14-1b = USGA Code for Stupidity
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14-1b = USGA Code for Stupidity

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14-1b = USGA Code for Stupidity

Emerging From Their Own Asses

The chowderheads at the USGA and R&A emerged from their own assess this morning just long enough to confirm that the proposed anchoring ban (now known as rule 14-1b) is becoming the law of the land, and in doing so they’ve basically guaranteed us somewhere between 6 weeks and 6 more years of additional stupidity on the subject.

What’s done is apparently done (well…not completely), and I’m not going to get into every last detail of why the anchor ban constitutes something between a giant waste of time and an act of absolute stupidity.

We’ve made  those arguments (here, here, and here too). Let’s leave that dead horse to decay in peace.

The time for arguing the merits is done (and by the USGA’s own admission they really don’t have any – at least not the statistical kind), which means we’ve moved on to an even more compelling stage of debate which could ultimately challenge the USGA’s authority as the sole keeper of golf’s rules (in this country anyway).

“The playing rules are not based on statistical studies. They are based on judgments that define the game and its intended challenge. One of those challenges is to control the entire club, and anchoring alters that challenge.” –Glen Nager, USGA President

How Will the PGA (TOUR) Respond

The PGA of America President, Ted Bishop, has already issued a statement…(actually more of a  non-statement) giving the USGA the old ‘attaboy, for listening to its concerns, while kinda, sorta, saying they don’t really agree with the decision. But hey, the good news is they’re going to meet with the USGA on the reg now, and well, they’re going to sit down, “digest” things, and figure out what to do next when the board meets in late June.

Here’s a prediction for you: The PGA of America abides.

The bigger question is how the PGA Tour will respond. While far from absolute, PGA Tour Commissioner, Tim Finchem has left the door open to the possibility that the tour could adopt a 2nd set of rules that would allow anchoring on the PGA Tour. The last thing the USGA wants at any level is bifurcation (why that’s so scary is beyond me, “traditions of blah blah“), so the Tour does have some power here…even if rejecting the ban would be mostly for show.

The reality is that only a minority of guys on the PGA Tour use belly or long putters. While I could be wrong, I’d be that as much as any of those guys might love anchoring, they’d love winning Majors more, and those Majors; not a single one of the 4 is a PGA Tour Event.

Week by week count of belly, mid, and long putters on the PGA Tour – Courtesy of TaylorMade’s Charlie Kautz (@CharlieTour)

The US Open is a USGA event. The British Open belongs to the R&A. The PGA Championship is run by the PGA (which does make their decision potentially compelling), and the Masters is run by the guys in the green coats. Most everything else is the PGA, but let’s face it…Majors are what matters.

My guess is you won’t see a single tour pro doing the anchoring thing only to switch back to the conventional (legal) stroke for USGA/PGA events. It won’t happen, which is exactly why the PGA Tour should continue to allow anchoring. It’s civil disobedience with limited consequence that could serve as the much-needed ego check for the USGA (and the USGA needs the Tour more than the Tour needs the USGA).

My guess is the PGA Tour side of it ends with a statement reiterating their disagreement with the rule, but in the interest of the game, just like the PGA of America, the PGA Tour will abide.

How Will Manufacturers Respond

This isn’t the new groove rule all over again. This time around the USGA didn’t mandate the equipment, they mandated the stroke, which means equipment manufacturers are free to continue producing putters in whatever lengths they want.

It sounds great, but the reality is that equipment manufacturers have to abide by the laws of supply and demand. The average golfer isn’t going to draw the distinction between the club and the stroke. Most will believe the clubs themselves to be illegal. Nobody is going to buy them anymore, which means there’s absolutely no reason to produce them.

The pink elephant in the room is TaylorMade. You may recall that during this year’s PGA Show he told Score Golf’s Rick Young that his company would continue to produce belly putters even if the anchoring ban was approved. It was a bold statement at the time, but even TaylorMade isn’t immune to the laws of supply and demand.

Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see TaylorMade aggressively advocate for the recreational golfer, anchoring, and even bifurcation. They could lead the charge against the ban, but the bottom line is…well…TaylorMade has a bottom line too, and with counterbalanced putters (like TaylorMade’s Spider Blade and Daddy Long Legs) quickly emerging as viable alternatives to anchoring, January’s bravado aside, it’s probably bad business to fight the ban.

For what it’s worth, TaylorMade issued a brief statement in response to the confirmation of the ban:

“We appreciate the process the USGA used in its decision to ban the anchoring of putters, but we don’t agree the decision is in the best interest of the game.” –Official TaylorMade-adidas Golf Statement

There’s nothing there that conveys any strong desire or willingness to fight the power.

Most of the golf companies that matter have to answer to shareholders, so here’s another wild prediction: The industry abides.

What it Means for You

Given that only a small percentage of golfers actually use an anchored stoke, the ruling means next to nothing for the masses. Short of Tiger and Sergio’s verbal she said, she said, slapfight, the anchoring ban is as much ado about nothing as you’re likely to see in golf (make no mistake, this was the USGA reacting to what’s happening on Tour, not within the majority of its constituency). For those of us who don’t anchor, the rule’s impact is simply to add more bloat to what’s already the most bloated rule book in sports.

