Can you use a long putter without anchoring?

Asked by: Rachel Coyner

So long and belly putters are still legal – as long as you don’t anchor them.” The argument against anchored putters is based on the assumption that affixing the club to one’s body is an illegitimate way of gaining control of the putting stroke. The swinging motion consistent in all facets of golf is diminished.

What is the rule for long putters?

Golf’s governing bodies approved a new rule Tuesday that outlaws the putting stroke used by four of the last six major champions, going against two major golf organizations that argued long putters are not hurting the game.

Does DeChambeau anchor his putter?

Fast forward to 2021, and there’s a new form of anchoring beginning to take hold: so-called “arm-anchoring,” or “arm-lock” putting. Two belly putter refugees — Simpson and Bradley — both use the technique, as does Matt Kuchar, Bryson DeChambeau and Will Zalatoris, among others.

Can you anchor a long putter?

It’s still OK to use your long putter. When the USGA and R&A approved the anchor ban through the creation of Rule 14-1b, USGA executive director Mike Davis wanted to be clear that the proposed rule did not restrict the use of any currently conforming equipment.

What constitutes anchoring a putter?

The club is anchored “directly” when the player intentionally holds the club or a gripping hand in contact with any part of his body, except that the player may hold the club or a gripping hand against a hand or forearm.

Can you anchor your putter against your arm?

Arm-locking is, of course, legal under the Rules of Golf. According to Rule 10.1b, a player’s putting stroke must not include an “anchor point” on which they plant their forearm — i.e., the technique used with broomstick putters, with the end of the putter (or the player’s forearm) anchored against a player’s chest.

Why does Adam Scott get to use a long putter?

The winged shape of the putter helps to enhance forgiveness across the face, and the sole of the head comes with 20 weights to ensure the head is properly weighted for Scott’s longer build.

Why did DeChambeau lay down his putter?

So when Viktor Hovland and Tommy Fleetwood didn’t, DeChambeau was steamed. He rolled in the attempt, then laid his putter down to show the duo that it was “inside the leather” — an informal measuring stick golfers use in casual matches to determine when a putt should be conceded.

Is Scott McCarron anchoring his putter?

Both McCarron and Langer use long putters held close to their sternum. Both insist they don’t anchor, and tour officials agree. They finished first and second in putting average on tour last year, giving fellow competitors 6.3 million reasons to stew.

Are long putters better?

Longer putter can be better

The long putter puts less strain on a golfer’s back, which can allow a player to practice longer, a key to improvement. Some golfers say the almost upright stance used with the long putter helps them see the “line” to the hole.

Can you anchor your elbow when putting?

An important point: Under Rule 14-1B, golfers are allowed to tuck their forearms or elbows against the body while putting. This will not be considered anchoring.

How do you use a belly putter without anchoring?

Just have it pass in front of you and have the same motion. You can still swing the putt. The putter back and through by rotating that forearm.

Can you hold the shaft when putting?

I think that happens when golfers put their finger down the shaft. And when they grip the putter that. They don't realize that it creates a lot of I think a lot of tension in the hand.

Why are anchored putters banned?

The argument against anchored putters is based on the assumption that affixing the club to one’s body is an illegitimate way of gaining control of the putting stroke. The swinging motion consistent in all facets of golf is diminished.

Should you choke down on putter?

Gripping down on the putter is also an extremely effective technique for controlling your speed on championship greens. By gripping down on the putter the player reduces the radius of the stroke. Reducing the radius of the stroke reduces the length of the stroke and the distance the ball will roll.

How does Brooks koepka grip his putter?

Brooks Koepka’s grip with his classic, blade-style putter is beautifully relaxed. His right index finger is extended, rather than curled around the handle, with virtually no tension in his arms. He stands quite close to the ball, putting his eyes directly over the line. This is a good thing.

How does Jordan Spieth hold his putter?

Jordan Spieth grip with the putter is a standard cross-handed (left hand low) configuration, a la Jim Furyk. Designed to eliminate wrist movement during the stroke, the cross-handed method clearly works for Spieth.

How does Tiger Woods grip his putter?

As for Tiger Woods grip with the putter, it’s a conventional reverse-overlap style, right hand below the left, with both hands in a neutral or square position. He places his thumbs straight down the center of the putter grip.

How do you hold a SuperStroke putter grip?

And with a normal putting grip if you're a conventional style putter your right hand will be below the left on the grip. Like this now what that actually does you can see it tilts the shoulders.

Do pros use SuperStroke grip?

Like recreational golfers, pros vary in their choices. SuperStroke’s pistol-style grips tend to be the most popular. Major champions Jordan Spieth and Sergio Garcia, who represent SuperStroke on the PGA Tour, use the Traxion Flatso and Traxion Pistol GT 1.0, respectively.

Why do fat putters grip?

A thick putter grip can help with putting accuracy. A thick putter grip can help lessen this wrist impact through the stroke and enable a better, more consistent roll on the ball. It can also encourage the bigger arm muscles to dominate, reducing the impact of twitchy wrists.