COMMUNITY

Here's how I feel about it,

I use a Scotty Cameron Kombi Belly putter.

If I were playing in a money game I wouldn't use my belly putter.
If I was in a money game playing with someone using the belly putter I wouldn't pay them. I strongly believe that the belly putter is much easier to be consistent. I DO NOT BELIEVE it's a cheater club or the miracle to sink every putt.

You can (and I do it all the time) pull or push your putts even though it's anchored.

But in the spirit of the game when the rule change goes into affect Im going back to my Scotty Cameron Newport 2.

I know my buddies wouldn't mind if I used my belly putter but if you don't play by the rules then what game are we playing? Wasting time practicing/playing with a club I can't use in local events that may not allow the anchored stroke like your saying in this post would be stupid.

Therefore I disagree with the rules change but I will follow it.

I'm in a different category. I use the long putter, but the technique I use is 100% USGA and R&A compliant. I have invested a lot of time and effort on putting this way and I'm getting good results.

So I don't plan on changing anything, except I have toyed with the idea of sticking a copy of the USGA Infographic in my bag when 2016 rolls around. My experience is that over 90% of golfers haven't a clue what the new rule is at even the most basic level.

I agree with JS. Its a new rule. And just like all the other rule changes that occur from year to year, this new rule should be adhered to. I don't use a long putter, so there is no change for me. But I won't play for money with someone who anchors.

I've heard a couple of guys I know tell me they are using the long putter but it is compliant with the change because they don't have an anchor point. None have shown me yet how to swing it without creating an anchor point. How is it done? I would think the long putter needs to be held by one hand as an anchor or pressed against the upper body. Unless it runs down the arm like Kuch, how do you putt with it and keep compliant with the rules?? Not sure I've gotten an explanation on this yet.

Of course, nothing would be better than taking money from someone who uses a cheater stick.

I haven't met a guy yet using a broom handle as a putter I couldn't outputt...

Here is the USGA's infographic on permitted and prohibited methods under the new rule.

I know which ones are permitted and which one's aren't, I wanted to know from someone who anchors, which new method they use?

Using the graphic you showed, which one do you use? If someone uses the long putter not anchored, why would they use that method rather than just convert back?? It's long and awkward and doesn't look to make sense.

Just an opinion.

I actually tried a long putter without anchoring it at GolfTown not to long ago for that exact reason Jay. I can clearly see how a guy could anchor one like Adam Scott and putt well, but unanchored? I NEED to see how someone does this and holes out anything longer than a foot. It's just too unstable.

I agree with you Trev. Just by the look of how the picture shows the guy holding it, there is no way that is going to be a stable stroke. I think the tendency will be for the Ams to slip back into the anchor position. The Pros will have no choice but to go with the Kuch style or back to the old school putter.

.....or side saddle.........

I asked a question to the long putter guys about the non-anchored stroke and how unstable it is and what the advantage would be to stay with that. I got crickets chirping.

Can I get an answer? Anyone... Bueller... Bueller...

If you switched already, why would you start all over again and require excess practice on something new when it's easier to go back to short putter? I'm hunting for logic here and don't see any.

Mark might be using the "Long Putter Not Anchored" method.
I just went back to the short length myself.
I kind of like the 32" with swing weight adjusted for shorter shaft. AKA Phil Mickelson

Here's my take on it.
I honestly don't believe that anybody would set out to outfit themselves with a set of golf clubs, and start off right away with a long putter. Unless it was for some type of medical reason. Other than that, I believe the ONLY reason someone would choose a long putter is because they have heard that it is somehow easier to make putts with a long putter. They are not satisfied with the way they currently putt. So they believe the "long putter" will be the magic bullet for them. If this is the reason someone would choose the long putter, then they really feel they have an advantage by using one. And up until now, that advantage to the long putter has been gained by the ability to anchor it to the body. Once anchoring becomes against the rules, I believe the majority of those using the long putters now, will find it very difficult to continue to putt effectively with it. And most will return to the standard putter, and try to find one that feels comfortable to them.
Which convinces me that those who have been using the long putters, have only been doing so to gain some sort of advantage.
Maybe when they are forced to go back to the same putter as the rest of us use, we should ween them back into the game so as not to allow them go into shock. Lets say, they can play from the ladies tees for the first year until they adjust .

What about the Kuchar method?? I would think that is the most logical if someone stays with the long putter. Long Putter not anchored looks unstable.