Cabrera / Garcia longer putter questions

[The Salt Vampire]

I didn't see much of the Masters as I was working, but it seemed that Angel Cabrera was using a putter longer than standard, but not anchoring it in his belly. I could be wrong, but that's what I thought it looked like.

In this week's Golf World, on page 64, Sergio Garcia indicates that he has been experimenting with a putter that extends four inches above his hands. His quote, "It feels better, helps me load the club".

I thought I heard Brandel Chamblee talking about Cabrera, "loading the putter", too.

What does this mean with regard to a putter? What is the player hoping to gain? Would a counterweight accomplish the same thing as the added length?

 

[TheWOAT]

Loading the putter = feeling the clubhead???

 

[ManchesterGolfer]

The extra length helps stop the wrist's break even if it's not anchord, I tried this over the winter with a Scotty Mid Sur and it helps promote a rock of the shoulders type action.... not sure what they mean by loading it though.

 

[immacook]

I recently took my odyssey two ball srt and had the 35 inch shaft extended about 1.5 inches then had a winn 21 inch belly putter grip applied. I do not anchor it into the belly. I have it so it just barely touches my belly. I feel it helps keep my head and shoulders down through the putting stroke. I have only been using it a couple weeks now, but so far.. so good.