One week into the new rule prohibiting anchored putting and David Hearn has a big problem.

It’s not about how to use the traditional length blade, or even about getting the proper speed or line on his putts. No, this problem is much different.

“It took me a while to figure out how to lean on the putter again,” he said, talking about his resting position on the greens. “I didn’t remember how you do that with a short putter anymore.”

That issue aside, Hearn’s debut at the Sony Open last week without his trusty broomstick model wasn’t horrible by any means. The rule prohibiting anchoring putters came into effect Jan. 1 and he’s been ready to make the transition for some time. 

Things looked good when he opened with a bogey-free 65, but he slipped in his next two rounds, posting a pair of 71s that meant he was part of the secondary Saturday cut that the PGA Tour brought in when a large number of players make the traditional 36-hole cut. He is credited with making the cut and also cashed a cheque.

“Things just really didn’t come together,” Hearn said. “I felt like I could have made a lot more birdies. But it’s only the first week, so I didn’t expect to be great.”

He didn’t hang the mediocre scores all on his putter either, saying that it was more of his overall game that let him down.

The Brantford, Ont., product, who is in the field this week in Palm Springs, will play most of the West Coast events. If history is any measure, he likely won’t hit his stride until the tour moves to Florida next month.

In addition to a new putter, Hearn is featuring some new logos on his clothing this year. He’s had a busy off-season in terms of signing on with sponsors, the newest being Extendicare.

The company provides a range of care and services across the seniors’ health system. It has more than 25,000 employees helping 100,000 patients, many of who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. That’s something that’s afflicted several members of Hearn’s family and one reason why he wanted to team up.

“The work they do is definitely in line with what we’re trying to do with my foundation,” said Hearn. “It was a good fit, just something that made sense.”

Hearn has held an annual golf tournament to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. With his this new agreement, he’s also going to be selling David Hearn hats with the proceeds going to the society and Extendicare donating another $2 for every hat sold. They will be available at davidhearn.ca starting in February.

In addition to the agreement with Extendicare, Hearn also joined Graham DeLaet and Adam Hadwin with a sponsorship from Shaw. He’ll wear that company’s logo on his hat.

The new partnerships are a clear indication that Hearn has moved up a level as a marketable athlete. Being the top Canadian in the world and very likely one who will represent the country in Rio at the Olympics as golf makes its return go the Games, makes him a hot commodity. 

And if his short putter gets hot, it’s likely he’ll only become more so.