Anchoring Ban (Pro’s vs Joe’s)
The USGA’s decision to ban anchoring of long putters continues to be a hot topic in the golf world.
Tom Watson weighed in after this weeks practice round at the Australian Open. Watson supported the decision to ban long-handle putters, but added he did so… “with mixed emotions.” He said a broomstick stroke “is not a stroke of golf. That’s not a stroke but it makes it easier to play. My son Michael, with a conventional putting stroke, he couldn’t make it from two feet, but he went to a belly putter and he makes everything,” Watson said. “The game is fun for him now, so there lays the danger. Do we take the ability for people to have fun away?”
On the contrary, short game guru, Dave Pelz vehemently disagreed with the ban in an open letter to the USGA before it’s press conference announcing the ban.
“I think you are not listening or looking at the way the game is played by the masses, but instead are reacting to a few PGA Tour pros on TV who have offended your egos!”
Ouch…
So there you have it. Two sides with wildly different takes. The Angry Pro’s versus the Normal Joe’s.
For the USGA the decision came down to the “future of the game” and “defining a stroke”. This was NOT a move to level the playing field.
In my opinion…the recent success on tour has ticked off the top 1% of golfers essentially pushing the USGA to take action.
If it really is about tradition and preserving the game then why has anchoring of a putter been around for nearly 100 years? It’s arguably part of golf tradition.
I believe innovation by the player should be applauded and accepted. As Tom Watson said “the game is more fun now”.
The decision to ban anchoring unfortunately just took the fun out of it for the normal Joe’s.
What impact could that have on golf tradition?
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98 Comments
If the USGA was going to outlaw the anchored stroke why didn’t they do it when Orville Moody won the U.S.OPEN? They never objected when players on the Chanpions Tour such as Langer, Kite, Peter Senior and many others starting using it. I remember when Sam Snead starting using the croquette stroke. They didn’t object until they saw that Sam was still a contender this way. He could no longer putt conventionally due to the yips. Likewise the anchored stroke was ok until the 20 year olds starting using it and winning on the regular tour that the USGA got upset about it. The professional tours should just say we won’t ban it. They don’t have to use the USGA rules and the don’t on some things right now. The anchored stroke has been around long enough now to be considered legal and part of the game.
The stroke would be legal in all events run by the PGA. It would only be illegal in USGA run events such as the US and British opens and amatuers.
David Wilson,
Thanks David for the blog post. That question about the USGA and R&A waiting to ban the stroke is the biggest issue many people have. I don’t know why they waited except they say that for the first time the traditional stroke is now not the main stroke among junior golfers so they felt they needed to act now.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
At 77 I’m still playing but with a 19 handicap. My b uddies are younger by about 10 years, are about 4 inches taller, 50 lbs heavier and hit the ball fartherer. They all laugh at my broomstick putter except when I make a 20 footer. Then they complain about the broomstick. I don’t complain about their ability to get on all of our Dan Maples course’s par fours and fives in regulation. They all complained about my playing the gold “girley” tees when I moved up. Now they are moving up one by one. They’re tired of acting as my ATM.
They’re not purists about the game. They just don’t want to lose. Are broomsticks sold only to those with YIPs or can anyone buy one? The term “whinney crybabbies comes to mind. The problem may be in their heads and not with the length of my putter. If no one was winning with the long sticks would the pros still be complaining? Bet not!!!!
Joe Burkhalter,
Thanks Joe for the blog post. As the old saying goes…drive for show, putt for dough. You are correct and that is what this whole problem arose from, which is the fact that people are having success with it.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
At 62, long putters have been recommended. I tried one, and clearly it would not be an immediate fix. I have worked hard instead to get my average at or below 2 per hole. But outside of a competition, just like my wedges I could use until 2026, I have no problem with someone using an anchored putter. That’s not where they will bury me in a round. If someone has a year old $350 Scotty putter, that’s a heck of an investment to throw away, even in 3 years. If purchased at age 64, a putter should be a lifetime investment. The pros won’t be force to try to use a long putter without anchoring, their sponsor will provide them with equipment.
Don O,
Thanks Don for the blog post. You bring up a good point and I would be surprised at 65 if you are still using one if people would give you grief about it. You never know though.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I find it amazing that many people fail to realize that the anchored stroke has been around since 1936 and NEVER has been prohibited in play. Heck it is as traditional as any other stroke. The PGA is only 20 years older than the first anchored stroke in competition. It was accomplished with a homemade putter. I did find a reference that an anchored stroke in England from 1901.
So much for the history and traditions argument many like to try to roll out.
Are we really that bent out of shape over Ernie Els winning again? Has the integrity of the game been jeopardized since Keegan Bradley broke through at last year’s PGA Championship to become the first major winner with a long putter? Bradley’s win came only 75 years after Runyan put a belly putter in play in Boston in 1936.