And for those of you who do anchor, the ban may actually have served to increase your options, which include:

Ignore the Rule: 14-1b doesn’t go into effect until January 1, 2016 anyway. If you anchor, you’re free to do so until then. And you know what…if you don’t play competitively, and anchoring helps you enjoy the game more, ignore the damn ban. Screw the USGA. They’re not the boss of you. Enjoy golf.

Abide as you always have.

Learn to Putt the Right Way: I say that with all due sarcasm. Clearly the USGA has an idea of what the proper way to putt is. Unfortunately, their attempt to regulate the stroke is probably going to fail miserably as the golf companies always seem to be two steps ahead on the equipment front. While the USGA continues pushing paper, the engineers that power the golf industry always find a way.

But yes…you can always use a conventional putter, and chances are you’ll be just fine.

Get an Arm Lock Putter: It’s working pretty well for Matt Kuchar. Odyssey and Bettinardi already have arm lock models (anchor to the forearm, not the belly or chest) on the market, and you can bet others will follow suit quickly. Why you can anchor at one point and not another is beyond me. Behold the wisdom of the USGA.

The point is, you’ve already got a few non-conventional options, and you’ll probably have a dozen more by the end of the week.

Get a Counterbalanced Putter: Counterbalancing isn’t new. A small segment of the industry (Tour Lock, Boccieri) has been pushing it for a while, but now that the biggest names in golf (TaylorMade and Callaway) have developed counterbalanced putters, you can bet an abundance of options are right around the corner.

With more weight in the butt-end of the club a counterbalanced putter is almost self-anchoring. The higher balance point provides a greater level of stability (not unlike anchoring), and does so with out all that rule-breaking…at least for now.

What the Ban Actually Means

Nothing.

The USGA can say they accomplished something, but at the end of the day, they’ve done nothing of consequence.

The game hasn’t grown. The ball still flies too far for some’s liking. And slow play hasn’t been eradicated. It still costs too damn much, and for some it takes too damn long. If the game’s difficulty is problem, the USGA has done nothing to make it easier.

Unable, or unwilling to solve any of golf’s real problems, the USGA picked the low hanging fruit. Nice job, boys. Take 5. You earned it.

Golf will abide, but it’s certainly no better for the effort. And when the dust settles and the belly and long putter guys continue to win with armlock, counterbalanced, and even conventional putters, as I’m certain they will, it’s going to be brilliantly obvious what a giant waste of time the path to rule 14-1b was.

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Tony Covey

Tony Covey

Tony Covey

Tony is the Editor of MyGolfSpy where his job is to bring fresh and innovative content to the site. In addition to his editorial responsibilities, he was instrumental in developing MyGolfSpy's data-driven testing methodologies and continues to sift through our data to find the insights that can help improve your game. Tony believes that golfers deserve to know what's real and what's not, and that means MyGolfSpy's equipment coverage must extend beyond the so-called facts as dictated by the same companies that created them. Most of all Tony believes in performance over hype and #PowerToThePlayer.

Tony Covey

Tony Covey

Tony Covey





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    Join The Discussion

      Mike Sullivan

      11 years ago

      So I took my 48″ putter to the course and practiced without anchoring. I held my left elbow high and tensed the muscles in my arm some but not my grip, faced the target just slightly and used a claw grip low on the putter. Results are very comfortable method and I might be at least as efficient with that method if not more than with anchoring.

      It is entirely possible this ban will turn out to be a good thing, at least for me. I am in agreement with the author, this ban will not change much.

      Reply

      Jeff

      11 years ago

      The PGAwill not lose fans. Look to your history. Arnold and Jack were none too happy with the way the PGA was operating and in 1968 formed the Association of Professional Golfers (APG), an autonomous tournament players’ organization. The PGA’s own history says the APG, “forms in breakaway from PGA. As compromise, Tournament Players Division of PGA formed under aegis of 10-man policy board late in year.”

      Why couldn’t that happen again? You can bet Tim Finchem knows his history and will work very hard to accommidate his membership much more than the USGA will accommidate theirs.

      Reply

      Goonanerica

      11 years ago

      If pga tour keeps anchoring they will lose fans. Pga tour is all about making money for themselves. Worldwide they would be the only organization allowing it.

      Reply

      Dave m

      11 years ago

      For the purist out there that wanted this ban maybe the hybrid should be banned. No club has made such a huge impact in the last decade like the hybrid has. Jack Nicklaus won so many masters because he could hit a high soft long iron like nobody else. In fact Gary player said he could have won 2 or 3 more masters if that club was around.

      Reply

      kloyd0306

      11 years ago

      Like so many others, you have missed the point. This ban has nothing to do with the implement. The long or belly putter is not being banned. What is being banned is anchoring.

      Reply

      kloyd0306

      11 years ago

      The article is far from biased. From a journalistic viewpoint the article fails to look at both sides of this issue.

      The prevalent points made by those on both sides are either:

      Anchoring offers no advantage, so allow it for everyone.
      OR
      If anchoring does not offer any advantage, why is it used at all?

      The issue is just that simple.

      Reply

      Jeff

      11 years ago

      Please, this is not a news piece. It is clearly an opinion.

      I would think that the

      There is no journalistic requirement that “both sides of” any issue be examined in an opinion piece. Even in a news item that “fair and balanced” idea is just a marketing ploy. The reader is susposed to be smart enough to take in differing opinions and come to grips with their own thoughts. If it is a news piece, then basic jouralistic rules apply. The author should attempt to report the events without commentary and with as much professional distance as possible.

