USGA bans anchored putting style effective January 1, 2016

Tuesday, May 21, the USGA announced that anchored putting will no longer be allowed effective January 1, 2016. The R&A also concurred. In the face of opposition from the PGA Tour and the PGA of America, the USGA went forward with adopting the new rule. After the announcement both the PGA Tour and PGA  of America in effect responded with no comment, and stated they will be reviewing, digesting, and discussing internally within their respective boards and with members of their organizations. Here are the highlights from the press conference.

“Rule 14-1b protects one of the most important challenges in the game of golf:  the free swing of the entire club.  The traditional stroke involves swinging the club with both the club and the gripping hands held away from the body, requiring the player to direct and control the movement of the entire club.  Anchoring is different.  Intentionally securing one end of the club against the body and creating a point of physical attachment around which the club is swung is a substantial departure from the traditional free swing.

Rule 14-1b eliminates the potential advantages that anchoring creates, such as making the stroke simpler and more repeatable, restricting the movement and the rotation of the hands, the arms and the clubface, creating a fixed pivot point, and creating extra support and stability that may diminish the effects of nerves and pressure, that anchoring provides these potential advantages is confirmed by those who play, teach and observe the game.

The notion that a Rules change must be made soon after an issue is identified or else be considered forever foreclosed, regardless of negative effects on the game, is contrary to the history and the needs of the game. Many Rules revisions have occurred only long after an issue was first identified, such as the changes related croquet style putting, the 14 club maximum, and the stymie.” Mike Davis, Executive Director USGA.

USGA president Glenn Nager said at Tuesday’s news conference in Far Hills, N.J., “It’s important to understand that the playing rules of golf are not based on statistical studies, they’re based upon judgments that define the game and its intended challenges. One of those challenges is to control the entire club and the swing, and anchoring alters that challenge. Moreover, the issue here is not whether anchoring provides a statistical demonstrable advantage to the average golfer or on every stroke or in every circumstance. What matters here is whether by diminishing obstacles inherent in the traditional stroke, anchoring may advantage some players at some times. Statistics are not necessary to resolve that issue.”

“We ask that all join with us now in moving forward for the good of the game.” Mike Davis

It will be interesting to see who will pursue legal action leading up to the effective date of January 1, 2016. My hope is that those golfers, who use an anchored putting style, will keep the game enjoyable during the transition from anchored putters to a non-anchored stroke. I look forward to helping you with your game.