So what if a few careers have been extended. Still want to see Fred Couples continue to play? Ernie Ells and others. The game continues to evolve as it has for centuries with no innovation to date jeopardizing its existence.
Until someone can build a contraption to alter men’s souls, that’s the way it will remain.
John,
Thanks John for the blog post. I agree with you and I want to see guys like Ernie and Fred still compete and win. Hope all is well.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I totally disagree with Dave Peltz and the people, including Pro´s that support the anchoring of a putter as part of a stroke and being part of, and innovation of the game. Where is this going to end? Surprise, in the near future manufacturers are going to design a putter that embraces and anchors both arms to achieve better performance, and or who knows what. My question is what will stop them from inventing, if now, as a result of this long putters the stroke is anchored to be able to use them. As the USGA manifests and is very clear, we are not against the product, we are against the type of stroke that results in the use of this putters. I question the people that support the long putters, are the putters the issue, or is it the stroke as a result of this putters.
Luis Enriquez,
thanks Luis for taking the time to write in. I understand that they need to put a limit on it, but in my opinion I would like to have seen them allow the anchoring as I think this helps older players and can keep players in the game longer.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
There are very good arguments on both accounts. It just makes me wonder what will be the next big argument? Will they outlaw the cavity back irons or Graphite shafts and then make you play with a tightly wound sring ball with leather cover?
My honest opinion is that if it is about everyone playing with the same equipment with no advantage then hand out a standard set of clubs balls and tee’s to every golfer as they walk in the door. Now that would even the playing field.
All in all it still takes skill to put that little white ball into the cup. Leave the belly putters alone.
Tom,
thanks Tom for the blog post. That is all I’m saying. The previous comment officially beat me down lol.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I disagree with the use of the anchored broomstick you only have to look at Adam Scott who dropped way down the list of top golfers because he could not putt conventionally.As soon as he adopted the [for him]chin putter he gets back into the top ten.It speaks for itself that anchoring removes the need for an actual free stroke.I suffered from the putting yips but was given a change of grip which solved the problem.The top pros must learn to do the same and play the game to the original rules.
Reg Wheeler,
Thanks Reg for the blog post. You must remember when Adam Scott was one of the top professionals and used the conventional short putter correct? Also remember the original rules have been changed throughout history and anchoring has been around for 100 years which seems to be part of the game now. Some might call it tradition.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
The length of the putter shaft is immaterial, it’s the stroke that matters.
I agree with banning the anchored stroke, it ceases to be s stroke in the traditional sense. And golf is a game made great by it’s long long history and traditions.
A stroke is a stroke is a stroke in this game, irrespective of whether it’s a 300 yard drive or a 3-foot putt.
Why should the player who cant cope with the 3-foot putt to half the match be allowed a special concession, just because his head wont allow him to make a smooth stroke.
On that logic, why should I be disadvantaged because my opponent hits it further than me. so rather than hit off the teeing ground on each hole I’ll just drop a ball beside where his tee shot finishes (if it’s in the fairway of course). The principle is the same – he can’t putt from 3-foot but I can – he can drive it 300 yards but I can’t.
Awesome and clear example man, I can´t hit it 300 plus yards either, but I can make a good amount of traditional putting strokes, and is getting better as I practice and let myself be guided by professional advice, and in this case by CJ Goetz
Luis Enriquez,
Thanks Luis for the blog post. I am glad I can help you. Keep on posting my friend.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Gonzo,
Thanks Gonzo for writing in. I agree maybe golf should be a shamble.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I have used the long putter somewhere around 25 years, when the first came out. Why didn’t they ban them then instead of waiting till now?
George Smith,
Thanks George for the blog post. I agree that is the main concern at this point and the biggest argument. Their statement is the game is changing and more juniors are using the longer putters therefore the tradition of the game will be changed forever.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Such wonderful comments by interested readers. What is the USGA trying to accomplish? Tennis, for example, has gotten easier with new technology and new methods of swinging. As a result, more people are playing tennis, and major tournaments are better attended. Can golf say the same? Golf purists have nothing to cling to, since changes have been part of the game for hundreds of years (balls, clubs, grooves, materials, clothing, gloves, etc.). One man’s swing is another’s foolishness. The only true rule is honesty in the play and scoring.
Peter Astor,
Thanks Peter for the blog post. YOu bring up some great points. Best wishes and keep in touch.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
People must remember the proposed change doesn’t ban the long or belly putters; it bans the anchoring of the club. I’m 57 years old & a 13 handicap. I agree with the new rule because I think anchoring any club against one’s body creates a fulcrum and hinge effect which is not a true stroke in my opinion. I used a belly putter for several years but went back to a regular length several years ago. I don’t believe pros or top amateurs should be allowed to anchor but if my buddies want to do so in a recreational round I have no problem with that.
