Jackson Reid
In golf, anchoring refers to the act of stabilising a putter against the body to create an anchor point. This technique is often used to improve stability and control during the putting stroke. However, it has been a controversial topic among golfers, with some considering it cheating and taking away skill from the game. In 2016, the USGA and R&A prohibited the use of anchored strokes, causing golfers to seek alternative methods, such as counterbalancing or using shorter putters. This evolution in putting techniques has sparked debates and adaptations as players navigate the new rules and explore different approaches to improve their game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Unanchored golf putting is when the player does not anchor the club or gripping hand against any part of the body. |
| Rule | Rule 10.1b prohibits golfers from using an anchored stroke. |
| Penalty | If a player anchors their putter during a match, their opponent wins the hole. In stroke play, the penalty is two strokes plus the stroke made with the illegal method. |
| Examples of Illegal Anchoring | 1. Using a mid-length putter and resting the butt end against the belly |
| 2. Using a long putter and resting the butt end or grip against any part of the body except the hand or forearm | |
| 3. Propping the forearm of the gripping hand against any part of the body | |
| Examples of Legal Holding | 1. Resting the forearm against the grip below the elbow joint (including the wrist) |
| 2. Bracing one or both elbows against the body | |
| 3. Letting the forearms touch the torso, as long as there is no anchor point | |
| Incidental Contact | Incidental contact with the body is allowed. For example, if the player's gripping hand, forearm, or putter touches the body or clothing, it is not considered anchoring. |
| Counterbalancing | Adding weight to the grip end of the club promotes greater stability and control throughout the stroke. |
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What You'll Learn
Anchoring is illegal in golf
Anchoring the club against the body while putting is illegal in golf. The USGA and R&A prohibited golfers from using an anchored stroke in 2016. The rule applies to all clubs, not just putters, and can come into play off the putting surface as well.
The definition of anchoring is as follows:
> "You must not anchor by 'directly holding the club or a gripping hand against any part of the body (except that the player may hold the club or a gripping hand against a hand or forearm). Or indirectly, through use of an 'anchor point,' by holding a forearm against any part of the body to use a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club."
Some examples of illegal anchoring are:
- Using a mid-length putter and resting the butt end against your belly.
- Using a long putter and resting the butt end or grip against any part of the body except the hand or forearm.
- Propping your forearm of the gripping hand against any part of your body.
However, it is important to note that there is no penalty for incidental contact with the body. If a player's gripping hand, forearm, or even the putter itself merely touches the body or clothing, that is allowed.
The anchoring ban has led to golfers experimenting with alternative putting techniques and equipment. Some have switched to shorter putters, while others have added weight to the grip end of the club to improve stability and control.
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The Anchoring Ban
The ban specifically targets putting strokes, where golfers would stabilize the putter against their body, creating an "anchor point". This could be done by holding a forearm in contact with any body part, such as the chest, gut, chin, or ear, to establish a stable point for the swinging motion.
The reasoning behind the ban was to preserve the spirit of the golf stroke, where the club should swing freely. The governing bodies also wanted to eliminate the perception that anchoring gave golfers an unfair advantage. Some traditionalists argued that affixing the club to one's body was an illegitimate way of gaining control of the putting stroke, as it reduced the swinging motion integral to the game.
To comply with the Anchoring Ban, golfers turned to counterbalancing techniques, which added weight to the grip end of the club, increasing stability and control without anchoring. This method became popular, with major putter manufacturers offering back-weighted models. Despite the initial controversy, the Anchoring Ban prompted innovation in putting techniques and equipment, providing golfers with new options to improve their game.
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Alternative putting methods
Unanchored golf putting, also known as "counterbalancing", involves adding weight to the grip end of the club to counterbalance the mass at the other end. This technique improves stability and control throughout the stroke and reduces twisting at impact.
Now, here are some alternative putting methods:
Counterbalancing
As mentioned earlier, counterbalancing is a method of adding weight under the grip of a putter to increase stability and control. This technique is particularly useful for golfers who struggle with controlling their wrists during the putting stroke. By adding weight to the grip end of the club, golfers can achieve a smoother and more controlled stroke. This method became popular after the anchoring ban.
The Claw
The Claw is an advanced grip that takes the right hand out of the putting stroke, helping golfers rely more on their shoulders for distance and control. This grip style is suitable for golfers who play on faster greens and helps keep the face of the putter square throughout the stroke. It is important to note that this grip can be challenging to master and may require significant time to adjust.
The Prayer Grip
The Prayer Grip is characterized by the golfer's hands and palms facing each other, forming a triangle with the shoulders. This grip encourages a looser grip on the club and reduces the influence of the hands during the putting stroke. It is particularly beneficial for golfers with bigger hands as it provides more surface area for gripping. Bryson DeChambeau and Matt Kuchar are among the PGA Tour Pros who favour this style.
Arm Lock Grip
The Arm Lock Grip, popularized by Bryson, is designed to take variables out of the stroke. This method involves anchoring the putter against the forearm, which is currently legal according to golf regulations. By stabilizing the putter in this way, golfers can achieve more consistent and controlled putting strokes.
These alternative putting methods showcase the creativity and adaptability of golfers in response to rules changes and personal preferences. Each method offers unique advantages and can help golfers improve their performance on the green.
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Counterbalancing
The concept of counterbalancing in golf refers to adding weight to the grip end or butt end of a club, which is the end opposite the clubhead. This technique is also known as back-weighting. Counterbalancing can be achieved by adding weighted tape to the shaft underneath the grip, or by using a weight cartridge at the butt end of the shaft. It can also be built into the shaft by moving the balance point higher up towards the grip.
The main reasons for counterbalancing include increasing clubhead speed, improving stability and control, and adding mass to the clubhead without making it feel heavier. By counterbalancing, golfers can achieve a smoother stroke and a more fluid, body-driven swing. It is worth noting that counterbalancing does not always result in increased swing speed, as there are other variables at play, such as shaft flex, delivery, and consistency.
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The stigma associated with the long putter
The long putter in golf has been a source of controversy and stigma for many years. The method involves using a longer putter shaft or anchoring the putter to the body to stabilise the stroke, which some golfers argue takes skill out of the game. This controversy led to a ban on anchoring strokes in 2016, and players who violate this rule risk disqualification or public hazing.
The stigma intensified after Adam Scott won the 2013 Masters using an anchored long putter. Scott's victory with the long putter, which was considered an unconventional club choice, riled up traditionalists and likely influenced the decision to ban anchored strokes. Scott himself admitted that the long putter helped him feel less nervous over short putts, providing further fuel to the controversy.
However, despite the stigma, some golfers continue to experiment with the long putter and alternative grips. After the anchoring ban, players have sought alternative methods to stabilise their strokes, such as counterbalancing, which involves adding weight to the grip end of the putter to improve control. While the long putter and unconventional grips may carry a stigma, players are increasingly willing to try new methods to improve their performance on the greens.
In conclusion, the stigma associated with the long putter in golf stems from the perception that it reduces the skill and variables involved in the putting stroke. This controversy led to a ban on anchoring strokes and continues to divide golfers, with traditionalists criticising its use while others experiment with alternative methods to improve their putting performance.
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Frequently asked questions
Unanchored golf putting is when a golfer uses a long putter that is not rested against their body.
According to Rule 10.1b, golfers are prohibited from using an anchored stroke, meaning they cannot rest the putter against their body or use an 'anchor point'.
Unanchored golf putting is called that way to differentiate it from anchored putting, where golfers rest the putter against their body or use an 'anchor point' to stabilise the club.
