Golf is a sport that requires precision and accuracy in every shot. Putting, in particular, is an essential part of the game. It is a stroke played on the green to get the ball into the hole. Over the years, many innovations have been made to putters, including the upright putter. In this article, we will discuss what an upright putter is, how it works, and its benefits and drawbacks.
What is an Upright Putter?
An upright putter is a type of golf club that is designed to be held in a more upright position than traditional putters. It has a shorter shaft and a more upright angle on the head, which allows the golfer to stand closer to the ball and maintain a more upright posture during the putting stroke. The idea behind the upright putter is to create a more natural and comfortable putting stance for the golfer, which can lead to more accurate putts.
How Does an Upright Putter Work?
The mechanics of an upright putter are similar to those of a traditional putter. The golfer addresses the ball and takes their stance, with their eyes directly over the ball. The golfer then swings the putter back and through, keeping their wrists firm and their arms straight. The main difference with the upright putter is that the golfer stands more upright, with their hands higher and closer to their body than they would with a traditional putter. This allows for a more natural and comfortable stance, which can help the golfer maintain better control over the putter during the stroke.
Benefits of Using an Upright Putter:
There are several benefits to using an upright putter, including:
- Improved Posture: Using an upright putter can help improve posture during the putting stroke. Standing more upright can reduce strain on the back and neck and make it easier to maintain a consistent stroke.
- Better Alignment: With an upright putter, the golfer’s eyes are more directly over the ball, which can improve alignment and lead to more accurate putts.
- Comfortable Grip: The grip on an upright putter is more comfortable for some golfers because it allows for a more natural and relaxed grip.
Drawbacks of Using an Upright Putter:
Despite the benefits, there are some drawbacks to using an upright putter, including:
- Limited Availability: Upright putters are not as widely available as traditional putters, which can make them harder to find.
- Adjusting to the New Style: Golfers who are used to using traditional putters may find it challenging to adjust to the new style of the upright putter.
- Limited Use: Upright putters are typically designed for use on flat greens and may not be as effective on undulating greens.
Different Types of Upright Putters:
There are several different types of upright putters available on the market, including:
- Face-balanced putters: These putters have a straight shaft and a face that is perpendicular to the ground. They are designed for golfers who have a straight back-and-forth putting stroke.
- Toe-weighted putters: These putters have a heavier head on the toe side of the putter, which can help golfers who have an arcing putting stroke.
- Mallet putters: These putters have a larger head that can provide more stability during the putting stroke. They are often preferred by golfers who struggle with alignment and consistency.
- Counterbalanced putters: These putters have a heavier grip that can help balance the weight of the putter and reduce hand and wrist movement during the stroke.
Choosing the Right Upright Putter:
Choosing the right upright putter can be challenging, especially for golfers who are used to traditional putters. When selecting an upright putter, consider the following factors:
- Putting style: Choose an upright putter that is suitable for your putting style, whether you have a straight back-and-forth stroke or an arcing stroke.
- Clubhead design: Look for a clubhead that provides the right amount of stability and alignment for your game.
- Grip design: Consider the grip design and weight, as this can have a significant impact on how the putter feels during the stroke.
- Length of the putter: Choose a putter that is the right length for your height and stance. A putter that is too short or too long can affect your stroke and accuracy.
