In recent years, the long putter has been a topic of great debate in the world of golf. Also known as the belly putter, this type of putter has been gaining popularity among professional golfers with many of them finding success using this unusual design however, with its increased use, the long putter has sparked controversy among golf enthusiasts and challenged the traditional rules of the game.
History of long putter
The long putter has its roots in the 1970s, when golfers began experimenting with different putting styles to improve their game. One of the pioneers of the long putter is legendary golfer, Bernhard Langer, who started using a broom handle putter in the late 1970s. The success of Langer and other golfers using this type of putter led to a surge in popularity, with many professional golfers adopting the long putter as their go-to putting tool.
Design and Benefits
The long putter is characterized by its extended length and offset design, which allows golfers to make a more consistent and stable stroke. The offset design also enables golfers to create a more consistent angle of attack, which can result in more accurate putts. Additionally, the long putter allows golfers to maintain a consistent posture and alignment, reducing the risk of twisting or swaying during the putting motion.
The controversy
Some golf purists argue that the long putter is a form of anchoring, giving golfers an unfair advantage. However, proponents of the long putter, argue that it allows for a more natural and consistent putting stroke. Others claim that the long putter is not a natural part of the game and could potentially banned in the future. The royal and ancient golf club of St Andrews and the United States golf association have introduced new rules to regulate the use of anchored putting methods, including the long putter.
Impact on the game
The long putter’s impact on the game is indisputable. Many professional golfers have switched to long putter, and some have seen significant improvements in their putting scores. However, the controversy surrounding the long putter has also led to concerns about the integrity of the game.
The long putter is a concentrating topic in the world of golf. While it has brought success to many professional golfers, it has also sparked controversy and debate. As the game continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the long putter is regulated and whether it will remain a popular choice among golfers.