      I would think that colored flashing banners that say the USGA rules committee is composed of morons and idiots would tip you off that this was not a news piece, and that the author is not in the running for a Pulitzer.

      But, given your comment, I might hazard a guess that you are a rules person and that for the “good of journalism” the author should be banned. (Which begs the question – why are you reading this trash? Slumming between WSJ articles?).

      Reply

      Jason Cristilli

      11 years ago

      I would love it if they allowed them to use anchored putters when it is lift clean and place conditions why stop the cheating when they get to the green.

      But I think someone on the golf channel said it best it would obviously be cheating or at least seems like cheating to the naked eye for me to make a wedge that long and anchor it to my left rib area for chips.

      Golf is hard if you want something you can do perfectly go bowling.

      Reply

      Robert Allen

      11 years ago

      Is the USGA relevant in this subject? Weren’t they started because someone didn’t like an R&A ruling way back in time? I feel the PGA Tour should ignore this rule and get on with playing and entertaining the people.

      Reply

      bullwinkle

      11 years ago

      I have been a USGA Member since I believe 1975, possibly 1976, I have maintained a USGA handicap index during those years I’m now 62 and I used the Ping Adjustable Belly putter. I resigned from the USGA, I no longer have a USGA Handicap. I’m also fat and those who think a fat man’s belly doesn’t jiggle & move are just plain ignorant. Were it within my power I’d personally smear honey over all the people who made this rule up and dump ants on them, and I hate to admit it but I’m a retired preacher, one might infer from my statement it’s a good thing you are retired. Being fat I do not anchor my belly putter but it is a stupid rule.

      One person opined that older people shouldn’t play in competitive tournaments, that person, and I mean this sincerely is a horse’s posterior. Senior golfers have their own division, and while I play from the Senior tees, my non-USGA handicap index is 7.4. My index goes back over 30 years and I’d play for money with the Horse’s nether region if he can produce a handicap index over the same period.

      Were this a perfect world everyone would have to play with wooden shafts, only the 4-6 clubs they started with in Scotland, and balls that it would cut you looked at it wrong. If the USGA really cared about the game there are two things crying out for improvement. Speed of play, what about the players of any age that take 5-10 practice swings, waggles or both. How about hitting the ball within 15 seconds of addressing it, now that would address a serious problem. The other thing is unbelievable, there is no restriction on the rebound effect of fairway woods. This is a major competitive flaw in the USGA’s oversight. Phil Michelson hit a modified 3 wood with 8 degrees of loft at the Masters. He hit it too far but 300 + yard fairway woods seems more like a problem than putters like myself, that have the yips.

      Reply

      Paul of Chester

      11 years ago

      Nicklaus has it right, he says he doesn’t care about the putter, but that nerves and overcoming is as much a part of the game as any other part. In other words, a players has to overcome the tools he has to be the best. The long putter takes some of the pressure away from the user. Now I don’t care if the long putter is legal or not, in fact I was going to try one if the ban did not happen, but at the end of the day we need a competition where the strongest nerves win because the mental aspect of golf is its most powerful weapon.

      Reply

      Jeff

      11 years ago

      The long putter does not take some of the pressure away from the user any more than your new clubs. In your mind you “think” the pressure is off because you feel more comfortable with that 460CC monster driver. Are you clubbing it 350 yards? Straight? No you are not (because if you were I’d see you every Sunday on TV). It’s the same with a long putter (and the brush tees, and the goat skin glove, and the . . . well, you get it). You may “feel” more comfortable but you still miss the same number of shots. That long putter works better only if the person using it practices and practices and practices. That’s not the tool, that’s the operator.

      Reply

      RoverRick

      11 years ago

      It is not something that you see often anyway in the pros but suppose someone has a tight lie and needs to chip the ball. They decide the best way to do this is a hybrid or fairway metal. Now the player has to ensure that the butt of the club is not touching them. Now the rule says intentionally, but that is crap. This is now a rule that can be called against you like hitting a leaf not attached to a plant in a hazard on the back swing.

      Reply

      cdvilla

      11 years ago

      I think that golf need to bifurcate the rules. Amateur handicap golfers should play by rules that allow for faster play (white stakes as lateral hazards) and allow for equipment that improves their play (higher COR drivers, anchored putters). The touring pro and low-gross players can play by the “full rules.” Also, this allows for equipment manufacturers to expand/innovate.

      Reply

      Jeff

      11 years ago

      Always thought that was a great idea. It is really not much different than the idea behind different tee boxes. If somebody wants to “play like the pros” from the blacks (or whatever color the back tees are) then go ahead. I’ll play up.

      Reply

      Jeff

      11 years ago

      John C and Steve are correct. This is a “technique” rule, not a club rule. It is a silly rule with absolutly no basis in fact. Not a single scientific study, not a single bit of enginering research went into the rule. Just a “feeling” that it was necessary to protect the game. Nobody can demonstrate that anchored putting is better at putting the ball in the cup than free-swinging. And nobody can demonstrate it isn’t. It is pure opinion.

      With absolutly no proof either way this is akin to a religious argument – “my putting stroke is more pure than your putting stroke.” When you have no proof, and nobody is being hurt, wouldn’t the best course of action be to do nothing? K.I.S.S.? No blood no foul? If it ain’t broke . . . ?

