What is the new rule on Long putters?

Asked by: Jamie Campo

Golf’s governing bodies approved a new rule Tuesday that outlaws the putting stroke used by four of the last six major champions, going against two major golf organizations that argued long putters are not hurting the game.

Is it legal to use a long putter?

“I say to [golfers], ‘We’re not going to take away your long putter. ‘ All you need to do is this [hold the club away from your body], where you control the whole club with your hands. So long and belly putters are still legal—as long as you don’t anchor them.”

Why are long putters illegal?

Belly putters and long putters remain completely legal to use, so long as they are conforming to equipment rules. What Rule 10.1b addresses is the stroke, not the club being used to make the stroke. So if you putt with a belly putter or long putter, the anchoring ban does not require you to stop doing that.

Does anyone still make long putters?

The simple answer is that L.A.B. Golf is one of the few putter companies making long putters, and when it comes to custom options we’re way ahead of the game.

How long can your putter be?

Putter Rules
There is no legal limit to the length of a putter or its shaft. The only regulation with respect to putter length in the Rules of Golf is the general standard that all clubs must be at least 18 inches long.

Did PGA ban long putters?

The new rule does not ban the long putters, only the way they commonly are used. Golfers no longer will be able to anchor the club against their bodies to create the effect of a hinge. Masters champion Adam Scott used a long putter he pressed against his chest.

What is the purpose of a long putter?

The long putter puts less strain on a golfer’s back, which can allow a player to practice longer, a key to improvement. Some golfers say the almost upright stance used with the long putter helps them see the “line” to the hole.

Are adjustable length putters legal?

The feature allows for golfers to adjust length between 32 and 36 inches, helping golfers find the right length for their individual needs. The system is USGA legal, and according to Ping’s VP of Engineering Paul Wood, it helps solve a problem that plagues the majority of golfers.

Do I need a 34 or 35 inch putter?

In general, golfers with a height of 5’9″ – 5’11” should use a 34″ length putter, 5’8″ and below should use a 33″, and those above 6′ should use a 35″ putter. A golfer’s posture also contributes to putter length. Upright posture suggests a longer putter, while hunched over suggests a shorter one.

What happens if your putter is too long?

A length that is too long will cause you to subconsciously stand further from the ball, moving your eyes inside, instead of over, the ball. This could mean the arc of your putter is flatter and the toe of your putter could be off the ground, pushing your aim left of target.

How long should your putter be based on height?

The length of the putter will be directly related to your height. If you are 6 feet or taller, you will need a 35 inch putter, 5’9″ to 6″ suggests a 34 inch putter, while 5’6″ to 5’9″ suggests a 33 inch putter.

What is the length of Dustin Johnson’s putter?

35.5 inches

Length: 35.5 inches. Loft: 2.5 degrees. Lie: 69 degrees. Insert: Pure Roll 80/20.