This article appeared in the January 2012 edition of Momentum, GolfTEC’s monthly newsletter. To subscribe to Momentum, click here.
Doug Rikkers
GolfTEC Director of Club Fitting and Merchandise
With all the buzz on the PGA Tour surrounding belly putters, many of you may be considering adding one to your bag; and for good reason! Belly putters are a great way to lower your scores, particularly if you struggle with putts inside 10 feet. The success of the belly putters comes from anchoring the club to the body. This connection improves path consistency, which leads to improved direction, and it helps keep the body stable which leads to better face contact and improved distance control.
When it comes to belly putters, TaylorMade offers two excellent models (Spider Ghost and the Corza Ghost). These high-Moment of Inertia (MOI) models are both designed to simplify the aiming process and provide face stability, even on off-center hits. One advantage to the Spider Ghost is the Movable Weight Technology that lets you increase/decrease the head weight, which allows you to keep the same feel if you end up changing the total length of the putter.
Odyssey has taken alignment to the next level by developing their own scientific alignment technology. The Direction and Realignment Technology (DART) works by involving your mind’s eye in the alignment process to ensure proper alignment to the target and consistent contact with the center of the face. All Odyssey putters incorporate high MOI to increase face stability.
If you prefer a more “traditional” head design you may find the Cleveland Classic Black Platinum Belly most pleasing to the eye. Unlike the TaylorMade and Odyssey models, the Cleveland Classic Belly incorporates the common toe-down weighting found in many standard length putters. Although MOI is reduced, this design promotes face rotation that is consistent with the arc created by the anchoring of the putter to the belly. Another plus to the Cleveland Belly is that it comes in four lengths (39”, 41”, 43” and 45”)
Regardless of which belly putter you choose it is critical that you make sure it fits you. As with traditional length putters, belly putters that are too long or too short can cause significant set-up flaws and lead to stroke errors that limit your potential. As always, your GolfTEC Certified Personal Coach can help identify the length that is right for you. Click here for more information about GolfTEC’s Club Fitting services.
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| Doug Rikkers uses the Coutour belly putter fitting tool to measure putter length. |
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