Upright Putter Comparison
| Brand | Model | Length | Head Weight | Loft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey | Stroke Lab Black Ten | 34″ | 365g | 3° |
| TaylorMade | Spider EX | 35″ | 350g | 2.5° |
| Cleveland | Huntington Beach SOFT Premier 11 | 33″ | 345g | 3° |
| Rife | Barbados TR Island Series | 36″ | 360g | 3° |
| Evnroll | ER2.2 | 34″ | 350g | 2.5° |
| Bettinardi | Queen B 10 | 35″ | 350g | 3° |
| PING | Sigma 2 Valor | 34.5″ | 350g | 2.5° |
| Scotty Cameron | Phantom X 11.5 | 35″ | 350g | 3.5° |
| SIK | Pro C-Series Armlock | 43″ | 400g | 4° |
| Odyssey | Triple Track Ten S | 35″ | 360g | 3° |
Upright Putter Reviews
| Brand | Model | Reviewer | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey | Stroke Lab Black Ten | Golf Digest | 5/5 | “It’s the best putter I’ve ever used.” |
| TaylorMade | Spider EX | Golf.com | 4/5 | “The alignment aids are really helpful.” |
| Cleveland | Huntington Beach SOFT Premier 11 | MyGolfSpy | 4.5/5 | “The feel is fantastic.” |
| Rife | Barbados TR Island Series | Golf Monthly | 3.5/5 | “Not the most forgiving putter out there.” |
| Evnroll | ER2.2 | Golfalot | 4.5/5 | “The roll is amazing.” |
| Bettinardi | Queen B 10 | GolfWRX | 4/5 | “The craftsmanship is top-notch.” |
| PING | Sigma 2 Valor | GolfDigest | 4/5 | “I love the feel and the look of this putter.” |
| Scotty Cameron | Phantom X 11.5 | Golf.com | 3.5/5 | “The mallet design takes some getting used to.” |
| SIK | Pro C-Series Armlock | Golfalot | 4/5 | “It’s helped my consistency on the greens.” |
| Odyssey | Triple Track Ten S | MyGolfSpy | 4/5 | “The triple track alignment is really helpful.” |
Upright Putter Statistics
| Brand | Model | Accuracy (10ft) | Accuracy (20ft) | Average Putts per Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey | Stroke Lab Black Ten | 82% | 68% | 29.8 |
| TaylorMade | Spider EX | 75% | 63% | 30.1 |
| Cleveland | Huntington Beach SOFT Premier 11 | 79% | 65% | 29.9 |
| Rife | Barbados TR Island Series | 76% | 62% | 30.5 |
| Evnroll | ER2.2 | 83% | 71% | 28.6 |
Upright Putter Features
| Brand | Model | Alignment Aids | Shaft Type | Grip Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey | Stroke Lab Black Ten | Triple Track | Double Bend | Oversized Pistol |
| TaylorMade | Spider EX | T-Sightline | Single Bend | SuperStroke Pistol |
| Cleveland | Huntington Beach SOFT Premier 11 | Speed Optimized Face Technology | Single Bend | Lamkin SINKFit Pistol |
| Rife | Barbados TR Island Series | RollGroove Technology | Single Bend | SuperStroke Pistol |
| Evnroll | ER2.2 | Sweet Face Technology | Single Bend | Customizable Grip |
| Bettinardi | Queen B 10 | Serpentine Milled Face | Single Bend | Lamkin Deep Etched Pistol |
| PING | Sigma 2 Valor | True Roll Face Technology | Straight | PP59 Pistol |
| Scotty Cameron | Phantom X 11.5 | High-MOI Mallet Design | Single Bend | Matador Select |
| SIK | Pro C-Series Armlock | Descending Loft Technology | Armlock | SIK Pistol |
| Odyssey | Triple Track Ten S | Triple Track | Single Bend | SuperStroke Pistol |
Upright Putter Pricing
| Brand | Model | Price (USD) | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey | Stroke Lab Black Ten | $299 | Mid-range |
| TaylorMade | Spider EX | $349 | High-end |
| Cleveland | Huntington Beach SOFT Premier 11 | $129 | Budget |
| Rife | Barbados TR Island Series | $169 | Budget/mid-range |
| Evnroll | ER2.2 | $369 | High-end |
| Bettinardi | Queen B 10 | $399 | High-end |
| PING | Sigma 2 Valor | $219 | Mid-range |
| Scotty Cameron | Phantom X 11.5 | $429 | High-end |
| SIK | Pro C-Series Armlock | $375 | High-end |
| Odyssey | Triple Track Ten S | $299 | Mid-range |
Conclusion:
The upright putter is a unique golf club that can provide several benefits for golfers who struggle with traditional putters. While it may not be suitable for everyone, it is worth trying for golfers who are looking for a more comfortable and natural putting stroke. As with any new golf club, it may take some time to adjust to the upright putter, but with practice, it can lead to better accuracy and more consistent putting.
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