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2016 - Proposed Anchoring Ban

November 28, 2012

The R&A and the USGA announced a change to the Rules of Golf that would prohibit anchoring the club while making a stroke. The proposed Rule change (Rule 14-1b) would take effect on January 1, 2016.

The governing bodies of the game have examined the growing popularity of the use of anchoring and after extensive review they feel the use of anchoring is not consistent with the traditional method of making a stoke. The changes are well thought out and intended to preserve the original nature and challenge of the putting stroke. Generally, the rule will require a free swinging motion when making a stroke and not allow the player to anchor the club or a "gripping" hand to the body. 

What Will Still Be Ok (in 2016)

  • Long putters (as long as not anchored)
  • Mid-length putters (as long as not anchored)
  • Claw grip
  • Holding the club along the forearm (Matt Kuchar style and Bernhard Langer style)
  • Traditional length putters and putting style

What Will NOT be OK (in 2016)

  • Anchoring the club to the body (sticking the butt of the grip into the belly, against the chest, against the chin, etc.)
  • Anchoring a hand to the body while holding the club (holding the grip and resting the hand against the chest, chin, etc.)
  • Make an "anchor point" by holding a forearm against the body to establish the hand as a stable point so the other hand may swing the club (bracing the forearm against the body making the hand a stable point so that the putter may be swung with the other hand)

Resources

The Proposed Rule

14-1b Anchoring the Club

In making a stroke, the player must not anchor the club, wither "directly" or by use of an "anchor point."

Note 1:  The club is anchored "directly" when the player intentionally holds the club or a gripping hand in contact with any part of his body, except that the player may hold the club or a gripping hand against a hand or forearm.

Note 2:  An "anchor point" exists when the player intentionally holds a forearm in contact with any part of his body to establish a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club.