      “Well, Jeff. If you don’t like our rules, you don’t have to abide by them.” Really? I wish I could, but some of you won’t let me. My local muni says on the scorecard, “USGA rule apply.” So does the card on two private clubs I play. I’ll bet your club has that line somewhere too. It’s a toss-away line, but it’s likely there. So now I end up with some rules ranger telling me I’m “non-conforming.” Well, he’s easy – I just tell him to shove off. No, it’s the other people that 14-1b gives power to – the Rules Nazi. We’ve all played with them.

      It is just fine for people to say, “go ahead and use what you want so long as its not in a USGA sanctioned event.” What if the course has that toss-away line on the score card or it is posted in the clubhouse next to the beer taps? The Rule Nazi will find it and demand it be enforced. But that’s not enough for the true RN, they will be forced – “For the Good of the Game” – to point it out to me, you and everyone at the course.

      So, I’m just warning you. If it’s not a tourney, if I’m not playing with you, shut up or I’ll wrap this long putter around your neck.

      Reply

      Steve

      11 years ago

      The answer is simple. IF there was a true advantage to using an anchored putter, the entire PGA would be using the putter. This is nothing more then the old Sam Snead rule banning between the legs putting stroke all because he started to win a couple of tournaments.

      Reply

      John C

      11 years ago

      Here are my thoughts… If anchored putting (belly or chest) gives an advantage, everyone and I mean EVERYONE would (or will) use it PERIOD. THUS, the field is even once more and it is the lowest combination of strokes that yields the winner. PERIOD (for emphasis)!.

      Defining how a swing or stroke should be made is stupid to say the least. What’s next? You can’t rotate your hips too fast?

      Stick to rules that keep equipment from providing an unfair advantage. 14-1b is a technique rule which I might add was created WITHOUT statistical or measured data to SHOW a DEMONSTRATED advantage in the TECHNIQUE!!!!

      Whaa Those players sink more putts. You need to ban their technique.

      The reality, the VAST majority of wins since the inception of the anchored stroke are with the “standard” putting stroke.

      This has nothing to do with equipment…

      Get a clue!

      Reply

      stevieC

      11 years ago

      quite emphatic.

      you state: If anchored putting (belly or chest) gives an advantage, everyone and I mean EVERYONE would (or will) use it PERIOD.

      this is not true. individual players find ‘advantages’ in different ways…that’s why there are so many variations in golf gear.

      the real question is about defining a ‘golf swing’…should stablizing a ‘swing’ by connecting/anchoring a club to other parts of the body (chest, belly, chin, etc) be considered a ‘golf swing’.

      I believe the ‘anchored swing’ certainly modifies my understanding of a ‘golf swing’–it doesn’t mean it’s an advantage for everyone, but it is certainly an advantage to some…and it’s certainly changes the game.

      You also state: What’s next? You can’t rotate your hips too fast?

      Hardly a comparable assertion to ‘anchoring clubs’.

      (oh, banning without statisical data…most training tools are banned because they modify or assist in a golf swing…no data…should they be allowed?

      It doesn’t take much imagination to envision a whole new set of equipment ‘improvement’ to include modified ‘short iron’ anchoring and other options.

      the game is difficult…putting consistently is crazy difficult…anchoring the putter helps a ‘growing’ % of golfers gain consistency in their putting stroke…that’s great. but it isn’t a golf swing.

      Reply

      Freddy v

      11 years ago

      Usga mission statement: Based on a shared love and respect for golf, we preserve its past, foster its future, and champion its best interests for everyone who enjoys the game.

      “Foster it’s future” it is the USGA’s duty to grow the game, not act like our current congress “that acts for the good of the people…”

      Can anyone name more than 2 people in the top 20 the last 2 years that uses a belly??? Seems to be only 1…

      4 majors won in the last 2 years of PGA tour events? 4 out of 80 plus….

      Stats don’t tell me it’s easier…but then again this wasn’t based on stats…wait the USGA said the groove rule was based on stats that said the ball spun too much…oh wait that backfired…V grooves plus spin milled laser cut micro grooves spin more….DOH! Can they get a redo?

      “Champion its best interests for everyone who enjoys the game.” Doesn’t seem like everyone is on board with this decision…except for the grumpy old men who sit on the board…

      I don’t use an anchored stroke and have never lost a putting contest to someone who does…but I would happily welcome anyone who is up for the challenge.

      The usga needs to focus on things that matter of only 2-4% of golfers use anchored strokes and they spent months on the ban….imagine what they could do if they decided to do something that affected 96% of golfers…like slow play….

      USGA BAN LIST:

      Square grooves
      Anchored strokes
      Fun

      Great job USGA

      Reply

      Dave S

      11 years ago

      I’m for the ban, but you do make a good argument.

      It’s true that the ruling bodies can probably ban things until they’re blue-in-the-face, but the OEMs will always be a step ahead or find a way around the wording of the rule. Does that mean they should simply stop trying to preserve the game by making/amending rules? Clever lawyers find loopholes in the laws Congress enacts all the time… does that mean Congress should stop trying? (I know it’s tough, but try not to laugh at this analogy…the Government stinks… ha ha ha…).

      Is the rule book too long and hard to understand? Without a doubt, but as long as OEMs remain for-profit enterprises, they will try to make money… and to make money and be competitive, you can’t keep selling the same thing. They have to differentiate themselves, and one way to do that is to create a technological advantage. Sometimes this snowball turns into an avalanche and it’s the USGA/R&A’s job to reign them in and perserve the game. Could they do a better job? Absolutley. Do they seem to arbitrarily select certain things to vilify? Yup… but as you’ve seen, there A LOT of red tape to cut thru to simply change a rule… they have to pick and choose, even if it’s not always perceived as being the correct focus.