John Beck,
Thanks John for the question. I didn’t like the belly putter because my left wrist was breaking down and that was something I always tried to make sure I didn’t do. Felt too weird for me to now break down the wrist. Anyways the problem with two sets of rules becomes a hassle and that is why golf is so great…because there is one set of rules and we can all play each other with handicaps head to head.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I use a broomstick putter but I don’t anchor it to my body, I use the claw style grip. My friends don’t complain and I don’t play competition.
If they want to ban it for the pros then go ahead but don’t punish us hackers who don’t play for sheep stations.
Peter
If you use the long putter not anchored…it’s still legal – so what are you complaining about?
DAve,
Thanks Dave for the blog post. Again I don’t use the long putter nor do I fear anyone using a long putter so it doesn’t matter to me. The issue I have is that the longer putter makes it easier and more enjoyable for some. I want the game of golf to continue to grow. My biggest concern is they are going to lose many players due to this decision. I don’t feel anchoring the putter is illegal or an unfair advantage. This anchoring has been around for around 100 years. One hundred years seems part of tradition and I feel that by them banning it now seems ridiculous.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Peter Gemmill,
Thanks Peter for the blog post. Good point, but I couldn’t see the double standard. I know they did it for awhile with the grooves, but it just doesn’t seem right to have the two standards. I agree they shouldn’t ban it, but having two standards seems awkward.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
CJ
I am a split decision on the belly putter. I do not use one (never tried) but have no objection to other amateur golfers using one. I however do not believe pros and competing amateurs (college, etc.) should use them during competition. I say “NO to the pros and competing amateurs and YES to Joe with the exception of club tournament rules etc.
I am 66yrs old and have seen many changes in professional golf that I think have muddied the game of golf. The clubs are juiced, the balls are juiced, and in some cases I am sure the players are juiced. Could Tiger Woods have been as good with the clubs and balls that Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Ben Hogan, and Byron Nelson played with? Better yet, how much better would those players have played with today’s equipment? This difference in equipment in my opinion makes comparing the records and greatness of the two groups a joke.
Let Joe use the belly putter if he wishes. He is already put in a sad position if he strictly follows the “Rules of golf”. An example is the lost ball. Joe does not have 100’s of fans or spectators watching their every shot. There are no caddies (usually), tournament volunteers, or fans to point him to the right spot. For amateurs I say “penalty stroke and drop-same as an unplayable lie. So let Joe play with the belly and the pros stay with the traditional putter.
Richard
Jay, OK
Richard Wyczynski,
Thanks Richard for the blog post. I took this off of the pgatour website. This is the putting leaders. How many of these guys use the long putter or belly putter. I think zero so if I am wrong please correct me as I am not 100% sure.
Brandt Snedeker 81 .860 55.874 65
2 2 Jonas Blixt 72 .806 51.593 64
3 3 Luke Donald 63 .797 38.276 48
4 4 Brian Gay 91 .671 52.364 78
5 5 Bryce Molder 83 .647 45.940 71
6 6 Martin Flores 95 .643 52.756 82
7 7 Derek Lamely 64 .630 35.280 56
T8 T8 Aaron Baddeley 73 .599 32.922 55
T8 T8 Zach Johnson 95 .599 44.356 74
10 10 Phil Mickelson 79 .591 35.440 60
11 11 Bo Van Pelt 84 .577 37.506 65
12 12 Y.E. Yang 64 .551 26.464 48
13 13 Gavin Coles 72 .547 31.183 57
14 14 Ben Curtis 62 .531 25.473 48
15 15 Jason Day 57 .509 23.941 47
16 16 Jimmy Walker 101 .461 41.906 91
17 17 Greg Chalmers 88 .460 34.468 75
18 18 Brendon Todd 78 .458 28.841 63
T19 T19 Ben Crane 73 .451 27.937 62
T19 T19 Jim Furyk
That’s not the point in my opinion. The point is, if the guys using the anchor putter at any level of the tour are putting better then they would if they were using the conventional method, they are stealing from the conventional putting pros under them. For instance, say the number 15th player in the world is using a anchor putter and if he wasn’t using the anchor putter he would end up 45th best player in the world. He is now stealing from the players in the 16th – 44th place on the money list. Just because of this…it’s a great new rule.
Dave,
Thanks Dave for the blog post and your opinion. I understand what your saying. best wishes
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
What a bunch of winer cry babies. My Scot ancestors didn’t invent this game to be played by a bunch of sissies. They wanted putting to be with a crooked stick held away from the body so as not to get it tangled up with their wool skirts rubbing on their bare bottoms. Now go blow your noses and play the game properly like a real man/woman.
