The two governing bodies of golf, The Royal & Ancient Golf Club and US Golf Association, have announced a ban on the anchoring of putters in competition from 1 January, 2016.
Plans for this breakthrough rule change were first unveiled by the two ruling bodies last year. These plan were supported by the European Tour, however the US PGA Tour opposed the announcement.
The ban will relate to any club which is rested against a part of the body – such as the broom-handle or belly putters.
Four out of the last six major victories have come courtesy of player using an anchored putter – Keegan Bradley (2011 PGA Championship), Webb Simpson (2012 US Open), Ernie Els (2012 Open) and Adam Scott (2013 Masters).
Rule 14-1b, which was proposed on 28th November, last year, has now been given the go-ahead by The R&A and the USGA following an in-depth review by the two organisations, and forbids the anchoring of the club in the process of making a stroke.
Following the initial announcement was a 90-day consultation period, for the reflection of comments and suggestions. The USGA was inundated with around 2,200 separate responses, with the R&A receiving over 450 comments from 17 different countries.
The Chief Executive of The R&A, 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.
“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.
“The report gives a comprehensive account of the reasons for taking the decision to adopt the new rule and addresses the concerns that have been raised.”
The Royal & Ancient is accountable for the administration of the rules of golf across the world, with the omission of the USA, which is overseen by the USGA.
In the field of 93 players at the 2013 Masters, there were twelve players who used anchoring long putters. They were: Ian Woosnam (pictured above); Carl Pettersson; Tim Clark; Webb Simpson; Martin Laird; Thomas Bjorn; Ernie Els; Tianlang Guan; Bernhard Langer; Fred Couples; Adam Scott and Keegan Bradley.
Glen Nager, the president of the USGA, said: “The new rule upholds the essential nature of the traditional method of stroke and eliminates the possible advantage that anchoring provides the possible advantage that anchoring provides, ensuring that players of all skill levels face the same challenge inherent in the game of golf.”
The executive director of rules and equipment standards at The R&A, David Rickman, added: “This rule change addresses the future and not the past.
“Everyone who has used an anchored stroke in the past, or who does so between now and 1 January 2016, will have played entirely within the rules and their achievements will in no way be diminished.”
Gary Player, winner of nine time major winner, welcomed the news and said: “The long putter allows you to hide your nerves and nerves are an integral part of the game of golf.”
Former European No 1 Colin Montgomerie was asked his opinion on the rules change: “I’m glad common sense has prevailed and anchor putters will be no more – it will be banned and rightly so. I wish it had come earlier to be honest.
“In 2004 I holed an important putt with an anchor putter (at the Ryder Cup) and I must admit it was easier. I am in favour of the ban having used both methods.
“Manufacturers have already started counter balancing putters. The feel is the same as a belly putter but it doesn’t touch the body so it is legal.”
The rule in full:
Rule 14-1b
In making a stroke, the player must not anchor the club, either “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.