Golf - A Poor Man’s Belly-Putter
Some pros, including Vijay Singh, have switched to the “belly putter”, which has a shaft long enough to press against your belly, thus making your putting stroke more consistent. However, specialty putters can be expensive, so here are two ways to use your own shorter putter with the belly-putter method. Grip firmly with the palm of your right hand (assuming you are right-handed). Take a posture that allows your right elbow (Method A) to touch your torso, and leave the elbow touching there for the entire stroke (you may have to adjust your stance to do this comfortably). This makes your right forearm an extension of the shaft. Method B would be to touch your torso with your left elbow, making your left forearm an extension of the shaft (again, you may have to adjust your stance). Have a 3-way contest between your regular stroke and these two methods. If your regular method wins, congratulations, your old method can take the pressure of a challenge! If not, you may have discovered an immediate improvement in your putting stroke! (see www.geocities.com/golfwithjoey)