Dick Bruce,
LOL that is a great answer sir.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Hi C.J I’ve been playing this beautiful game for 30 plus years and unfortunatly developed the yips a few years back, went from 1 to 6 handicap,but would never go to the belly putter as I felt it isn’t traditional to anchor a club, plus I think the equipment should be scaled down and also the ball should revert back to the tour balata, not to lenghten some of the oldest and finest courses in the world, disgraceful…..
padraig mac lochlainn,
Thanks padraig for the blog post. Again we are talking about tradition and since anchoring has been around for nearly 100 years I think that satisfies traditional, but I understand your point. The problem with rolling back the ball is now you have the new courses that would be obsolete as well as the older traditional courses that have added length like Augusta. Would Augusta be obsolete or would they just move the tee’s forward.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Rules on equiptment and their use is in every sport such as curve on hockey sticks size of golie pads size and structure of ball bats the list goes on and on and includes drugs to enhence you performance. For pros I think rules need to be set and enforced to what the sport and its audiance want to see, true masters of their game. As for amatures and beginners use what you want to enjoy and permote sportsmanship. I have played with many a player who will not count a stroke because it wasn’t quite what they wanted. I don’t care what they count or what they play with until it get competitive for money or whatever then make it a skill game not an equipment game. Set the rules at the pro level and let it filter down but don’t take the fun away from the weekend golfers
Val Masson,
Thanks Val for the blog post. I think you have some great points, but again will and should golf have two sets of rules.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
The USGA tells us what equipment we may (or may not) use and should not restrict how we hold or swing the clubs. If I can compete with an interlocking grip, use only one hand, or hold the club with my teeth, it should be my choice. What’s next? Will they say the shaft of the club cannot touch the wrist or forearm? It makes more sense to me to ban the use of gloves so players don’t gain an advantage improving their grip.
i agrea with banning the gloves but u should allow them on construction sites
Robert Motchell,
Thanks Robert for the blog post. Hope all is well.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Bob French,
Thanks Bob for the blog post. Can of worms…
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I feel the putter controversy is foolish. If the anchored putter truly produced significantly better results, it would have been adopted across the board. No one would chose to lose, rather than change their putter. The winnings are too great for that. In my humble opinion, if it hasn’t resulted in significant results, it is still the player and not the equipment being challenged. Let each player use what he finds best in his hands and with his swing. I see no Persimmon drivers out on the course, I guess metal woods are better!
Art Levy,
Thanks Art for the blog post. Good point sir. I think what we also need to understand about the game evolving is the fact that greens are different now then they were many years ago. Heck they are faster now then they were ten years ago. Watch jack and Arnie use their wrists to pop the ball and hammer it only for it to roll a foot by the hole. Those strokes would send it fifty feet by with greens of today. The game as well as the course has changed and evolved. It is still the indian that must make the stroke and not the arrow.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I agree that that the long putter should be banned. Furthermore if a golfer shows up at the golf course with a long putter in their possesion the putter should be compinscated. The manufacture’s of these items should also be banned from manufacturing them. This in itself would promote the banning.
Fred Sevenko,
Thanks Fred for the blog post, but remember they are not banning the long putter. They are banning the anchoring.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I would have to start by saying, I have always said anchoring the putter was cheating, but its not because it was available to everyone if you so choose to use the technic, but I do say it is a cop-out, learn to and practice putting the way it was intended, with a swing of the club not a push of the club. I am hearing a lot of talk about making the game fun, I think if the masses as we are called realize We are not professionals, and we do not work at this everyday all day then when we get out there and make a great shot that will be fun, we all make those beautiful shots from time to time, the Pro’s just make more of them in a round. I golf on the Golf channel am tour and am in the Snead Division (20+) and am sad to say golf with some guys that like to shave strokes to win, I could not do that, the trophy could not mean anything. I thinks the point of golf is not to make it easier, it is to get Better if you are not in competition do whatever your group will allow and have fun but I for one don’t believe there is such a thing as a give-me putt either?
Marty,
Thanks Marty for the blog post. You have some good points also sir.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
LONG PUTTERS LET YOU PRACTICE LONGER WITH NO PAIN ON YOUR BACK AND THAT IS WHY PEOPLE USE LONG PUTTERS AND GET BETTER NOT HOLDING CLOSE TO YOUR BODY THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST RIDICULOUS RULINGS IN THE WORLD OF GOLF EVER EVER EVER TRADITION ALWAYS CHANGES IN ALL SPORTS BASKETBALL NO SLAM DUNK TRAVELING CALLS HOP SKIP AND JUMP CALLS PALMING THE BALL ROLL THE BALL DOWN THE COURT AND NOT TOUCHING IT BASEBALL REPLAY FOR THE STRIKE ZONE ETC. LEAVE GOLF ALONE ITS PROBABLY NOT A BETTER TECHNIC ANYWAY LET US PLAY
ANYWAY PEOPLE ARE JUST STARTING AT AN EARLY AGE WITH IT
I have and use a belly putter, but this week I changed the way I use the putter. I now putt like Kucher, with the putter handle laid along my front forearm and swing it with my arms. For me, this style works better than anchoring the belly putter to the belly. The new rule will work fine for me.