      This isn’t directed at Freddy v, but I find it comical that the same people who think that golf ball tech has gone to far and that distance is ruining the game, can in the same breath, speak out against this anchoring ban! You know what’s fun for an average hacker that will never be a pro or break 80? Crushing a golf ball long and straight! They may hit 10 drives terrible, but that one perfect smash is what keeps them coming back for more. But that same distance is hurting the pro game in my opinion… so there in lies the grey area.

      Reply

      Mike Sullivan

      11 years ago

      Should be some real good sales coming up for long putters for those who are planning on using them without anchoring! Like the article intimated when Adam Scott wins a major with a counter balanced long putter will they have to make a new rule?

      Reply

      Desmond

      11 years ago

      It’s about anchoring – using a fixed point, not equipment.

      Reply

      Desmond

      11 years ago

      A unprofessional, profane laced beginning to the article?

      Seriously?

      Next time, put it away for 48 hours and edit the juvenile out of the work.

      Reply

      Crow

      11 years ago

      I don’t know why, but I feel like using a belly putter anchored this weekend. This is the dumbest thing I have ever heard of. I have a belly putter, but I do not use it. I could never make it work (could not get a feel for speed). I think that if it helped so much, all of the players would be using it. I think that the PGA tour should go against this rule, just as a show to the USGA and the R&A that they don’t have to abide by their rules. I also love how people say that if you use an anchored stroke, then you are not playing golf or you are cheating. I assume that the PGA will follow, but I hope that they decide that they are not going to bow down to the USGA. Rules like this are why some people consider golf to not be a sport, and also why some kids will not start playing. Think about how this sounds to a non-golfer, when they hear that if you use the stroke that the winner of the Masters this year 3 years from now, it wil be cheating.

      Reply

      Matt A

      11 years ago

      If it doesn’t help “so much” then why use it at all?

      Reply

      Dan

      11 years ago

      I doubt if any Tour players will lose any sleep over this. None of them that anchor will even think about it until midway through 2015. I think all tournaments should play by this rule if the R&A is constituting it. The PGA of America should not consider having their own rules vs the R&A. And as was mentioned, if you are a non-competitive player, this will never even affect you!

      Reply

      Dave S

      11 years ago

      I definitely think the likes of Keegan, Adam Scott, etc. will lose a little sleep over it. If I had won my only Major with an anchored putter, and then I was told I couldn’t putt the way I’d been putting for many, many years and had devoted countless hrs to perfecting, I would certainly be worried.

      Even moreso maybe for the lower ranked guys who’ve yet to break-out… this is how they make their livings… not with sponsorships like the big dogs. I could literally take money out of their pockets…

      Reply

      Mike

      11 years ago

      I love this site, and for the record I was against banning anchoring, but this article is just bad. Poorly argued. Poorly written. Poorly edited.

      Reply

      Tony Covey

      11 years ago

      I think you missed the point. Yeah…I definitely made some not-so-subtle hints at my opinion on the subject, but there’s no argument in this article at all. If you’re looking for one, you might want to read one of the 3 other pieces we’ve written about it.

      By all means, if you can do a better job, feel free to submit an article.

      Reply

      jason

      11 years ago

      so if we submit an article that is written as good as this one with the opposite point of view and not so subtle hints about what we think about those who support not banning the anchor stroke, you are saying you will publish it?? that would be interesting for sure.

      studies show that if you allow comments to be made on articles, that the comments will sway peoples opinions of the articles whether they believe they do or not. also people with a strong/very strong opinion are much more likely to leave comments.

      try not to take the comments personally, most people are just riled up by the topic more than your writing.

      Tony Covey

      11 years ago

      Probably not on this particular topic, not because we’re not interested in the other side of the argument, but basically because it’s already been done to death. While I took my shots at the USGA in this one as well, the point was really to predict what will happen next (how the PGA of America and the PGA Tour will respond), and to let golfers know that alternatives to anchoring are already emerging.

      We can talk about it again if/when somebody files a lawsuit against the USGA.

      Generally speaking, however; yeah…if somebody can write a compelling article for MGS, regardless of what position you take, we’d absolutely consider publishing it.

      Travis

      11 years ago

      Mike,
      You are clueless and obviously are missing the whole point.

      Reply

      Dee

      11 years ago

      Who here has been wronged by an anchored putter? Did you lose a match or cash because a competitor used an anchored putter and you didn’t? Did somebody anchoring cost you a chance at a tour card?

      If I see another person say that using an anchored putting method makes putting so easy but he still putts conventional I am going to puke all over this website. What? You tried anchoring, made everything, and went back to conventional in order to uphold the integrity of the game?

      And if you think you can talk about Adam Scott’s putting stop smoking that stuff and realize Adam Scott can putt better than y-o-u even if he uses a Coke bottle.

      Reply

      Dave S

      11 years ago

      What is your point? Of course professionals are better putters than us hackers… they’re better at ever aspect of golf.

