Phil Mickelson's use of a long putter has further fueled the trend. These top putters are now available in belly or long versions.
Hot List: Anchored Putters
Nike Method Core Drone
This putter, which features the same polymetal groove technology as the original Method Core models (Gold on the 2011 Hot List), won't be available at retail until Nov. 1. Those seeking a longer putter are restricted to one length (43 inches) in this extreme mallet design that includes wing tips on the edges. The lie of this putter is 71 degrees and the headweight is 390 grams. Price: $228.
Odyssey White Ice 2-Ball
Although Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson both used an Odyssey Sabertooth belly putter, that model is not yet available. (Word is, it might become available in late October. The company's D.A.R.T. line also will have longer offerings in two weeks). However, the White Ice 2-Ball, which earned a Gold medal on the 2011 Hot List, does come in longer versions. The White Ice insert is made from multiple layers to enhance consistency while the dark nickel finish reduces glare. The Belly version comes in lengths ranging from 39 to 47 inches with a head weight of 400 grams. The long model is available in 48 and 50 inches with a head weight of 450 grams. The price for both the belly and long models is $190.
Ping Scottsdale PickemUp
Ping's Scottsdale Pickemup (a Gold winner on the 2011 Hot List) boasts an elastomer insert to enhance feel while producing a ball speed off the face similar to that of a steel face. In addition to standard lengths, the face-balanced, high moment of inertia putter comes in belly (42, but custom up to 45 inches) and long (49, but custom up to 52.75 inches) models. The difference is in the head weight: 390 grams for the belly; 460 grams for the long. Price: $170.
TaylorMade Corza Ghost
The Ghost,__ which earned a Gold metal on the 2011 Hot List__, gained popularity for its golf ball-white finish that sticks out against the green grass, and its easy-to-see black alignment lines and circular hole that creates a secondary alignment aid. The head is made from 6061 aluminum and the belly lengths available are 41 and 43 inches (with a head weight of 370 grams). The putter also in a available in a long model at 48 inches with a head weight if 440 grams. Price: $200.
TaylorMade Ghost Spider
A followup to the original Spider (a Silver medal-winner on the 2009 Hot List), the Spider Ghost features many of the same technologies but with a white head. Black "basketball court" alignment lines assist aim while a new surlyn face insert delivers soft sound and feel. Two 4-gram movable weights help make it the highest moment of inertia of any TaylorMade putter. No long version available, but a belly model with a 360-gram head is offered in 41 and 43 inches. Price: $200.
Titleist Scotty Cameron Studio Select Kombi
Adam Scott became the poster boy for long putters with his 48-inch Kombi, which earned a Gold medal on the 2011 Hot List, but consumers have a few more choices. The putter also is available in another long option (50 inches) as well as three mid-length choices (42, 43 and 44 inches). The long putters have 4 degrees of loft, 79 degrees of lie and a headweight of 500 grams. The mid versions are 4 degrees of loft, 71 degrees of lie and a 400-gram headweight. Price: $325.
Yes! Sandy
A face-balanced mallet made from 304 stainless steel, the putter features Yes!'s trademark C-groove face, a double-bend shaft and single sight line in the rear cavity. The putter has 2.5 degrees of loft and is available in a 43-inch belly model as well as 48-inch long model. Custom options allow for lie to be altered plus or minus 2 degrees. Price: $150
Yes! Victoria II
A face-balanced, cavity-back mallet with an extended sightline, the Victoria II is a heel-shafted putter with a double-bend shaft that is available is two longer versions (a 43-inch Belly model and a 48-inch long putter). The standard loft is 2.5 degrees but can be custom altered to any loft between 0 and 3 degrees. Price: $200