Charlie R,
Thanks Charlie for the blog post. i hope and expect others to try that method also, but I wonder if the USGA will ban that also.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
After over 100 years not in the golf spirit?? Maybe something simpler to understand.
Unfortunatly for golf, the official golf organisations have chosen to support a few declining top players (à la TG Woods!) ready to do anything to stay on top a few more years than look at golf’s best interest.
In my mind, pro golfers with short putters have the advantage – I can bet anything I have if we were to impose long putters (anchored or not) putting strokes would balloon – but again it is way easier for USGA/R&A/PGA/ and PGA again/ to tackle a non-issue like this affecting a minority of pro players (none of them being top brass) than tackle hot balls, hockey stick size drivers made of any material, square grooves and the like.
Sissi non-responsible attitude on the part of R&A,PGA & USGA
Well played Tiger and the rest…
The fact that the broom stick putter has been around for years suggests to me that it’s just coincidence that recent tournament winners use the anchored putters..Seems to me that it just so happens that these guys have reached the top of their game at much the same time..
As we know, putting is all about confidence so who’s to say that if these guys loose theirs they won’t revert back to the conventional putting stroke..I think the USGA jumped the gun a little bit and maybe should have waited until the end of next year, get all the statistics together and then decide..If it shows then that tour winners are predominantly broom stick putter users people would then accept that the rule should change..
I’ve a feeling this one will rumble onfor a while longer..
Thanks CJ for all your great advice..Much appreciated..
Gerry..
I have the yips and have had for years. Going to the long putter continued my love of the game. I also experience the yips on greenside chip shots and have wished for a possible way to help get the ball on the green.
I spend a lot of money on a game that if I have to go back may quit playing as the enjoyment factor woould be near zero.
CJ,
I recall a conversation that Peter Kessler had with Arnold Palmer back in 2001 concerning non-conforming equipment for recreational golf. Arnie said in part;
“RECREATIONAL GOLF, IF THEY WANT TO USE A NON-CONFORMING CLUB, IF THEY WANT TO USE A BASEBALL BAT, WHATEVER THEY WANT TO USE, I THINK THAT’S THEIR PRIVILEGE, IF IT MAKES THE GAME A LITTLE MORE FUN FOR THEM TO PLAY.”
I feel the same for the anchoring putter upcoming ban. Unless it is being used in a competition governed by the USGA, PGA or any other governing body; the weekend golfer should just enjoy the game.
The same goes for the Tee it Forward initiative. Most recreational golfers are playing from the incorrect tee for their ability causing undo frustration and creating a feel to over swing with the hope to achieve a shot which they may never be able to make.
Golf is a very difficult sport to master. What works one day may not work on another. The goal is to feel confident with a swing that will achieve the next shot you need to make.
Yes, and to make it simpler: You pay me, your rules. I pay you, my rules.
Last year I was recovering from a back injury and could hardly bend over my putter and needless to say my putter was terrible. I purchased a long putter and found far less pain in my back and have come to like it regularly now. Does this rule mean that all of my putts with my long putter now are not legal? Gosh, such a penalty for a recreational golfer! What will they give me added strokes on next?
Ken Chism,
Thanks Ken for the blog post. Remember they are banning the anchoring, not the long putter. I am sure many golfers will still use the longer putters, but will not anchor them. Keep in touch.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Have they tried a broomstick.
I had a heart attack 8 years ago got the yips cant use a normal putter now.I was a 5 handicap at that time.
Now 18 handicap nearly gave up the game untill I tried a broomstick putter still cant use a belly putter.All my friends have tried my broomstick putter and cant use it.
So whats the problem.
Your shoes are attached to your feet do we have to play barefoot.
Your clothes are attached to your bodydo we play naked,we wear a golf glove that is attached.This is an aid that helps us hold the golf club.
Again rules made by idiots who have never used a broomstick or belly putter. They listen to the old timers who moan about all the new clubs balls, golf courses etc.
What they forget it is people like me that watch and support golf we want to see the best not second rate clubs balls etc,being used.
It takes a lot to be a pro, top 100 make a good living rest end up shop workers.If a belly putter or broomstick gets them out of the shop good luck to them.It takes skill to use these putters as well as the new equipment.
This is 2012 not 1948 when I was born.