      It’s basically understood that this ban will really only affect professionals. The fact that a professional, who can dedicate countless hours to practicing with a anchored putter, could gain an advantage against OTHER professionals is the problem. Obviously golfers are not homogenious, so not everyone will gain an advantage with it (those who are prolific putters the traditional way will likely not mess with a good thing… i.e. Tiger), but for those who are stuggling with the flatstick, this may offer a shortcut to getting back up to top form. Adam Scott and Ernie Els basically admitted as much.

      Reply

      Dee

      11 years ago

      That is basically the problem, there is a dispute in the professional game, yet all of us outside of it are taking sides when nothing in that dispute directly affected us, until the ban occurred, or occurs.

      If it is basically understood that it will only affect professionals, then why does the ban extend to anyone who wants to play golf by the rules?

      All of the anchor banners say this is for the good of the game, whose game? If they wanted to limit it to the professionals, why didn’t leave it at that? Yeah, its that b-word.

      I am missing something here? the pros were tearing it up with square grooves so the ruling bodies banned them for everyone, (albeit I will probably be dead then), the pros are tearing it up with anchoring putters, and they banned those for everyone, so what’s next?

      Will we be happy when they go after the golf ball next? The pros hit the ball too far, so they will scale the ball back, and everyone will now have to play with a scaled back ball, I can’t wait for that debate.

      Paul

      11 years ago

      The author uses chowderheads and asses in the first sentence in a commentary on a subject where reasonable minds can obviously differ. This is possible the biggest piece of garbage I’ve ever read. Not because I disagree with the take, but because of the slant and pure idiocy of the position.

      Reply

      Nevin Wilson

      11 years ago

      Not one of your better articles. Overblown and hystrionic.

      I seriously doubt that there will be an exodus of golfers from the game because they can’t anchor their putters. I do feel for the touring pros with the yips but they will find another way that doesn’t involve anchoring.

      Reply

      RAT

      11 years ago

      The Mississippi tee is a chunk of grass, soil raised up by striking the ground with a club so the ball can be teed up for a more unobstructed striking of the ball.

      Reply

      David W

      11 years ago

      As far as players continuing to use the anchored putters if the PGA Tour allows it and not playing in USGA and R&A events that ban them, I really don’t think that will be a problem. Players won’t skip the US Open and British Open (not to mention the PGA Championship if the PGA of America upholds the ban) because they have to use a standard putter. They will just practice with one during their week(s) off when they aren’t adding to their millions with prize money. If they do skip decide to skip them then it provides a space for someone else who would appreciate it.

      Reply

      jason

      11 years ago

      the usga does not need the pga tour for anything. they make plenty of money through their own tournaments and the pga tour does not financially support the usga.

      the usga’s main goal is to protect the game, growing the game is secondary.
      golf is supposed to be hard, it is also supposed to be fun. if you want to make it easier for people to make putts then just make the hole bigger.

      i dont like the idea of anchored strokes. i think, like the usga, that it goes against the spirit, and innate challenge of the game of golf. eventually i believe someone would have figured out a way, side-saddle anchored to arm or conventional long putter anchored in armpit, that would provide a noticeable advantage to “standard”/anchor-free strokes.

      just my opinion, and i’m not saying everyone else’s opinion is wrong, this is a very divisive topic but i think it will all be a moot point in a couple of years when we have all moved on

      Reply

      David W

      11 years ago

      Totally agree.

      Reply

      Tony Covey

      11 years ago

      While the USGA is the keeper of the rules for now, should the PGA decide it’s time to go in a different direction…AND that direction is seen as more beneficial for amateur golfer, and is seen as promoting growth rather than stifling it, you will absolutely have local associations who decide that the PGA’s rulebook makes more sense than the USGA’s for their constituents.

      Even where the rules are concerned, when push comes to shove, the Tour is the top of the pyramid.

      At the very least, if the PGA Tour rejects the ban, bifurcation has become a reality, which is the last thing the USGA wants. The USGA exists as it does today because the tour thus far has gone along with every decision. If that changes all bets are off.

      Make no mistake, the PGA Tour has the stronger hand right now.

      Reply

      Dave S

      11 years ago

      IMO…as long as the USGA and R&A run the US Open and Open Championship respectively… and for as long as the US Open and Open Championship are considered Major Championships, the USGA/R&A’s rules will be the law of the land. No one is going to use an anchored putter for some tourneys and then switch to a regular one for two out of four Majors. Everone knows it’s the Majors that count. Bifurcation would be a paper tiger at best… basically the PGA throwing an adolecent “you can’t tell me what to do!” temper tantrum.

      golfer4life

      11 years ago

      Agreed. People don’t seem to realize this is world wide because of the R & A. Also, the last big jump we saw in ‘new players’ there weren’t many people anchoring at all. Why people think anchoring a putter is going to grow the game is ridiculous. People have way more of an issue getting the ball on to the green than they do with putting. There is way less physical ability needed to putt the ball than there is to hit the shots to get it there.
      Now lets move on to something that will really contribute to growing the game, and that’s pace of play!!!

      Dave S

      11 years ago

      Exactly… which is why putt-putt is popular with the masses, not just golfers.

