Webb Simpson back on his traditional short putter, discards longer one
The reigning US champion Webb Simpson has started practicing with the short putter ahead of the expected ban on the long putter at the end of this year.
Simpson recorded the first major victory of his career this year, thanks to his putts throughout the tournament week using the belly putter.
However, the newly designed putters came under a controversy and the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient (R&A) are planning to have talks on banning the product to be used in professional tournaments.
Simpson is not the only player who has gained success while using the unique belly putter. In fact, other two reigning champions, Keegan Bradley and Ernie Els, also earned their victories through the same putter.
The decision on the use of such putter will come in September. However, Simpson has already decided to switch back to the traditional one while anticipating the future.
He believes that even if it does not get banned this year, it will happen in the near future. Therefore, he must get used to his old putter before it gets too late.
"My theory is that I am going to be ready for it," he told reporters at Kiawah Island on Wednesday.
"I ordered two Scotty Camerons (short putters) a month ago and I have been working with them. I don't want to be surprised by it. I'm almost kind of telling myself to expect it and we'll see what happens”.
"I think all players through the years learn how to adapt to certain situations, whether it's conditions of the weather or who you are playing with, so I would put it in that category. I'll just have to learn, relearn to use a short putter".
During the British Open this year, Adam Scott also used a belly putter and had a four-stroke lead, heading for the final four holes of the tournament.
He was outstanding with his putting throughout the tournament week and recording birdies was like a piece of cake for him on a tough course like Royal Lytham and St Annes.
Therefore, belly putter are no doubt beneficial to many players. Yet, they are shaping the traditional look of the game, which is not acceptable to many people associated with the sport.
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