“Belly putters” or “mid-length putters” are a type of putter used in golf. They are characterized by their longer shaft length, typically ranging from 39 to 43 inches, which allows the player to anchor the putter against their body, specifically the belly or the sternum area, during the putting stroke.
The belly putter is designed to assist with stability and consistency in the putting stroke, particularly for golfers who struggle with traditional putting methods or have difficulty with a free-swinging stroke. By anchoring the putter against the body, it can help reduce hand and wrist movement, providing a more stable pendulum-like motion.
The technique with a belly putter involves gripping the club with both hands as in a standard putting grip, but the top hand rests against the belly or sternum area. The bottom hand is still responsible for controlling the stroke and guiding the putter along the intended line.
The use of belly putters gained popularity in the 2000s and early 2010s, with some professional golfers, including major champions, adopting them. However, in 2016, a new rule was implemented by the ruling bodies of golf (USGA and R&A) that prohibits anchoring the club against the body in a deliberate manner. This rule change aimed to maintain the traditional freedom and skill in the putting stroke.
While the anchoring method with belly putters is no longer allowed in competitive play, golfers can still use the mid-length putters without anchoring, holding them in a traditional grip and making a free-swinging stroke. Many golfers still find value in the longer shaft length for added stability and consistency, even without anchoring.
It's important to note that golfers should familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations of the governing bodies and any local rules regarding the use of belly putters, as they may vary depending on the level of play or specific tournaments.
Longer than conventional putters, belly putters – also called mid-length putters — allow the golfer to anchor the club to the stomach (hence the term). Because this provides a fixed fulcrum from which the putter is swung, some observers believe the method offers an advantage over the traditional putting style.
While belly/mid-length putters were once used primarily by older golfers, they’ve gained acceptance among younger players. In fact, a number of successful PGA Tour pros have switched to belly putters.
For comparison, the average length of a standard putter is about 35 inches. Belly/mid-length putters are around 42 inches. Leading manufacturers of belly putters include Thomas Golf (www.thomasgolf.com).
