In the world of elite-level golf, the difference between a podium finish and a missed cut often comes down to a single stroke on the green.
For decades, the conventional wisdom has dictated a standard bag composition: a driver, a few woods, a set of irons, three or four wedges, and exactly one putter. But what if that traditional approach is leaving strokes on the table?
Enter the Dual Putter Strategy. While it may seem like a desperate move for a player suffering from the “yips,” it has been utilized by Major champions and club champions alike to solve specific tactical problems.
In this deep dive, we will explore the legality, the strategic benefits, and the professional precedents for carrying two flatsticks in your bag.
The Legal Verdict: Is Carrying Two Putters Legal?
Before diving into the “how,” we must address the “can.” The most common question among golfers is whether the Rules of Golf permit more than one putter.
Understanding USGA Rule 4.1b
According to the official Rules of Golf, specifically Rule 4.1b, a player is allowed to carry a maximum of 14 clubs during a round.
The rules are notably silent on the type of clubs those 14 must be in. As one experienced golfer noted in a community discussion, “You can carry 14 putters if you want to!”
The primary restrictions are:
- The Quantity Limit: You must not have more than 14 clubs in your bag that are “starting the round” or “added during the round”.
- Conforming Equipment: Every club, including both putters, must meet the USGA’s equipment standards for design and face characteristics.
- The 15th Club Penalty: If you accidentally start a round with 15 clubs—perhaps by adding a new putter without removing an old one—the penalties are severe, often resulting in a two-stroke penalty for each hole where the breach occurred, capped at four strokes per round.
Key Takeaway: You are legally allowed to carry, use, and swap between two different putters throughout a competitive round, provided your total club count remains at or below 14.
Why Two is Better Than One: The Strategic Advantages
The decision to carry two putters isn’t about indecision; it’s about specialization. Just as a golfer carries a 60-degree lob wedge for short flops and a 50-degree gap wedge for full shots, different putters can be “gapped” for different tasks on the green.
Distance vs. Accuracy (The “Lag and Finish” Method)
One of the most effective ways to employ this strategy is by selecting two putters with opposed designs:
- The Blade for Distance (Lag Putting): Many golfers prefer a traditional blade putter for long-distance putts. The lighter head and traditional weighting provide better “feel” and feedback, which are essential for gauging the pace on a 50-foot cross-green journey.
- The Mallet for Accuracy (Short Putting): Conversely, a high-MOI (Moment of Inertia) mallet putter is often superior for putts within 10 feet. Mallets are designed to resist twisting on off-center hits, providing a more stable face and better alignment aids to help “dead-eye” those critical par saves.
Adapting to Green Conditions
Golf courses are not uniform. You might encounter a course where the front nine has newly aerated, slower greens, while the back nine features lightning-fast, sun-baked surfaces.
- Heavy Putter: Ideal for slow greens where you need more mass to move the ball.
- Light Putter: Ideal for fast greens where a delicate touch is required to prevent the ball from racing six feet past the hole.
The Psychological Edge: Breaking the Yips
Golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Putting, in particular, is susceptible to “the yips”—a sudden loss of fine motor skills that can turn a simple tap-in into a nightmare.
The “Reset Button” Effect
Carrying a backup putter provides a powerful psychological safety net. If a golfer begins to struggle with their confidence or alignment with their primary club, the ability to switch to a different look, weight, and feel can act as a mental reset.
By changing the visual “input” (switching from a blade to a mallet, for example), you can bypass the mental blocks that lead to tentative or jerky strokes. It allows the player to stop fighting their equipment and start focusing back on the line and speed.
Professional Precedent: The Adam Scott Case Study
This isn’t just a theory for weekend warriors; it has been tested at the highest levels of professional golf.
The most famous modern example is Adam Scott. During the 2018 PGA Championship at Bellerive, Scott notably carried two putters in his bag.
- The Setup: He carried a long “broomstick” style putter for his primary work and a shorter, more conventional putter for other scenarios.
- The Result: The strategy worked. Scott finished T3 in that Major, proving that even the best in the world find value in having specialized tools for different putting requirements.
His decision highlighted a crucial trade-off: Scott chose to remove a long iron or an extra wedge to make room for the second putter, betting that the strokes gained on the green would outweigh the utility of a club he might only use once or twice a round.
Implementation: Which Club Should You Drop?
To stay within the legal 14-club limit, adding a second putter means another club must go. For most golfers, the choice comes down to “utility vs. frequency.”
The “Dead Weight” Analysis
Look at your bag and identify the club you use the least. For many, this is:
- The 3-Iron or 4-Iron: These are notoriously difficult to hit consistently. Replacing a low-lofted iron with a second putter can be a smart move if you rarely find yourself at the specific yardage required for those irons.
- The Extra Wedge: If you carry four wedges (PW, GW, SW, LW), you might find that you can “finesse” your sand wedge to cover the gap of a lob wedge, freeing up a spot for a specialized mallet putter.
Analyzing Your Putting Gaps
Before implementing this, ask yourself: Where am I losing strokes?
- If you excel at lag putting but miss three-footers, add a high-stability mallet.
- If you always leave long putts short, add a blade with a hotter face or better “feel” for distance.
Expert Tips for Choosing Your Putter Duo
If you are heading to a retailer like Dick’s Sporting Goods or a local pro shop to find your second putter, keep these criteria in mind:
- Contrast is Key: Don’t carry two putters that feel the same. If your primary is a toe-balanced blade, your secondary should be a face-balanced mallet.
- Grip Variation: Consider different grips. A “fat” grip (like a SuperStroke) can help quiet the hands on short putts, while a standard thin grip might be better for the “touch” required on long lag putts.
- Length Matters: Ensure the lengths are optimized. A slightly longer putter might help you stay more upright for a better view of long-distance lines.
Enhanced FAQ: Navigating the Nuances
Q: Can I use two different putters on the same green? A:
Yes. There is no rule preventing you from using a blade to lag the ball to three feet and then switching to a mallet to finish the hole.
Q: What if I accidentally carry 15 clubs?
A: In a casual round, it likely won’t matter unless you are “keeping score for real”. However, in a competition, you must declare the extra club out of play immediately upon discovery to minimize penalties.
Q: Can I carry two drivers instead of two putters?
A: Yes. Some players carry a “draw-biased” driver and a “fade-biased” driver. The 14-club rule applies to the total count, not the variety.
Q: Does a second putter really help a beginner?
A: For beginners, the focus should usually be on mastering one consistent stroke. However, if a beginner finds that a certain putter style is “scary” for long distances, having a secondary option can reduce anxiety.
Conclusion: Refining Your Arsenal
The Dual Putter Strategy is more than a quirk; it is a calculated equipment choice that addresses the two distinct challenges of putting: subjective feel and objective stability.
By understanding the legal freedom provided by Rule 4.1b and analyzing the performance gaps in your own game, you can turn your bag into a more versatile toolset.
Whether you are inspired by Adam Scott’s professional success or simply tired of the mental fatigue that comes with a “cold” putter, the 14-club limit is your canvas.
Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to carry a little bit of the past (your old faithful blade) alongside the future (a high-tech mallet).
Ready to optimize your bag? Start by tracking your putting stats for three rounds. If you find a disparity between your lag success and your “gimme” consistency, it might be time to make room for a second flatstick.
