THE LONG
GOODBYE?
PUTTERS TRENDING
WHEN THE PROPOSAL to ban anchoring was announced last year, many wondered what effect it would have on sales of belly
putters and their use on tour. Early data suggest it has
had a chilling effect. Sales of all putters in December fell
21.1 percent versus the same month in 2011, marking the
largest decline in putter sales since Golf Datatech began
tracking them in 1997. It’s important to note that sales
in December 2011 enjoyed a spike because golfers were
in a frantic rush to buy belly putters, spurred by Keegan
Bradley’s win at the PGA. That increase makes this
December’s numbers look worse by comparison. On tour,
there’s no denying the influence. As many as 25 long/belly
putters were in use at several events last season. Early
in 2013, that number has tumbled. At the AT&T Pebble
Beach National Pro-Am, just six pros used one. At the
Northern Trust Open and Match Play, 12 different players
went longer than standard. —E. Michael Johnson
