The proposal by world golf authorities (USGA and Royan & Ancient) to ban the use of long putters (those resting on the belly, chest or chin) from 2016 has been welcomed by players competing in this week’s World Challenge at Sherwwod Country Club, although some have expressed disappointment.
In an attempt to preserve the “skill and challenge” of putting, the Royal and Ancient and the USGA will outlaw the practice of anchoring the putter to the body by 2016.
While three of the last five major winners have used belly putters, the movement for change in the rules of the game has been driven primarily by the numerous young players who take advantage of the anchor putter.
“I think it’s the most natural thing in the game,” said American Matt Kuchar, who uses a medium-length putter, in the lead-up to the Sherwood Country Club tournament.
“The game wasn’t intended to be played that way (anchoring the putter). It was intended to be played in a way that allows you to control both ends of the club with each stroke.”
Interestingly, Kuchar uses a technique that is not covered by the proposed ban, as his putter rests on his left arm and not against his chest, stomach or chin.
Proposed rule 14-1b states, “The club is anchored directly when the player intentionally holds the club or a grip hand of the club in contact with any part of the player’s body, except that the player may hold the club against a hand or forearm. “
American Keegan Bradley, the first player to win a major using the anchoring technique when he won the 2011 US PGA, is one of those unhappy with the likely rule change.
“Over the next two years I’m going to have to find a technique that’s better for my putting,” he said. “Obviously I’m not happy with the decision, but I respect the USGA.
“They make the rules, and I’m going to abide by them properly. I’m going to accept the challenge and hopefully do well when the ban goes into effect.”
Former world number one and 1992 Masters champion Fred Couples expressed some dissatisfaction with the proposal and highlighted confusion over the precise definition of anchoring.
“I use a belly putter and when I started I did it because of back problems,” said the American, who has limited his playing schedule in recent seasons due to nagging back injuries.
“So far they (the rule makers) haven’t been able to kill golf, and I don’t think this is going to ruin it. But I feel bad for a lot of the younger players who have never kicked any other way.”
Australian Jason Day, who uses a conventional short putter, preferred not to ‘wet himself’.
“I’m right in the middle of this and I don’t want to piss anybody off, but I know there are a lot of guys who are going to be pissed off. That’s what happens.”
Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion, applauded the decision of the R&A and USGA.
“It was the only decision they could make, and no one is really surprised,” he told reporters.
“I think it’s a very thoughtful and smart decision, it’s the right decision. This is a question of put uniformity.”
“The one about anchoring has become a way of kicking, golf teachers are putting long putters in kids’ hands, and I think that movement is going in the wrong direction for the future, I really do.”
The R&A and USGA proposal will be discussed by the players and the golf community before being implemented.
The fact that the ban on long putters is delayed until 2016 is due to the fact that the rules are changed every four years, and the current rules are in force from 2012 to 2015.
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