I putt badly no matter what I use.. However the long putter and side saddle method sure help ease back issues. By the way, I was born in 42
Charles M Gross,
Thanks Charles for the blog post. Have you seen my putting DVD? Did you realize it is not your job to make a putt? I go into greater detail in my putting DVD. Let me know if you have any questions.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Neil Swan,
Thanks Neil for the blog post. Good points sir.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I play social golf fairly badly and support fully anything which makes this wonderful but infuriating game easier. However, I have never liked long handled putters to me they look incongrous and out of place. I do believe that anchoring is a style of putting and very difficult to police. Why not just concentrate on the equipment this makes sense and is easy to monitor. The driver is the longest club in the bag and the putter the shortest…..makes sense to me and gets rid of the long putters
The USGA is not listening to the ‘rank and file’ players. The long putter has been in use for decades. Now, as the masses are starting to see tour pros win using long putters, it’s suddenly ‘not a stroke’? That’s bogus. It’s clear that some squeaky wheels have found traction withing the USGA, and we are really playing politics here. The USGA has no interest in what the rank and file have to say, and the so-called public review period is simply a show. A solution? Walk away from the USGA.
next comes the anchored driver and balls that are really hot and .097 C.O.R. and on and on. a lot more fun eh? Joe Dub can now think about shooting 69. ban the ugly thing
I would like to agree with the band, but what about metal woods, what about ball design and materials. Where is the tradition there?
I would think that all golfers would want to have an honest assessment of their true golf skills…I know I do. I use the conventional putter but have tried the anchor putter as well. Yes, I made more putts with the anchor putter then with the conventional putter and I can see how that can add some short-term excitement to your game. But by doing so you can’t compare your scores to the the golfers using the conventional method. Is it more fun using the anchor putter? I think golf is a blast no matter what putter I use. If you go by the theory that it makes golf more fun…then why not just make the hole larger…wouldn’t that be more fun? Why not cut the length of the holes in half…wouldn’t that be more fun? Why not make par 4′s into par 6′s and we can all shoot under par…wouldn’t that be more fun? Where do we draw the line on what’s more fun…and should we draw a line. Like a bubble in the stock market, at first it is such a good and fun happening…then everything comes tumbling down into a pile of rubble. If you really love golf you’ll have fun playing it even if you have to putt with a rake. What’s fun is no golfer having a leg up on any other golfer through the use of equipment. What’s fun is making honest improvement in the game we love. If we continue to use the anchor putter, maybe we’ll have to change the handicap system to penalize the golfers using the anchor…but that’s no fun. I thought the fun of golf is the challenge…maybe I was wrong.
If the long putter was really an advantage, everyone playing for money would be using it. Why are the vast majority still using “conventional” putters if that puts them at a disadvantage? It’s not a disadvantage at all. If it worked better for them, they would be doing it. Is it fair, if you play with off the rack clubs, to compare scores with someone who spends thousands on getting fitted properly and the best equipment that mitigates their flaws? “That’s no fair! They’re cheating! They have equipment that helps them reduce a slice and hit the ball farther!” Please. If it was a brand new development over the last couple of years that would be one thing. These putters have been around longer than just about anyone left playing today has been alive. Now, just because a few tour players have won using them, it’s suddenly a menace that must be squashed? Ridiculous. I don’t use them or like them for myself. But why would I give a flying flip what someone else uses? There’s far more important things the USGA should be concerned with such as actually getting new people playing and keep the ones they have instead of pissing them off!
Excellent post. I was watching the golf channel and some Royal and Ancient (good name) rep was stating the it’s not about performance. Instead we are proposing the ban on anchoring the putter because it is not a stoke. His pants did not burst into flames, but what a fib at least. As far as I’m concerned it is ALL about performance. The R&A could care less about long putters as long as they remained in the background. Now that major winners are using these tools its suddenly a ghastly abomination that must perish.
Charles M Gross,
Thanks Charles for the blog post. I agree with you 100% but what can we do. I think they will come up with some changes in putters and you will anchor them to your forearm, similar to Kutchar. I don’t think that was banned or was it?
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Don’t agree with you at all. If you’re not concerned with what other golfers are using, you are not playing tournament golf (amateur or otherwise) or money games with your partners, etc. I play with a group of about 20 golfers…some of them could not hit the side of a barn with the conventional putters – Now they’re using the anchor putters and all of the sudden they think they’re Jack Nicklaus making everything in sight. The anchor putters may have been around for a long time, but not to admit the huge jump in popularity over the past 5 years is sticking your head in the sand. Everyone can use the conventional putter just as easily as everyone can use the anchor putter…and now they have too. In my area in the Chicago suburbs, it’s loaded with young golfers starting earlier and earlier…I don’t know where there will be room for everyone to play. The USGA did the right thing with the anchor putter…lets just hope they don’t give in to the crybabies in the minority – I think they are smarter then that!
