Anchored putting to be banned from golf as of 2016

Golf's governing bodies will ban the anchoring of putters from January 2016, the Royal and Ancient (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) said in a joint statement.

The ban was first proposed in November.

A number of the world's top players use an anchored putting stroke, including Australia's Adam Scott, who used it in his historic US Masters win at Augusta last month.

Players and the golfing community were then given 90 days in which to discuss the proposal.

The European Tour expressed its support for the idea while both the US PGA Tour and PGA of America voiced opposition.



I don't think there will be anything much for me to change. If I have to separate the putter a millimetre from my chest, then I'll do that.
Adam Scott



"We took a great deal of time to consider this issue and received a variety of contributions from individuals and organisations at all levels of the game," R&A chief executive Peter Dawson said.

"We recognise this has been a divisive issue but after thorough consideration, we remain convinced this is the right decision for golf."

USGA president Glen D. Nager said the new rule would uphold the "essential nature of the traditional method of the stroke and eliminate the possible advantage that anchoring provides".

"Having considered all of the input that we received, both before and after the proposed rule was announced, our best judgment is it is necessary to preserve one of the important traditions and challenges of the game - that the player freely swing the entire club," Nager said.

Anchored putting involves the use of the "belly" or long putter, which is held to the player's chest or belly to anchor it or provide stability for the putting stroke.
Scott to make slight adjustment

Scott, who won his first major championship with a broomstick putter anchored into his chest, has been a vocal opponent of the ban and recently said he would likely just remove his anchor point ever so slightly off his body but continue to use the long putter.

"Now we're making rules for the betterment of the game based on zero evidence? Incredible," the Australian said previously of the announcement.

"What did they think when they allowed it? You're dealing with professional athletes who are competitive, who want to find better ways.

"What do they think when they've got super-talented golfers putting in thousands of hours of practice with a long putter, short putter, sand wedge, whatever? It was just a matter of time. They're going to get good.

"I don't really have a back-up plan. I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing.

"I don't think there will be anything much for me to change. If I have to separate the putter a millimetre from my chest, then I'll do that.

"I don't see myself putting any different, looks wise. My hand will be slightly off my chest."