SHOT PERFORMANCE USING ANCHORED LONG PUTTING CLUBS

Abstract

The study purpose was to measure putting outcome performance when different length putters were used with an anchoring mechanism. 72 skilled golfers each executed a total of 60 putts using standard, belly and long putters from two distances. Putting mechanics were assessed using SAM PuttLab™. From 1.83 m (6 ft) participants holed 80.3% of putts with a standard length putter, dropping to 78.6% and 75.3% for belly and longhandled putters. At 3.66 m (12 ft) participants holed 51.7% of putts with a standard length putter, and 50.8% and 46.9% for belly and long-handled putters. Shot performance showed no significant differences between clubs. There were significant (p<0.05) between-club differences for swing time, putter head rotation and putter face impact spot. While anchoring may reduce putter head rotation it does not sufficiently limit rotation.