Belly putters

[mariner]

I've just got myself a belly putter to try and improve the weakest part of my game, and I'm very encouraged to have sunk 20 six footers in a row on my carpet at home, it felt like I couldn't miss!
Not QUITE as good as that when I tried it on the practice green for the first time (but still twice as good as normal) and I look forward to using it in my weekly match tomorrow.
I was wondering if there are any special techniques I need to know about?

[GolfJunkieSr]

Re: Belly putters

As far as technique is concerned, it is my belief that the putting stroke, including stance, and grip is most indiviualistic golf stroke there is in all of golf. Your putting stroke is just that...yours. With your post it sounds like you are on the right track (or "line'). Good luck, and sink them all. GJS

[james.welsh]

Re: Belly putters

Go to the library and borrow the Dave Pelz Putting Bible. Everything you wanted to know about putting but were affraid to ask....

Simply the best putting book there is. IMHO.

[mariner]

Re: Belly putters

Well, wouldn't you just know it - missed 4 out of 5 four foot putts, sunk one huge one and left a lot of medium ones stone dead, usually through misreads, ie the ball went precisely where I aimed it but there was or wasn't the expected borrow.
I can live with that, but how about those tiddlers? The bottom line is that there was no difference in my putting stats at all. I just don't understand how I can sink all those 6 footers on the bounce then miss 4 footers when it matters. So I just keep going round in 87 no matter what I do.
Isn't this a cruel game?

[mattpodger]

Re: Belly putters

Well, wouldn't you just know it - missed 4 out of 5 four foot putts, sunk one huge one and left a lot of medium ones stone dead, usually through misreads, ie the ball went precisely where I aimed it but there was or wasn't the expected borrow.
I can live with that, but how about those tiddlers? The bottom line is that there was no difference in my putting stats at all. I just don't understand how I can sink all those 6 footers on the bounce then miss 4 footers when it matters. So I just keep going round in 87 no matter what I do.
Isn't this a cruel game?

The difference is when you were making those 6 footers you were making the same putt over and over. You never get 2 putts the same on a course. There may be similar putts in length/break but the greens will have slight differences.

[msklar92]

Re: Belly putters

I just demoed the 2 ball odyssey. re: technique - the belly and upper body turn back and through together - this takes your arms and hands out of the swing. I had a hard time with it. I found it really hard to judge speed and my lower back hurt because it forces you to lean foward a bit more than I normally would. Not that this is bad, becuase it does keep your eyes over the ball.The other problem is that the putter itself is heavy and I carry my bag alot. I think if you work with it the basic concept is a good idea.