Jackson Reid
Long putters have been a topic of debate in the golfing world for several decades. While some golfers find them useful, others argue that they provide an unfair advantage. The method involves using a longer putter that is braced against the forearm, which some argue is a form of anchoring and should be banned. In 2016, new rules were introduced to ban anchoring, but long putters themselves were not prohibited as long as they were not anchored to the body. Despite this, the debate continues, with some calling for a ban on long putters altogether, while others defend their use as a legal and strategic alternative.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Long putters allowed in golf | Yes, as long as they are not anchored to the body |
| Anchoring allowed | No, since 2016 |
| Forearms resting against the body allowed | Yes, as long as the hands are not separated on the grip |
| Bracing the club against the forearm allowed | Yes |
| Accidentally brushing the club against the shirt | No penalty |
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What You'll Learn
Long putters are allowed but cannot be anchored to the body
Long putters have been a topic of debate in the golfing world for several decades. In 1989, the USGA and R&A announced that long putters would continue to be permitted under the Rules of Golf, with USGA executive director David Fay stating that "putting is a very individualized art form" and restricting a golfer's style would "take some of the fun out of the game."
However, in 2013, the governing bodies introduced Rule 14-1b, which banned the anchoring of putters to the body. This rule came into effect on January 1, 2016, and specifically prohibits anchoring the putter against the body, including the sternum and belly. This rule change sparked controversy, with some golfers arguing for the allowance of long putters, while others supported a complete ban on them.
Despite the anchoring ban, long putters are still allowed in golf as long as they are not anchored to the body. Golfers can brace the club against their forearm, as seen in Matt Kuchar's winning play at the 2012 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, which is deemed acceptable by the USGA and R&A as it allows unrestricted hand and arm movement.
The technique of arm-locking, where the hands are split on the grip, has also emerged as an alternative to anchoring. This method, while initially popular, has seen a decline in recent years. Golfers are encouraged to focus on mastering their putting technique, with the understanding that the rules surrounding anchoring are focused on intent and the creation of anchor points.
While long putters remain a divisive topic, with some calling for a complete ban, the current ruling allows their use as long as they are not anchored to the body.
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The history of long putters
In 1924, Leo Diegel developed a putting stance with a bent-over, elbows-out position, and the butt of the putter at his belly button. This move was nicknamed "Diegeling" by competitors. The first patent for a belly putter was submitted by Richard Parmley in 1961 and approved in 1965.
In 1966, Phil Rodgers won twice on the PGA Tour with a 39.5-inch belly putter, using a technique that involved shoving the handle of the putter against his stomach and spreading his hands apart before taking his stroke.
In 1983, Champions Tour player Charlie Owens, battling physical ailments, used a 51-inch putter anchored to his sternum to win twice on the circuit in 1986. In 1987, Johnny Miller won the AT&T National Pro-Am using a 46-inch flatstick, but he gripped the club normally and braced it against his left arm.
In 1989, after a disappointing 1988 season, Sam Torrance experimented with a long putter at the Jersey Open, anchoring it on his chin rather than his midriff, and finished in the top five. That same year, Orville Moody, regarded as one of the worst putters on the Tour, quickly improved and won the US Senior Open with a long putter.
In 1991, Rocco Mediate became the first player to win a PGA Tour event using a putter anchored to his sternum at the Doral Open.
In 2000, Paul Azinger won his first PGA Tour in over six years using a belly putter at the Sony Open in Hawaii.
In 2011, Keegan Bradley became the first-ever major champion to win using a belly putter, and in 2012, Webb Simpson and Ernie Els won the US Open and Open Championship, respectively, with belly putters. This sparked a debate about anchoring putters, with some golfers, like Tiger Woods, expressing their opposition to the idea.
In 2013, golf's governing bodies announced the adoption of Rule 14-1b, which banned anchoring putters during strokes, effective January 1, 2016. This rule change specifically outlawed anchoring the putter against the body, including the sternum, chest, or chin.
While long putters themselves were not banned, the way most golfers used them—by anchoring them to the upper body—was now considered illegal. This rule change sent golfers searching for alternative methods, and long putters have recently re-emerged as a popular alternative putting method.
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The anchoring ban
The ban was enacted to eliminate the perception that anchoring gave golfers an unfair advantage, as it restricts the free movement of the club. The USGA executive director Mike Davis emphasised that the rule did not restrict the use of any currently conforming equipment, including long putters, as long as they were not anchored.
