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Does anyone here use a long putter? It has always intrigued me as it seems like a good way to keep the putter steady but I felt like I wouldn't be able to control the speed of those 3 footers. Granted, I've never even tested one out before and neither have any of my friends.

I just read in a magazine about Ernie Els saying the long putter should be banned. He says nerves of keeping a steady hand while putting are part of the game and that having a long putter takes that part of the game away. Then there's the club length for drops, giving those players an unfair advantage. While surfing on golfdigest.com, I also came across this article:

http://www.golfdigest.com/newsandtou...errington.html

check item #4. "ban the long putter." just interested to see what you all thought of this.

personally, i don't see any problem with any of my playing partners using a long putter. sure, there might be a few comments thrown their way but nothing trying to stop their use. i guess i don't really care if they decide to allow it or not because i don't plan to use it and it doesn't bother me when others use it. i do acknowledge that it may be different for ernie els as he makes a living off of this game.

I'm kind of in the same boat as you are. I don't really care because I don't use one (or plan to) and none of my friends do either but at the same time, Ernie Els makes his living off of the game so it matters more to him. Then again, when you're making millions a year from playing golf, should you really have anything to complain about?

i hail anyone who can use a long putter because i have tried them in a couple of shops and they seem to have a mind of its own

i tell you the putter i do like though the new ping craz e

i say ban the short putter! just kidding. i don't think they should ban these putters just yet. i agree with not allowing the use of long putters for relief but banning the long putter for putting may be a bit premature. i've been hearing how using the long putter creates a perfect stroke but putting is never perfect and you can still miss with the long putter. i think. i haven't used a long putter so i wouldn't know.

that's true. you may have a "perfect stroke" with the long putter but that doesn't mean you'll be a perfect putter. i really wouldn't mind it if they did ban long putters because i don't use one but i do think it would be premature to do so right now.

also, if long putters are so great, why doesn't every tour pro go out and use one?

Maybe they don't use a long putter because they want to protect the integrity of the game. Because they believe so much that nerves are part of putting, they'll take having to hit a few more putts. :D

I believe the R & A and the USGA will eventually change the rules to prohibit anchoring any putter to your body during a stroke. I have no problem with recreational golfers using any club, in any manner, to increase their enjoyment of the game. However, at the professional level, even some of the pro's using the long putter and the belly putter say it should be illegal.

leaguegolf, I totally agree with that notion. I come across a lot of people who frown upon those who use nonconforming clubs. Now, using one in a local tournament or for handicap purposes is definitely wrong as it is against the rules. Where I don't have any problem with it is when a recreational golfer wants to use one for fun. If long putters are banned, I wouldn't have any problem if my friend chose to stick with it when we play for fun.

I strive to keep league play by USGA rules but I waive the non-conforming club rule because we don't post USGA handicaps and it's not sanctioned play. We're all competitive but it's still recreational golf. If a club will improve your enjoyment of the game (if not your scores) then, by all means use it! Isn't that the message Arnie tried to send by endorsing the Callaway ERC driver? If it's good enough for Arnie...it's good enough for me! Besides, my partner has a 530 cc driver that's the size of a dinner plate!

I'm with you and I'm betting the powers that be are going to get tougher on equipment specs from here on out.

The 2004 USGA rule changes limit the driver length (48 inches) and size (460 cc). Why is the putter not included in this length limit? When we're playing recreational golf I don't care what you use to get the ball into the hole (ok, no foot wedges) but I feel the professional game or tournament play must adhere to established club specs.

Currently i use an onld spalding putter, but a couple years ago my dad won a long 2 grip putter in a golf tournament, it is called a Pole-Kat... it hasnt even been used yet... I think I will go try it out sometime.

I use a Long Putter which has helped me reduce my putts by 2 or 3 a round. With the Long Putter I find I make more 5-8 foot putts than I every did with a regular putter. Els is just sour graping since he just got beat by a guy who uses one. I putt better with a long putter because I find it easier to see the line. I also get a smoother roll than I do with a regular putter which helps to keep long putts more on line. With all that said, I still average 34 putts a round so I am not going to be a medalist in any amateur tournaments. The issue about anchoring is not quite right since I hold the end of the putter in my left hand which is against my sternum. What's the difference between this and Nancy Lopez anchoring both her elbows against her hips when she putts? What's good for the goose is certaining good for the gander!