Dave,
Thanks Dave for the blog post. I do play tournament golf and do play for money in groups, but again I don’t fear anyone with the long putter. I agree there has been huge popularity the last five years, but again I think that is great for golf. Golf has never been about playing someone else’s game. I focus on my game and go from there. If I need to make more putts then I head to the practice green to work on it. I can’t control someone else and for someone to use an anchoring system that has been around for 100 years then so be it. When metal woods were introduced did you complain or take advantage of the technology. This putting style is not an advantage in technology, but has always been there. The pro’s are doing nothing new. They introduce technology, different grips, swing styles, etc and make it more popular. As far as not having room to play I understand Chicago is one of the biggest public golf places in the world. Chicago, unfortunately is in the minority and new golfers have slowed and we need more. Thanks for your comments and I mean no ill will. I appreciate you taking the time to write in and let your opinion known as I am sure others agree with you also.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Thanks for your reply CJ and I appreciate your golf knowledge. I used my persimmon driver until I could no longer purchase one…my was beyond refinishing. The theory (or truth) that the putter has been around for 100 years does not hold water either…we all know that it has really taken off in the past 5 years. I watched a couple junior tournament this year and was shocked to see all the teen using the long putter as well as the belly putter. That really does not concern you? I do however believe there is a difference between new technology and anchoring the putter…the difference is pretty obvious. I would like to see metal drivers and the modern day golf ball be scaled back as well. I think that is ruining the game as well. I think it is a waste of money that we have to continually adjust golf courses to make them more difficult due to equipment changes. Beautiful golf course are being torn up all over the world due to new technology in clubs and ball. Also, I don’t think anyone fears another golfer because of them using an anchor putter…it just isn’t fair.
Thanks CJ…you’re the best.
Dave,
Thanks Dave for the blog post. i am not concerned by juniors using the long putters as this is something that has gained popularity. I think it helps grow the game and that is what I am concerned about. they are not cheating and it allows for people to continue to play and enjoy the game. I appreciate you taking the time to write in and give your opinion. I respect your opinion and you bring up good points as well.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Keith
You bring up some great points and I agree with you. Thanks for taking the time to write in.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I don’t understand the uproar about “anchoring” the putter. It’s not like only the young guys are allowed to do it. The option was/is available to everyone. So why is it being banned? Because a few “old duffers” don’t want to change how they do things? Are they still driving a Model T because those “new-fangled” automatic transmissions and electric starters take all the fun out of getting to work on time?,
Lead, follow, or get out of the way, but don’t stand in the middle of the trail impeding traffic.
Using a long putter just LOOKS wrong for some reason. I really don’t care what the ruling is because I do just fine with a short putter. The rule they SHOULD make is for caddies not to help the pros alinement for full shots (especially LPGA). This is one one of the most fundamental things a golfer must do correctly to make a shot.
I agree with the ban for the pros, pros should be held to a higher stander. To take it one step more pros should also use the same type ball, one brand, amutures can use anything to have fun.
Good decision. Look how the pro’s especially abuse the long putter using it when taking a penalty stroke. It is NOT a golf stroke, and it changes statistics when compared to past performances. The yips are part of the game. And Mr. Watson, bless him is wrong in that it does not make the game more fun. It lowers the handicap. That is what makes it fun. The bragging rights.
I am a 79 year old single digit golfer who plays 275 rounds plus each year. I have been using the long putter (50″)for over 30 years and now the USGA is going to “attempt” to ban it by pohibiting “anchoring” the stroke to the body. I believe in creativity within the rules and at this time, plan on continuing using my same stroke – with one small difference. I will hold the butt end of the putter – with my left hand barely grazing my shirt – but definitely not “anchored” to my body. Judging from comments from my playing partners this approach has created split views on whether I am violating proposed Rule 14-1b or not. In my opinion, the USGA has created a rules interprtation problem that will test the integrity of the game – how do you visually confirm that a player is just brushing his shirt (no penalty) as opposed to anchoring (penalty) the stroke to his body??
It’s refreshing to hear some one that has got a proper grasp on the situation. The decision the USGA has made (it’s alittle bit like being half pregnant)and will open a can of worms…
I am in the same age bracket as Bob,7 handicap and played golf most of my life.I have suffered from the Yipps from my early twentys and like Tom Watson’s son I have been able to enjoy my golf over the years, since using the broom. My yipps were that bad that I contemplated giving the game away at one stage,somthing that non yippers fail to understand.
What determines a Golf shot(the club length is legal,all you have is your hands further apart??)