Some golfers, like Keegan Bradley, have had to adapt their putting style to comply with the new rule, while others like Adam Scott, were notable users of anchoring prior to the ban.
Despite the ban, there are still ways to gain the benefits of anchoring without violating the rules. Counterbalancing, for example, adds weight to the grip end of the club, raising its balance point and increasing control. Additionally, bracing the club against the forearm is permissible as long as it is not above the elbow joint.
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Long putters vs. arm-locking
Long putters have been a topic of debate in the golfing world for several decades. In 1989, the USGA and R&A allowed the use of long putters under the Rules of Golf, with USGA executive director David Fay stating that "putting is a very individualized art form" and restricting a golfer's style would "take some of the fun out of the game." However, long putters were eventually banned in 2016, with Rule 14-1b prohibiting golfers from anchoring the club directly or indirectly through an "anchor point" against the body.
This ban was likely due to the perception that long putters provided an unfair advantage by being anchored to the body, providing stability and potentially improving accuracy. As a result, golfers had to find alternative methods, with some transitioning to arm-locking.
Arm-locking is a technique where the putter remains "locked" to the golfer's lead forearm throughout the entire putting stroke. This method is legal as nothing is anchored to the butt of the putter grip, and it can be beneficial for golfers who struggle with their wrists taking over during the stroke. By minimizing wrist movement, arm-locking provides a more consistent and stable stroke, helping golfers feel "locked-in" on shorter putts. Additionally, the increased weight of the putter head in arm-locking provides a more fluid and consistent stroke.
However, arm-locking is not without its drawbacks. The lack of wrist movement can also be a disadvantage as wrists can provide micro-corrections, added power, and a more free-flowing stroke. Additionally, arm-locking may not suit every golfer, and some may prefer the traditional style that allows for more movement and wrist action.
While long putters were once popular, the ban on anchoring against the body led to a decline in their use. Arm-locking, though legal, has not gained widespread popularity despite some notable golfers adopting it. Ultimately, the choice between long putters and arm-locking depends on a golfer's preferences, skills, and comfort level with different putting styles.
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The rules of long putters in golf
Long putters in golf have been a topic of debate for several decades. While some golfers find them useful, others consider their use to be "cheating".
In August 1989, the USGA and R&A announced that long putters would continue to be permitted under the Rules of Golf, with USGA executive director David Fay stating that "putting is a very individualized art form. To inhibit a golfer’s individual style would take some of the fun out of the game."
However, in 2013, golf's governing bodies decided to take action after long putters and anchored strokes were used to win four out of six majors, with Adam Scott's 2013 Masters triumph being a notable example.
On January 1, 2016, Rule 14-1b was enacted, banning the anchoring of the club when making a stroke, either "directly" or by using an "anchor point". This rule is not an equipment regulation, but rather a technique guideline, allowing players to use long putters up to 48 inches in length as long as they do not anchor them to their body.
The "direct" ban prevents players from sticking the butt of the club into their belly or sternum, or placing their top hand over the butt of the club and anchoring it to their chest. The "anchor point" technique involves a player intentionally holding their forearm against their body to create an anchor point for the gripping hand.
Despite the ban on anchoring, there are still methods of using long putters that are within the rules. One such method is arm lock putting, where the player leans the shaft of the putter against their forearm. Bryson DeChambeau, the 2020 U.S. Open Champion, employs this technique. Another variation is the reverse arm lock method, used by Matt Kuchar, where the end of the club is pressed against the trail arm.
While long putters are currently legal within the rules outlined above, there is still ongoing debate and controversy surrounding their use, with some calling for a complete ban on long putters and arm lock putting.
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Frequently asked questions
Long putters are allowed in golf, but there are rules around how they can be used.
The rules state that long putters cannot be anchored to the body. This means that the top hand cannot be anchored to the sternum, and the putter cannot be anchored to the belly. The club cannot be in contact with the body if the hands are split on the grip, but it can be braced against the forearm.
The anchoring ban was announced in 2013 and came into effect on 1 January 2016.
The governing bodies of golf wanted to give golfers options and encourage individual style while also maintaining the integrity of the game.
Long putters are more upright, which means the putter moves on less of an arc, and more straight back and through. With the hands split on the grip and the weight of the putter, the wrists are taken out of the stroke, and the power comes from a small rocking motion of the shoulders.
