Trevor Ng
Anchoring in golf is a putting technique where a golfer uses a part of their body as a fixed point to create a stable pivot for their swing. In 2016, the R&A and USGA introduced Rule 14-1b, which banned anchoring, arguing that it could diminish the skill required to master putting. This rule change caused significant impact on players who relied on anchoring, forcing them to refine their technique and focus more on finesse. While anchoring can stabilize the stroke, it's not a guarantee for better putting, and skill, practice, and technique are still essential. The anchoring technique continues to be a topic of debate, confusion, and controversy among players and fans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rule | 10.1b |
| Year of introduction | 2016 |
| Governing bodies | R&A and USGA |
| Definition | Directly holding the club or a gripping hand against any part of the body except the hand or forearm |
| Penalty | Loss of hole in match play; two-stroke penalty in stroke play |
| Examples of illegal anchoring | Using a mid-length putter and resting the butt end against the belly |
| Examples of legal anchoring | Resting the forearm against the grip below the elbow joint |
| Reason for rule change | To preserve the challenge inherent in the game of golf and encourage focus on finesse |
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What You'll Learn
What constitutes anchoring?
Anchoring is a putting technique in golf where a golfer uses a part of their body as a fixed point to create a stable pivot for their swing. This technique involves using the body as an anchor point to stabilise the stroke and minimise wrist movement, which can lead to inconsistent shots. The golfer might use their chin, chest, or forearm to create a pivot point for the club.
In terms of the rules, anchoring was banned in 2016 by the R&A and USGA with the introduction of Rule 14-1b, which states that golfers must not anchor the club "directly" by holding the club or a "gripping hand" against any part of the body except the hand or forearm. It also prohibits indirect anchoring, where an 'anchor point' is created by holding a forearm against any part of the body to stabilise the swing.
Some examples of anchoring include using a mid-length putter and resting the butt end against the belly, or using a long putter and resting the grip against any part of the body except the hand or forearm. Propping the forearm of the gripping hand against any part of the body is also considered anchoring. However, it is important to note that merely touching the body or clothing during a stroke without being held against them is not considered anchoring.
The ban on anchoring was introduced to preserve the traditional method of stroke and eliminate the possible advantage that anchoring provides. It pushed golfers to focus more on finesse and refining their technique, rather than relying on physical contact for stability. While anchoring can provide stability, it is not a guarantee of better putting, and skill, practice, and proper technique are still essential for effective putting.
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What are the rules?
Anchoring the club while making a stroke in golf is prohibited under Rule 10.1b of the Rules of Golf. The rule states that a player must not anchor the club either "directly" or "indirectly".
Direct anchoring involves holding the club or a "gripping hand" against any part of the body. However, it is allowed to hold the club or gripping hand against the hand or forearm. Incidental contact with the body, such as the club or gripping hand merely touching the body or clothing during a stroke without being held against it, is also permitted.
Indirect anchoring occurs when an "anchor point" is used by holding a forearm against any part of the body to provide a stable point for the gripping hand to swing the club. This method is also prohibited.
Some examples of anchoring include using a mid-length or long putter and resting the butt end or grip against the belly, chest, or any part of the body except the hand or forearm. Propping the forearm of the gripping hand against the body is also considered anchoring.
Violating the anchoring rule in match play results in losing the hole, while in stroke play, a two-stroke penalty is applied in addition to the stroke made with the illegal method.
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What are the penalties?
Anchoring the club while making a stroke in golf has been prohibited by the USGA and R&A since 2016. Rule 10.1b states that a player "must not anchor the club" either "directly" or "indirectly". Directly anchoring the club involves holding the club or a "gripping hand" against any part of the body. Indirect anchoring occurs when a player uses a long putter and neither the forearm nor the gripping hand touches the body.
If a player is found to be anchoring the club, the penalties are as follows:
- In match play, it is considered a loss of the hole.
- In stroke play, a two-stroke penalty is applied, in addition to the stroke made with the illegal method.
It is important to note that there is no penalty for incidental contact with the body. If a player's gripping hand, forearm, or putter merely touches their body or clothing without being held against them, it is not considered anchoring. This includes resting the grip against the forearm, below the elbow joint, and bracing the elbows or forearms against the body, provided there is no anchor point.
As golf is a game of honour, it is up to the players to abide by the rules and apply their own penalties if they breach any, such as anchoring the club.
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Why was anchoring banned?
Anchoring was banned in golf because it was believed to run counter to the spirit of a stroke, which is that the club should swing freely. The ban aimed to eliminate the perception that anchoring gave golfers an unfair advantage. The USGA and R&A, golf's governing bodies, wanted to emphasise that the rule did not restrict the use of any currently conforming equipment. For example, golfers could still use a long putter, but the shaft must be held so that the club swings freely without any anchoring to the body.
The decision to ban anchoring was not without controversy, with some golfers and commentators expressing their opposition to the rule change. Those against the ban argued that it was a matter of comfort and preference, and there was no concrete evidence that anchoring provided an inherent advantage. Some also questioned the timing of the ban, noting that long putters had been around since the 1960s but only gained popularity in the 2000s.
The USGA and R&A stood firm in their decision, believing they were doing what was best for the long-term interest of the game. They also clarified that accidental brushing of the putter shaft against the body during a stroke would not be penalised, addressing concerns about the enforceability of the ban. Despite the initial backlash, the USGA reported that their concerns about losing golfers or a decrease in enjoyment among those who used anchoring did not come to fruition, and participation in the sport was rising.
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How has anchoring impacted golfers?
Anchoring in golf is a technique where a golfer uses a part of their body as a fixed point to create a stable pivot for their swing. The golfer might use their chin, chest, or forearm to create a pivot point for the club. This technique became popular among players who found traditional putting methods unreliable. However, it stirred up controversy as some argued it gave an unfair advantage. As a result, in 2016, the R&A and USGA introduced Rule 14-1b, which banned anchoring.
The impact of this rule change was significant. Many players had to rework their putting style, and it pushed golfers to focus more on finesse rather than physical contact for stability. This led to a lot of trial and error and some resistance from those who had to break old habits. For many players, anchoring was the key to more consistent putting. By using their body as a stabilizer, they reduced wrist movement, which can often lead to inconsistent shots. It offered a level of balance and support that some golfers had become reliant on.
Long putters were often used for anchoring, allowing players to use a pendulum motion while keeping contact with their body. This method was particularly useful for nerve-wracking short putts that can significantly impact a round. While anchoring can stabilize the stroke, it doesn't guarantee better putting. Skill, practice, and proper technique are still essential. Several high-profile players had to adjust their putting styles, with varying levels of success. For example, Adam Scott, an advocate of anchored putting, successfully adapted by using the arm-lock method.
The anchoring ban enforced the traditional method of stroke and aimed to ensure that players of all skill levels faced the same challenge. It preserved the tradition of the player freely swinging the entire club and eliminated the possible advantage that anchoring provided. While some golfers had to make significant adjustments to their technique, the rule change also encouraged creativity and innovation within the new framework.
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Frequently asked questions
Anchoring is a putting technique where a golfer uses a part of their body as a fixed point to create a stable pivot for their swing.
Some argue that anchoring provides an unfair advantage by minimising wrist movement and taking variables out of the stroke, thus diminishing the skill required to master putting.
No, anchoring in golf putting is prohibited according to Rule 10.1b of the Rules of Golf.
