The PGA coverage has moved into the FedEx Cup race, and one of themes this year has been the use of the belly putter.  Several PGA players have started using this style of putter and, three weeks in row, tournament winners used the belly putter.  Does this type of putter offer a competitive advantage?  That’s a question best left up to the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the R&A in St. Andrews, Scotland.  These groups are responsible for the rules of golf and have the experience to evaluate technology as it relates to the spirit of the game.

The bigger question, to me, is would I use a belly putter?  Who am I kidding?   As a creature of habit, the track record I have established would clearly answer the question with a resounding “No.”  I’ll just stick with a traditional putter.  However, if you factor in my intense dislike of 3 putting, I can envision a scenario when I accompany the Phil Mickelson of my life (my husband, who also experiments with clubs) to a pro shop to “just try one.”  Sincerely, I would have to card a lot (and I do mean a lot!) of 3 putts and maybe even some 4 putts to get myself to break out a belly putter.  But, if I experience the frustration of hitting enough 4 putts, I could be persuaded to try putting with a shovel!  If my livelihood depended on my putting stroke, waiting for 4 putts would probably not be necessary.  Thankfully, I don’t depend on my golf swing to pay the mortgage, so this creature of habit will gladly stick with the same old putter. 

Do you use a belly putter?  Have you switched to a different style of putter to improve your women’s golf game?  Please share your story by clicking “Add Comment.”

Women's Golf Home