American Express – Mark Hubbard makes use of distinctive placing grip at The American Express

LA QUINTA, Calif. – It appeared like a routine 4-footer as Mark Hubbard accomplished Friday’s second spherical at The American Express.

Enter ‘The Snail.’

Hubbard addresses the putt with normal grip positioning. Whereas his left hand stays in place, his proper hand releases from the putter, making a round arc earlier than diving towards the putter head. His proper arm nestles in opposition to the putter shaft, and he loops his pinky finger across the shaft – roughly eight inches above the bottom – earlier than making the stroke. 

Hubbard unveils The Snail once in a while – though “it’s got to be a special occasion.” The par-Four ninth gap Friday at PGA West (Nicklaus Match Course) marked such an event.

“Like most things, the key aspect is really the presentation,” Hubbard defined Friday afternoon within the Palm Desert. “You’ve actually acquired to promote it, that you just’re moving into for a standard stroke. Actually look targeted and decided, and on the final second, shimmy in there. Paying homage to a Jack Parkman from Main League 2, shimmying at residence plate.

“The key aspect to The Snail is to wrap that right arm over the shaft, and then get the right pinky finger looped back under. Really lock it into that right arm.”

The Colorado native inherited this distinctive placing stroke whereas taking part in collegiately at San Jose State, inherited from former teammate Jon Tringale, brother of TOUR veteran Cameron.

“It’s a product of San Jose State and our team of goofballs,” Hubbard mirrored.

Hubbard has checked with TOUR and Korn Ferry Tour guidelines officers to substantiate The Snail’s legality.

Rule 10.1b states that in making a stroke, a participant should not anchor the membership both instantly – by holding the membership or a gripping hand in opposition to any a part of the physique (besides that the participant may maintain the membership or a gripping hand in opposition to a hand or forearm) – or not directly, via use of an “anchor point,” by holding a forearm in opposition to any a part of the physique to make use of a gripping hand as a steady level round which the opposite hand may swing the membership.

The Snail does nothing to violate Rule 10.1b, confirmed PGA TOUR Match Referee Jordan Harris.

“He’s in good shape there,” laughed Harris. “That’s just a weird way to go about it.”

Hubbard enjoys incorporating The Snail in informal video games with buddies. It has additionally been showcased on the TOUR’s Mayakoba Golf Basic, and on the Korn Ferry Tour’s Dormie Community Basic.

Friday’s ‘Snail’ look on The American Express’ Golf Channel telecast introduced new publicity. Alas, the putt didn’t drop. 

“If I’ve got a tap-in that I’m not going to miss, I’ll break it out just to mess with people,” Hubbard stated. “It usually makes for a pretty automatic putt inside 5 feet. I’m a little disappointed I missed that one; I don’t miss too many of those with The Snail. It just broke a little bit more.”