      I think weekend hackers (90% of people who read this site) have a bigger issue with thinking that we’re better than we are and only wanting to play the equipment that pros use. I don’t know how many times I’ve gone out for a quick 9 at my local Muni and ended-up with playing partners that are sporting an R1 driver, 4-9 blade irons, four different wedges and a Scotty Cameron Newport… and are (OF COURSE) playing ProV1s. This is not the bag set-up a mid-high handicapper should have, but we want to play what the pros do, b/c maybe – just maybe – we’ll someday be that good…

      Want to know how to “grow the game”? Make it so you have to have a registered handicap of 10 or less before OEMs will sell you the “pro” level clubs, haha! This way, the hacker might actually get better and enjoy him/herself more on the course!

      tony

      11 years ago

      Well said and by the way if the PGA goes another way & the opens have their rules and the PGA opposes those rules they could just start new Majors they have the power to do it and don’t fool yourselves if the Pros boycott the Opens what do you think will happen to the Opens no body will care about them if only Amateurs play in them.

      John Barry

      11 years ago

      O boy folks, are we missing the point here. Banning the anchored putter because it is, or seems easier to sink putts, is a direct slap in the face of: GROWING THE GAME. The whole object of all these bodies, should be to get people playing the game, not making it more complicated, harder and less fun.

      So what if a 24 handicapper uses an anchored putter, it’s fun for him, he sinks some putts, he gets a birdie, it keeps him playing..who does that hurt?

      Reply

      David W

      11 years ago

      And he is welcome to do that all he wants as long as it’s not in a USGA tournament or to establish an USGA handicap. Very few 24 handicaps play in USGA tournaments so that is all but a moot point and if they are really trying to get better so that they can play in these tournaments then they should be practicing with a non-anchored putter. Casual players growing the game is completely different from USGA competition. You don’t get two of the first tee at the Mid-Am but you do most Saturdays and Sundays around the country.

      Reply

      Tony Covey

      11 years ago

      I think we all make broad assumptions like this based on our own experiences. I don’t know what your experience and what’s led you to this conclusion, but the thing that must be considered in the debate is that while most tend to think of USGA events as pro-level tournaments, or mid-am, or other local events that attract better golfers, the USGA rulebook is used to govern nearly every club-level tournament.

      I just finished an event last weekend where roughly 20% of the field was above a 20 handicap. I have several more flighted events on the schedule where the percentage of 20-plusers will be roughly the same.

      Not that it matters, but for clarification, some of those guys are…and have always been lousy golfers. A substantial portion, however, is an aging population whose games have simply declined with age. For a small few (less than a hand’s worth), they’re able to play in part because the long putters they use are easier on their ailing backs.

      My point is that the USGA’s competition rules do impact a much broader spectrum of the golfing community than the professional and serious amateur. Recreational golfers, weekend warriors, and the hacker aspiring to be better are all, at one time or another, bound by the USGA’s rules.

      I do believe that the number of anchorers is small, and that the new rule won’t have a substantial impact on participation, but with that said, we continue to hear stories of guys who have medical issues and are only really able to compete because they’re able to use a long putter.

      By the letter they’re still able to use that same equipment, but lets face it, they are designed to be anchored, and the reality is that the new rule my cause some of those guys to either give up the game, or stop playing competitively. Even if only one guy walks away because of the ban, then it’s bad for the game.

      Dave S

      11 years ago

      Guys with ailing backs probably shouldn’t be playing in competitve tournaments anyway… but if they want to – and you seemed to brush this option under the rug without much dicussion – they can still use the Adam Scott style putter, just move it an inch away from their chest… in fact, that’s exactly what Scott says he plans on doing… problem solved!

      And for those who don’t play in tourneys (the vast majority of golfers) they can, and will continue to use whatever clubs they want and make up rules as they go along. You can, at this moment, go out and buy a Killer-Bee wedge that has totally non-conforming grooves that will rip the skin right off a rock-hard range ball and make you look like Phil on approch shots… people want to have fun, and very few of us carry a USGA rules book in our bags… because why would we? Tiger doesn’t even know the rules!

      This ban affects professionals and that’s about it. I feel sorry for the like of Keegan, etc. who grew up playing with the anchored putter b/c it was legal, only to be told they can’t anymore, but I also see the USGA/R&A’s point that they made a mistake a long time ago in allowing this and are now trying to fix it. There will be collateral damage no doubt, but it will be on Tour and not at the local Muni.

      cdvilla

      11 years ago

      The rule states that you can’t anchor your forearm either so this modified style that you’re referring to won’t be allowed either. They intend for both of your arms to move when you putt.

      Dave S

      11 years ago

      Yes it will… you’re thinking of something else. It’s completely within the rules to hold the club like Adam Scott does (left hand top, right hand claw at the bottom) as long as the butt of the club is not anchored. You’re allowed to create your own anchor point as long as it’s not with your body.

      cdvilla

      11 years ago

      Initially, I thought the modified “anchor” would work but from this graphic, it shows that to be prohibited. http://golfweek.com/news/2013/may/21/holding-strong-usga-r-move-forward-anchoring-ban/

      cdvilla

      11 years ago

      Initially, I thought the modified “anchor” would work but from this graphic, it shows that to be prohibited. http://golfweek.com/news/2013/may/21/holding-strong-usga-r-move-forward-anchoring-ban/

      Dave S

      11 years ago

      From the link you just sent, look at the “Long Putter, Not Anchored” picture… Permitted. This is what Adam Scott said he would do. In fact he said that (paraphrasing) “You won’t see any physical change in the way I putt”.

      John Barry

      11 years ago

      I agree, but what is clearly pointed out, the Companies will stop making the putters because they do not conform to the rules. The rules once again hurt the lower level players. The exact opposite of what the governing bodies should be doing.

