Golf is a sport with a plethora of rules and regulations, including those related to the number and types of clubs you can carry in your bag. When it comes to putters, golfers often wonder if they can carry two putters in their golf bag. Let’s explore this topic in detail.
The Rules of Golf
The rules of golf are established and maintained by two governing bodies: the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A). These organizations set the standard rules for golf worldwide.
Number of Clubs Allowed
According to the rules of golf, a golfer is allowed to carry a maximum of 14 clubs in their bag during a round of golf. These clubs can include a combination of drivers, irons, wedges, hybrids, and putters.
Types of Putters Allowed
While the rules specify that you can carry multiple putters in your bag, there are some conditions to be aware of:
- Putter Design: The USGA and R&A have guidelines regarding the design and characteristics of putters. Putters must conform to these guidelines to be considered legal for tournament play. Most traditional putters, including blade and mallet designs, conform to these standards.
- Putting Strokes: Some golfers carry two putters to use for different types of putting strokes. For instance, they might have a standard-length putter for most putts and a shorter “belly” or “long” putter for anchoring. This is allowed, but the anchoring method (where the putter is anchored to the body) was banned by the USGA and R&A starting in 2016.
- Backup Putter: Carrying a second putter as a backup in case your primary putter is damaged during a round is also permissible. However, this putter must conform to the same rules as your primary putter.
- Different Greens and Conditions: Golfers might opt for different putters to suit various green speeds and conditions. For instance, a golfer might use a different putter on fast, undulating greens compared to slow, flat greens. This is allowed as long as both putters adhere to the rules.
Special Circumstances
In some cases, golfers may be granted exceptions or accommodations under the rules of golf. For example:
- Disabled golfers who have physical limitations may be allowed to use specialized equipment, including putters with unique designs, lengths, or grips, to accommodate their needs.
- Junior golfers often have different rules regarding the number and types of clubs they can carry to encourage their development.
Why Golfers Carry Two Putters
- Different Strokes: Golfers may choose to carry two putters to accommodate different putting strokes. For instance, some players might use a standard putter for short putts and a longer putter for lag putts, as the longer shaft can provide added stability and control on longer greens.
- Green Conditions: Golf courses vary in terms of green speed and conditions. Carrying two putters with different characteristics allows golfers to adapt to different greens. They might opt for a blade putter on fast greens and a mallet putter on slower greens to suit their preferences and improve their putting performance.
- Backup Putter: Golfers invest a lot of time and effort in selecting the perfect putter that suits their stroke and feel. Having a backup putter in the bag can provide peace of mind in case the primary putter breaks, gets damaged, or is lost during a round. It ensures they can continue playing without being severely handicapped by the loss of their favorite club.
- Anchoring Ban: Before the anchoring ban took effect in 2016, many golfers used long or belly putters anchored to their bodies. Some may still carry such putters as a backup, even though they can no longer anchor them during their putting stroke. They may find these putters useful for different situations or as a comfort factor.
Rules and Regulations
| Rule Number | Rule Description | Can You Carry 2 Putters? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rule 1 | USGA Rules | No | USGA allows only one putter during a round. |
| Rule 2 | R&A Rules | No | R&A also permits only one putter in your bag. |
| Rule 3 | Local Course Rules | Check with the course | Some courses may have local exceptions. |
| Rule 4 | Practice Rounds | Yes | You can have multiple putters during practice. |
| Rule 5 | Non-Tournament Rounds | Yes | Casual rounds with friends typically allow it. |
| Rule 6 | Alternate Shot or Scramble Formats | Yes | Team formats may permit multiple putters. |
| Rule 7 | Penalty for Violation | One-stroke penalty | If you carry two putters, it’s a penalty. |
| Rule 8 | Declaring the Putter in Use | Specify at the start | Declare which putter you intend to use. |
| Rule 9 | Changing Putters During a Round | Yes | You can switch putters mid-round with a penalty. |
| Rule 10 | Stroke Play vs. Match Play | Consistency is key | Follow rules according to the chosen format. |
Pros and Cons of Carrying Two Putters
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Versatility | Extra weight in the bag |
| Adaptation to Greens | Risk of confusion |
| Confidence Boost | Space and cost considerations |
| Backup Option | Penalty for misuse |
| Specialized Situations | Unnecessary complexity |
Notable Golfers Who Carried Two Putters
| Golfer | Tournament/Event | Reason for Two Putters |
|---|---|---|
| Phil Mickelson | 2006 Masters | Experimenting with different putters |
| Tiger Woods | 2010 Players Championship | Struggles with putting during the event |
| Justin Rose | 2018 Fort Worth Invitational | Utilized a longer putter for stability |
| Bubba Watson | Various | Switches between different putter styles |
Choosing the Right Putters
When considering carrying two putters in your golf bag, it’s crucial to make thoughtful choices:
- Matched Feel: The putters should provide a similar feel and consistency to ensure you can transition between them smoothly during a round.
- Conforming to Rules: Ensure both putters conform to the rules established by the USGA and R&A. This includes factors like the design, length, and face technology of the putter.
- Practice: Regular practice with both putters is essential to gain confidence and proficiency with each one. Understanding when to use each putter and becoming comfortable with their differences is crucial.
- Evaluate the Conditions: Consider the specific conditions of the golf course you are playing on. Different putters may perform better on specific types of greens, so choose accordingly.
In conclusion, carrying two putters in your golf bag is permissible, provided both putters adhere to the rules and regulations of the sport. Golfers often opt for multiple putters to cater to different strokes, adapt to varying green conditions, and have a backup in case of emergencies. It’s essential to choose your putters wisely, practice with them, and use them strategically to enhance your putting game and overall performance on the golf course.
