Bettinardi Reveals the Real Story Behind ARMLOCK PUTTING
About this episode
Sam Bettinardi discusses the history and design challenges of armlock putting and its impact on the game of golf.
If you’ve ever wondered why armlock putting didn’t completely take over the game, this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for. I sat down with Sam Bettinardi to unpack the real story behind the first mass-market armlock putter, how Matt Kuchar helped shape its design, and what Bettinardi learned after more than a decade of building these putters.We dig into the prototypes, the early challenges, the seven-degree loft decision, the offset, and why this thing almost looks like a chipper. More importantly, Sam explains why armlock saw a surge of early hype in 2013 but never became the dominant putting style many expected.⛳ In This Episode:• How the armlock idea started with Matt Kuchar• Why Bettinardi built 25+ prototypes before finding the right design• The reason early armlocks looked like wedges• The secret behind the “ski-pole” shaft• Why armlock exploded after the USGA anchoring ban• Who should (and shouldn’t) use armlock today• Inside Kuchar’s reverse armlock setup• Why long/broomstick putters are rising againWhether you’re curious about alternative putting styles, struggling with short putts, or just love club design stories, this one’s packed with insights.Get the best…
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