Why use a Belly Putter?

Belly putting may not be for everyone. And it may be cursed by purists. But belly putting has become an accepted method of improvement for most golfers who try it. Why?

One of the primary functions, when properly used, is maintaining the left wrist position (right wrist for a left-handed golfer) during impact and follow-through of the stroke. Belly putting simply doesn't allow the wrist to break down. In fact, the golfer need not hold the wrist firm at all. The position of the butt of the putter grip against the golfer's mid-section will insure maintenance of the wrist position. And that's the secret. Now, with a relaxed grip, the "feel" of the stroke is enhanced.

Jack Nicklaus or Ben Crenshaw may never need to belly putt. But then again, even some of golf's greats, like Ben Hogan and Sam Sneed struggled with the "yips" at times. When a touring pro's livelihood is on the line, he won't hesitate to use whatever works best. And that includes belly putting for him and a significant number of his competitors. The ratio of users to non-users escalates dramatically on the Champions Tour.

Game improving equipment has taken golf from persimmon to metal woods and blades to cavity backs. Now it's time to accept the belly putter as a game improvement device. And that's the reason for the Belly Putt. To answer the question: "Why?"