Richard Haddrick,
Thanks Richard for the blog post and I am happy you have not given up the game. It is too great of a game to stop playing, but I understand your frustration.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I’m opposed to the ban of something that has been used for such a long period of time. If it “makes the game easier”, isn’t it akin to cavity back irons, perimeter weighted club, and high MOI putters, and 460cc driver? How about hybrids? Maybe everyone should be forced to use blade irons & putters and wooden fairway clubs and drivers if they wish to abide by USGA rules. Or, maybe the “governing bodies should try to find a solution for the number one problem in golf: SLOW PLAY! You’re not going to grow the game by banning clubs that have been legal for decades. You’re not going to grow the game by building more new courses that charge upward of a hundred bucks, rather than something affordable to the masses. “Fun” means different things to different people. I think it’s fun to play championship courses from the tips, even though I shoot far above my handicap. If nobody is holding my usual groups up, we play in under four hours at most courses with scores ranging from the 70s to the 90s. I also think it’s fun to make more putts and I’ve seen several guys improve their putting by using an anchored method. I only like to play with players who play by the rules and the several guys I play with that use anchored strokes will abide by the rules change if it’s implemented. We’ll all just have a little less fun.
long putter debate: if i turned my 34″ putter round, got down on the ground and played a snooker stroke i would pot, i mean putt almost everything but this would not be legal. where do we draw the line between making the game easy and enjoyable and being golf. the driver is the longest club in the bag, the putter is or should be the shortest. this is golf and any deviation should have been squashed in the first place. the reason the debate is so heated is because it has gone on too long.
If hey think they are taking the fun out of the game by banning anchored putting, how about making the hole bigger, say about another ball width in diameter. The hole is ridiculously small now, making it almost impossible to sink a downhill sidehill putt. No way should putting be half the game. GOLF WOULD BE SO MUCH MORE FUN IF THE HOLE WERE LARGER!
Pga and Usga events would be a lot more exciting too.
I started using a broom-stick putter, as an alternative to giving up golf.
As we get older, the reaction of the hands and the message they get is not the same as when we are younger, I started putting all over the place and was missing 2 feet puts regularly, sort of yeeps, now I can compeet againg and “enjoy” my golf.
Why not ban the belly putter for professionals and allow masses to use it.
I am old enough to remember Bob Duden and “The Dude” croquet style putter and how Sam Snead initially used his conventional putter in a Dude-type style before converting to his side saddle style. The players will adapt to the new rules and golf will survive.
I am surprised more players never adapted to Snead’s putting style. then again I haven’t seen any pros swinging Moe Norman style either.
Sometimes genius is too unorthodox to be copied.
http://www.puttmagic.com/golf1b.htm
I use Sams side saddle method. You can certainly see the line and estimate the pace a lot easier facing the hole. When was the last time you a good pool player standing along side the table? Unlike Sam, I’m just an ordinary player, and stand fairly upright and of course use a long putter.
Charles M Gross,
Thanks Charles for the blog post. Have you seen the movie 7 days in Utopia. That is a similar style of putting and they make long putters for that style of putting. It is pretty interesting. You can search those putters through Dr. David Cook on google.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I support Tom Watson’s view. An anchored stroke is not a golf swing. It’s too bad they waited this long to rule on this issue.
there will always be great putters and there will alwys be good putters if you realy enjoy the game then you play the way it was ment to be played and work on using the traditional putter
I believe it should be a matter of choice. If you want to use an anchor style putter so be it. It does not work for everyone or that would be all you see on tour. I watch golf all the time and I have not seen a large surgence of anchor putters winning tournaments. In fact it is the opposite most tournaments are won by standard putters. If the anchor style putter makes the game more fun and easier for the youth and weekend golfers then what is the problem?
“really is about tradition and preserving the game” – if this was true then titanium drivers, newer golf balls, even Balata golf balls should never been allowed. Also throw in manicured golf courses that the Pro’s play on.
I side with Pelz – I think technology is what is is – trying to harness it is a losing and costly battle. If you’re trying to market the game and keep people engaged – allowing a club then declaring it illegal is a good way to lose your fan base.
Maybe Ping’s lawyers need to get involved. Only kidding.
If you can’t play the game the way it was meant to be played then take up tennis. Slow play is the result of armchair golfers who never practice then want to go hit it like Phil, and they do, all over the course. Get better or get out, real simple. Next is to limit the ball and reduce the size of these “toaster-headed” drivers. Bring back skill and technique not power and distance. More people doing the wrong thing and spending money is not a good thing or good for the true sport of golf!
Hi CJ
I’m from across the water in England. Whilst I do not believe that long handle putters should be banned, as all putter types come in such a variety of heads, anchoring to the body does represent a clear advantage, as this greatly decreases the element of movement errors that normal putters can introduce. On a more upbeat note, due to your video’s, my handicap has come down from 20 to 17 in under a year, so many thanks’. Next year my aim is somewhere between 12 and 15.
Happy Christmas
Ian
Lots of interesting points of view out there. The biggest challenge ahead that I see is arresting the decline in interest in this most challenging game. This is a really large issue in many areas. Imposing this proposed ban on anchoring is certainly not addressing this decline in any positive way! This comes from an avid golfer who has battled the yips for several years. I can assure all of you that completing 18 holes with this affliction can be challenging and very frustrating. My current cure does not involve an anchored putter. If a banned method was the only way for me to putt I am not sure that I would continue playing.
Gord,
Thanks Gord for the blog post. i hope all is well.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