Anchored putting stroke banned from today ...
but it is still legal to use a long-handled putter
FROM GOLFWEEK.COM
By Michael Johnson
To all those who use an anchored putting stroke: Your time is up. When the USGA and R and A announced in May 2013 the ban on anchored strokes—all anchored strokes, not just putting—its January 1, 2016 implementation date seemed so far away.
Now it’s here! That means all golfers who have got used to sticking a club against their chest, gut, chin, ear or any other body part to prevent the club from swinging freely have to find a different way to putt.
but it is still legal to use a long-handled putter
FROM GOLFWEEK.COM
By Michael Johnson
To all those who use an anchored putting stroke: Your time is up. When the USGA and R and A announced in May 2013 the ban on anchored strokes—all anchored strokes, not just putting—its January 1, 2016 implementation date seemed so far away.
Now it’s here! That means all golfers who have got used to sticking a club against their chest, gut, chin, ear or any other body part to prevent the club from swinging freely have to find a different way to putt.
As the
new regulation formally goes into effect, here again are some things you
need to know. First, if you accidentally brush the grip against a loose
shirt, you’re fine.
You should also be aware that if you want to putt
like Matt Kuchar by bracing the club against the forearm, you can. The
USGA has deemed the club still swings freely using that method provide
you only brace it so far up the forearm.
There’s
much more to know as well. Consider this a primer to keep you within
the letter of the law—as well as provide a few possible anchor
alternatives.
1. It’s still OK to use your long putter.
When
the USGA and R and 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.
“We’re not
trying to hurt the game, we’re giving you options,” Davis said in May
2013.
“I say to golfers, ‘We’re not going to take away your long
putter.’ All you need to do is this - Hold the club away from your body,
where you control the whole club with your hands. So, long and belly
putters are still legal—as long as you don’t anchor them.”
2. You’re not penalised if your club accidentally brushes against your shirt.
What
the new rule is aimed at addressing is intent and what constitutes
anchoring. A club accidentally brushing against your shirt doesn’t
violate either dictate so stop thinking about getting some form-fitting
shirts—it’s probably a bad look on you anyway.
3. It’s OK to brace the club against your forearm.
Although
this might seem like anchoring, the USGA and R and A have deemed that
using this method—much like Kuchar—still allows the hands and arms to
swing without restriction. However, the club must not be braced above
the elbow joint or then it risks being deemed anchoring. So be careful
how far up the elbow you hold it if using this method.
4. Watch those forearms.
No,
we’re not talking about table manners. Under the rules your forearms
are allowed to rest against the body, but only if your hands are not
separated on the grip (see picture right). If your hands are split (much like
you would see from someone using a long putter), then your forearms may
not be in contact with the body as that is deemed to have created an
anchor point.
5. Consider a counterbalanced putter.
If
you’ve been an anchorer and have procrastinated on finding an
alternative, fear not—there are plenty of options at your disposal. For
starters, almost every major putter company has been making
counterbalanced putters for the last couple of years. Counterbalancing
offers many of the benefits of anchored-style putters without anchoring.
By adding weight to the grip end of the club, it raises the putter’s
balance point. Putting more weight in the hands aims to increase control
for better tempo, stability and consistency.
6. Be like Kuch.
For
those who want to try bracing the club against their forearm, there are
some putters on the market specifically designed for such a stroke.In America, Bettinardi offers a Kuchar-style putter as does BioMech, whose putter
has been used on the US PGA Tour by Bo Van Pelt, Heath Slocum and Tim Clark
among others.
7. Be like Sam.
Sam
Snead, pictured right by courtesy of Getty Images(c), was famous for a lot of things, including his use of the
side-saddle putting stroke that helped him improve his game on the
greens. While it might take some time to master this method, it is legal
under the new rule.
8. You don’t have to buy a new putter.
If
the idea of counterbalancing appeals to you but you don’t own a
counterbalanced putter, you don’t have to head to the nearest golf store
and whip out your credit card. Another, less-expensive solution is to
simply change your grip. Some American companies, including Boccieri Golf with
its Secret Grip and Arm-Lock Golf, offer grips that turn a normal putter
into a counterbalanced model. As its name suggests, Arm-Lock also
offers grips that turn a normal putter into an Arm-Lock version as well.
Labels: GOLF NEWS