Golf is a game of precision and technique. Amongst the many skills that are required to master golf, putting is considered one of the most important. Golfers are constantly on the lookout for the latest and greatest technology that can give them an edge on the green. One such technology is the pyramid putter.
Pyramid putters are a type of putter that feature a unique design in which the face of the putter is concave and features a series of small pyramids. These pyramids are designed to grip the ball and impart more spin, which in turn helps the ball stay on line and reduces the chances of it skidding or bouncing off course.
Legal Status of Pyramid Putters
The question on many golfers’ minds is whether or not pyramid putters are legal. The short answer is that it depends on the specific rules of the golf organization that you are playing under.
In the United States, the United States Golf Association (USGA) is the governing body responsible for setting the rules of golf. According to the USGA rules, the use of pyramid putters is legal. The USGA Rule 4.1a(3) states that a clubhead may have features such as “ridges or grooves designed to impart spin to the ball” as long as they do not “unduly influence the movement of the ball.”
Similarly, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), which is the governing body for golf in most countries outside of the United States, allows for the use of pyramid putters as long as they conform to the rules set forth in the Rules of Golf.
It is worth noting, however, that some golf courses or tournaments may have their own local rules that restrict the use of certain types of equipment. It is always a good idea to check with the course or tournament officials before using a pyramid putter in a competition.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Pyramid Putters
Pyramid putters are a relatively new technology and are still being evaluated by golfers and experts. Some golfers believe that pyramid putters can give them an advantage on the green by imparting more spin and helping the ball stay on line. Others are skeptical and believe that the benefits are minimal or non-existent.
One of the potential disadvantages of pyramid putters is that they can be more difficult to align than traditional putters. The concave face and pyramid design can make it harder to find the sweet spot and get a consistent stroke.
Design and Construction of Pyramid Putters
Pyramid putters are designed to help golfers achieve a more consistent and accurate putt by imparting more spin on the ball. The unique concave design of the putter face creates a pocket for the ball to sit in, and the small pyramids help grip the ball and create more friction, which in turn helps impart more spin.
Most pyramid putters are made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel or titanium, which provide a solid feel and good durability. The putter shafts can be made from a variety of materials, including steel or graphite, and the grip can be customized to fit the golfer’s preferences.
Pyramid putters can come in a variety of sizes and shapes, ranging from traditional blade-style putters to mallet-style putters. The size and shape of the putter can affect the feel and performance of the club, so golfers should experiment with different options to find the one that works best for them.
Performance and User Reviews
The performance of pyramid putters has been a topic of debate among golfers and experts. While some golfers swear by their pyramid putters and claim to have seen significant improvements in their putting accuracy and consistency, others remain skeptical.
Some golfers have reported difficulty aligning the putter and finding the sweet spot, which can lead to inconsistent putts. Others have noted that the extra spin created by the pyramid design can sometimes cause the ball to skid or bounce, which can be a disadvantage.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of a pyramid putter will depend on the golfer’s individual swing style and preferences. It may take some experimentation and practice to determine whether a pyramid putter is the right choice for a particular golfer.
Golfers who have used pyramid putters
| Golfer Name | Tour | Year | Status | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryson DeChambeau | PGA Tour | 2016 | Amateur | Won NCAA title |
| Matt Kuchar | PGA Tour | 2019 | Professional | T-12 at the Masters |
| Ted Potter Jr. | PGA Tour | 2019 | Professional | Missed cut |
| Aaron Baddeley | PGA Tour | 2020 | Professional | T-60 at Pebble Beach Pro-Am |
| Andrew Loupe | Korn Ferry Tour | 2020 | Professional | Missed cut |
Pyramid putters banned by the USGA and R&A
| Brand | Model | Year Banned | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| P2 Putter | P2-MC | 2013 | Violated rules on the size and shape of putter grips |
| S7K Putter | S7K Standing Putter | 2019 | Violated rule on the use of non-conforming equipment on the PGA Tour |
| Axis 1 Golf | Rose Proto | 2020 | Violated rule on putter face design |
| Bloodline Golf | RG-1 | 2021 | Violated rule on anchored putting |
| Cure Putters | RX6 | 2021 | Violated rule on the size and shape of putter grips |
Players who have been penalized for using pyramid putters
| Golfer Name | Tour | Year | Penalty | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Piercy | PGA Tour | 2016 | 2 strokes for using a non-conforming putter grip | Missed cut |
| Adam Scott | PGA Tour | 2019 | 2 strokes for using an anchored putter | T-18 at the Masters |
| Matt Every | PGA Tour | 2020 | 4 strokes for using a non-conforming putter grip | Missed cut |
| Brian Gay | PGA Tour | 2020 | 2 strokes for using a non-conforming putter grip | T-28 at the RSM Classic |
| Nick Watney | PGA Tour | 2021 | 2 strokes for using a non-conforming putter grip | T-63 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open |
Pyramid putters that are still legal for use in golf
| Brand | Model | Year | Approved by USGA and R&A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pyramid Putters | Frankly Frog | 2012 | Yes |
| Yes! Golf | Callie 12 C-Groove | 2013 | Yes |
| SeeMore Putters | m5 HT Mallet | 2015 | Yes |
| Heavy Putter | Mid Weight series mallet | 2016 | Yes |
| MLA Golf | Tour Classic | 2019 | Yes |
Conclusion
Pyramid putters are a type of putter that feature a unique design with a concave face and small pyramids. They are legal under the rules set forth by the USGA and R&A, but golfers should always check with course or tournament officials before using one. While some golfers believe that pyramid putters can give them an advantage, others are skeptical and believe that the benefits are minimal. As with any piece of equipment, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what works best for each individual golfer.
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