Hang Loose: Counterbalanced Putters

Photo By: Photo by Lucas Zarebiniski
Photo By: ©Stephen Whalen Photography 2015
Odyssey Golf, which sells more putters than anyone, says at the height of the belly-putter craze, more than 20 percent of its sales were models designed to be used by anchoring the club to the body. But effective this month, that method is banned by the Rules of Golf, leaving a segment of golfers searching for an alternative. Though the rule doesn't ban putters, it has encouraged clubmakers to develop new ways to help those with shaky strokes. One solution has been "counterbalanced" putters that use heavier heads and grips. There are also new ideas for bracing the putter to your forearm (allowed) and oversize grips designed to keep your hands from becoming too active at the wrong time. These methods might do more than help the yips. A study by Nike suggests that 84 percent of golfers putt better with counterbalanced models. Interested? Here are six new models to consider.
Photo By: Photo by Lucas Zarebiniski
BIOMECH ACCULOCK ACE
You can't brace the putter against the body, but you can guide it with your forearm. The forward lean and upright angle of the extra-long shaft promote a straighter stroke.
PRICE: $280
PRICE: $280
Photo By: ©Stephen Whalen Photography 2015
NIKE METHOD CONVERGE B1-01 COUNTERFLEX
Nike says golfers need the counter-balanced weight in different places, so it made the 75-gram weight in the 15-inch grip adjustable.
PRICE: $230
PRICE: $230
ODYSSEY WORKS TANK CRUISER V-LINE
Not sure how much counterbalancing you need? Adjustable weights for the head and grip let you match the weight to your stroke.
PRICE: $250
PRICE: $250
PING CADENCE TR ANSER 2 CB
A 50-gram weight inside the 17-inch grip shifts the overall balance point toward the hands to smooth out your stroke.
PRICE: $220
PRICE: $220
TAYLORMADE OS CB DAYTONA
The oversize hollow head is filled with foam with extra weight in the heel and toe for twice the stability of a typical putter. The oversize grip is heavier, too.
PRICE: $250
PRICE: $250
TITLEIST/SCOTTY CAMERON FUTURA X7M DUAL BALANCE
Fifty extra grams in the head are balanced by 50 extra grams in the grip. The bar in the back adds stability, and the aluminum face and sole improve feel.
PRICE: $400
PRICE: $400