Full Definition
The belly putter (also called anchored putter) was a style where the grip end was anchored against the abdomen to create a third point of contact and reduce wrist movement. Many senior tour players used them successfully in the 2000s-2010s (Adam Scott won the 2013 Masters with one). The USGA banned anchoring in 2016 under Rule 10-1b. Long putters (50+ inches) can still be used but cannot be anchored against the body. Players who used them had to relearn conventional stroke mechanics.
See How Belly Putter Affects YOUR Swing — In Real Time
GOATY AI watches your swing live through your camera, speaks coaching cues in your ear while you swing, and measures the exact biomechanics — including belly putter — that determine your ball-striking quality.
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GOATY tip: If you struggle with wrist instability in your putting stroke, try a heavier putter (360+ grams) or a counterweighted grip. These legal modifications address the same wrist-damping benefit that belly putters provided. Book a free live lesson to see your own belly putter data in real time during your practice session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Belly Putter in golf?
A longer putter anchored against the belly for stability, now illegal under anchoring rules adopted in 2016.
Why does belly putter matter for scoring?
The belly putter (also called anchored putter) was a style where the grip end was anchored against the abdomen to create a third point of contact and reduce wrist movement. Many senior tour players used them successfully in the 2000s-2010s (Adam Scott won the 2013 Masters with on...
How can I improve my belly putter?
GOATY tip: If you struggle with wrist instability in your putting stroke, try a heavier putter (360+ grams) or a counterweighted grip. These legal modifications address the same wrist-damping benefit that belly putters provided. GOATY AI measures your belly putter in real time during live practice sessions — giving you instant feedback without needing to film and review video after the fact.
What is a good belly putter for an amateur golfer?
The benchmark is the GOAT Model — elite swing mechanics scored at 97.3. GOATY AI shows you exactly how your belly putter compares to this elite standard and coaches you toward it session by session.