CONVERTING THE SHORT PUTTER TO A LONG PUTTER
This can be easily done by adding an extension to the shaft of the short putter and changing the lie of the short putter.
STEEL SHAFT
At the end of the putter near the putter head, use a blowtorch or the heating element on a gas stove or electric stove heat the steel shaft near the head of the putter head. When the shaft is very hot, bend the shaft so the lie is close to 10 degrees to conform to the laws of golf.
FIBERGLASS SHAFT
If the shaft is fiberglass, or non-steel, than the end at the putter head can be burned out and another long shaft inserted to the putter head.
ADDING THE NEW SHAFT
Cut the end of the short putter grip to expose the hollow shaft. Using a wooden dowel, or another golf shaft, insert the dowel or shaft into the short putter shaft for a tight fit. Now remove the dowel and add epoxy glue were needed to the long shaft to make a tight bond when inserted.
ADDING THE GRIP
When the shaft dries and is solid, rap double-sided tape on the end of the long putter to the length of the new putter grip. Take your grip, put a tee in the hole at the end of the grip and add lighter fluid, or similar fluid into the grip while holding the grip upward with the tee at the low end. Oscillate the fluid in the grip so all side are coated with the fluid. Squirt some fluid on the tape and then slip the grip over the tape all the way. The fluid will dry quickly and the grip will be solid in place. If necessary, bang the end of the grip so make sure the grip is all the way down.
The length of the long shaft is determined by practice and experimenting. Make it long to start with. With practice hold the top hand a various length with some variation to the bottom hand to find the best hand placements. If you leave it a little long, you can always just lower the top hand to the desired location.
Dr. Gerald A. Walford is a longtime PGA Professional and sports psychologist based in Florida.
