you pick up the belly putter, you’ll have a solid base. Finding the right putter length is also key; this MyGolfSpy guide offers helpful tips. Important point: where the putter anchors affects ball position. If you prefer the ball forward, anchor the putter further down your torso, away from your belly button, as Golf Digest suggests.

Focus on Torso Movement

The advantage of a belly putter is how it connects your torso to the putting stroke. Instead of relying on your hands and arms (which can get shaky!), the belly putter encourages a stable, torso-driven motion. Think pendulum, swinging smoothly from your core. David Leadbetter explains this well, emphasizing how this controlled movement improves your stroke. This “gated” stroke, discussed on GolfWRX, creates a consistent arc with each putt.

Experiment with Ball Position

Once you’re used to the torso movement, experiment with ball position. A belly putter acts like an extension, connecting your body to the putter head for a more consistent stroke, as explained by Golf Fitness and Training Tips. Find a comfortable posture with the belly putter. Then, using your regular putter as a reference, try different ball positions until you find what works. MyGolfSpy offers advice, suggesting you use your standard putter’s grip against your belly to find the right posture before switching to the longer belly putter.

Improve Putting with a Belly Putter

Key Features for Better Putting

A belly putter’s defining feature is its extended shaft, designed to reach your belly and act as a stable anchor point. This setup promotes a more consistent and repeatable putting stroke by minimizing wrist movement, a common source of putting woes. As Golf Fitness and Training Tips explains, this belly contact “makes it much easier to reproduce and remain consistent.” However, before switching, solidify your putting fundamentals with your current putter. Prioritize a consistent posture and pre-shot routine, as MyGolfSpy suggests, to truly unlock a belly putter’s potential.

Techniques for a Consistent Stroke

Effective belly putting hinges on using your torso, not your hands and arms, to control the putter. This technique fosters a smoother, more controlled stroke, as discussed by Golf Digest. Anchoring the putter against your belly encourages a “gated” stroke, ensuring the putter head arcs consistently, according to insights shared on GolfWRX. This consistent arc leads to more predictable putts and greater accuracy.

Adapting to Rule Changes

Despite the 2016 USGA ban on anchoring the club to your body, belly putters remain valuable tools for improving your putting stroke. Golf Digest offers advice on applying the stability and control of belly putting to traditional putters. Even with the rule change, understanding the relationship between ball position and anchoring remains relevant. If you prefer a forward ball position, anchoring the putter slightly ahead of your belly button can be advantageous, as another Golf Digest article explains. By focusing on the principles behind belly putting, you can refine your technique and improve your putting, regardless of your putter.

Find and Buy Belly Putters

Online and In-Store Retailers

Ready to add a belly putter to your golf bag? You’ve got plenty of options, both online and in stores. Big-box sporting goods stores usually have a decent selection, letting you try out different models and get a feel for the weight and length. This hands-on experience is especially helpful if you’re new to belly putters. If you prefer the convenience of online shopping, retailers like eBay offer a wide variety of belly putters. You can filter by brand, length, head shape, and even condition, making it easy to find what you need.

Find the Best Deals

Want to get the most bang for your buck? eBay is a great place to find competitive prices on new and used belly putters. You can filter by condition, which is handy if you’re looking for a gently used putter at a lower price. Check out their “Limited Time Deals” and “Best Selling” sections for potential bargains. It’s always a good idea to compare prices across different retailers, both online and in physical stores, to make sure you’re getting a good deal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are belly putters legal to use in golf?

Yes, absolutely! While anchoring the putter against your body is no longer allowed under the Rules of Golf, you can still use a belly putter. Just make sure your putting stroke doesn’t involve anchoring the club against your stomach or chest. Think of it as using a slightly longer traditional putter.

Will a belly putter automatically fix my putting problems?

While a belly putter can offer more stability and consistency, it’s not a magic wand. Like any golf equipment change, it takes practice and adjustment. Focus on developing a smooth, torso-driven putting stroke to maximize the benefits.

How do I choose the right length belly putter?

The ideal length depends on your height and posture. A good starting point is to practice your putting stance with your regular putter. This helps you visualize how a longer putter will fit into your setup. You want a comfortable stance that allows for a consistent and repeatable stroke.

What are the key benefits of using a belly putter?

Belly putters promote a more stable and consistent putting stroke by minimizing wrist movement and encouraging a pendulum-like motion. This can lead to better accuracy and distance control on the green. They can also help reduce tension in your hands and wrists, especially under pressure.

Where can I buy a belly putter and what should I expect to pay?

You can find belly putters at most sporting goods stores and online retailers. Prices vary depending on the brand, model, and condition. Expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $500 for a new belly putter from a reputable brand. You can often find good deals on used putters online.