      Manetti

      11 years ago

      Although I am new to the game and do not use an “anchored” putter, I agree that the ban is not only unnecessary, it is stupid. Right now, any player can purchase and use a long putter. The arm lock putters will likely achieve the same results – so when will that concept be banned?

      I use a “goofy-hand” (left hand low) with great success… I may extend the shaft on my putter and mold it to my grip. Then the rules makers will really go nuts!

      Reply

      David W

      11 years ago

      Arm lock is different. The arm is a moving object in the swing so the entire putter movement is still based on the movement of the arm. When you anchor it to your body you remove one of the movement variables. It does make a difference.

      Reply

      RAT

      11 years ago

      Move on ! They ruled correctly. What about the foot wedge, is it in danger?
      I play with guys that use a Mississippi tee on the fringe of the green. People will play the way the want never mind the rules.

      Reply

      Jonny

      11 years ago

      What’s a Missisippi tee? I’ve never heard it before… :D

      Reply

      Lou Cherniss

      11 years ago

      I don’t give a crap about anchoring…….but Adam Scott’s putter is taller than I am and he surely uses it when he’s measuring drops…..In my opinion the putter should be the shortest club in the bag. No putter should be longer than your freaking driver !!

      Reply

      Bob

      11 years ago

      Good point, I wish they would’ve taken this route. And it does give a player unfair advantage, even if the tour guys claim they won’t use it to measure drops.

      You don’t need a tall putter, just learn to putt…

      Reply

      cdvilla

      11 years ago

      For my own putting, I can say without question that using a belly putter from inside 15 feet is SO much easier. I’ve spend a good deal of time on the practice greens with a belly and standard so it seems clear to me that the anchored style helps me greatly from that range. The simple reduction in movement variables makes it more steady. I’m not sure that you can argue against that.

      The ban doesn’t bother me as I’ll just use my belly putter until the ban goes into effect then get it chopped down and regripped. I want to keep a proper USGA handicap so I’m happy to play by whatever rules they set. I’m not going to quit over this and neither are most who have claimed that they will.

      Reply

      mark

      11 years ago

      Basicially, it appears that anchoring a long putter makes it easier to putt for some and harder to put for most. That is why most people and pros putt the “traditional” way, because it is easier. Although I find it more difficult to put with an anchored long putter, I put with it because it is easier on my back.
      In no way way, shape, or form does the anchored long putter take out any nerves or tension or make it easier to putt under pressure. Some people appear to develop the yips, which as far as I can tell appears to be some kind of neurological condition that prevents them from making short, smooth controlled strokes with the putter. These people try different ways of putting to create a new neurological pathway that avoids the yips, whether it be cross handed, claw grip, long putter, or long anchored puttered. Like these other methods, the long anchor putter can successful help. However, the long anchored putter doesn’t swing itself, the person must swing it, and sorry but the pressure and tension are caused by wanting to make a short putt, and the worry about missing it, and these remain no matter what type of putting stroke you use. People and pros miss all kinds of short putts repeatedly with long anchored putters. No statistics showed any improvement on this with long anchored putters.

      Reply

      Dave S

      11 years ago

      If you think Adam Scott would have sunk those two putts to win the Masters without his anchored putter, you’re nuts. And what about Els at the Open Championship (Adam Scott was second)? These are guys who have publically said they were having issues with the putter and changed to the anchor and won Majors. You can argue, and I’d be right there with your, that for the majority of players, anchoring doesn’t help b/c we don’t have the time to dedicate to practicing a totally different putting stroke, but for those who do (professionals), they certainly can work it to their advantage.

      The players I feel for are those who grew up using anchored putters during their youth… they’re the ones that are really being slammed by the ruling (Keegan, etc.). This is a really tough one in my opinion… becaues while I see the USGA/R&A’s point (and I think most people would agree that anchoring a club was not contemplated as part of the game), I don’t like the fact that it’s been legal for so long and now they’re changing it. Is there such a thing as allowing a mistake to remain in force simply b/c changing it would hurt those who’ve depended on it? I don’t know, and that’s what makes the line really grey for me.

      Yes there are other things that have been allowed by the governing bodies (thus far) that have changed the game (ball and club technology to name two obvious ones), but none of them are a “fundemental” of the game… you don’t see people trying bring back croquet style putting do you?

      I guess, as the author states, it doesn’t really affect many people, so I can live with the ban.

      Reply

      Jordan

      11 years ago

      Did you watch the Masters? Adam Scott did not make a single putt the entire day until the 18th hole……Anchoring is not the problem…Good article

      Reply

      Dave S

      11 years ago

      Did you watch Adam Scott before he started anchoring? I didn’t make a single putt EVER. Anchoring may not be “the problem”, but it does go against the fundementals of the game…. just as croquet-style putting did… they just shouldn’t have waited this long to finally ban it.

      joel goodman

      11 years ago

      Els said it was “cheating” and he would do it as long as the rules allowed, but would go back to the traditional method when required. He didn’t seem to think it was a big deal either way..
      I prefer to maintain the integrity of the ancient game. It got along great as is for almost 500 years with little basic changes to the rules.

      Reply

      Your Golf Buddy

      11 years ago

      Dave S. (does the S stand for “Scratch?) if you believe anchoring the putter is what makes (Adam Scott, Ernie Els et al) great putters then why aren’t you putting that way?

      Reply

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