There are hundreds of variations on the putter theme, but there are just three basic, elemental types when it comes to putter length: conventional, belly, and long putters.

 

It's completely a matter of personal preference with regards to considerations of which putter length to use. If you're thinking of moving away from a conventional putter to a belly or long putter, then all you need do is get on a putting green and see which putter length feels best and produces the best results. Nevertheless, the pros are virtually unanimous in feeling that if you can use a conventional putter, then you should use a conventional putter; and a short conventional putter at that.

 

To achieve the ideal putting posture, get in your stance and lean forward so that your eyes are directly over the line of the putt. Let your arms hang down loose, then bring your palms together. Voila! You have entered into your ideal putting posture! You cannot take that posture unless your putter length is a conventional one. However, using conventional putters require nerves of steel and an absolute minimum of wrist action. Poor putting nerves are often called the "yips"; those with excess wrist action are said to be "handsy." If you suffer from the yips or any type of nervousness or shakiness during putting, then trying out a belly or long putter could be the right thing to do.

 

The belly putter provides a third point of contact (in the abdomen) between the putter and the player, which provides stability and balance to the stroke. The main advantages of this putter length are that the putter is anchored against the body and wrist action is easier to control, while the player remains in a posture that is close to the ideal. However, since belly putters are longer and generally have a thicker grip, feel is reduced. Distance control is less precise due to the longer shaft.

 

The long putter turns the putting stroke into a true pendulum swing, totally eliminating wrist hinge. Golfers take an upright stance, so those who suffer from weak or aching backs can often be found with this putter in their bag.

 

However, the long putter is even longer than the belly putter (not for nothing that it's also known as the "broomstick putter"), and that means even less feel and feedback. It also means that distance becomes yet a little more imprecise. But it does have the advantage of making wrist action not matter at all.

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