Why Are Long Putters Banned? The story behind the ban is a fascinating mix of competitive advantage, aesthetics, and a fundamental debate about the essence of the golf swing. For years, long, or “belly” putters, were a common sight on professional tours, offering some players a perceived stability and control that conventional putters couldn’t match. This perceived advantage eventually led to the United States Golf Association (USGA) and The R&A stepping in to regulate their use, culminating in a ban on anchoring the putter against the body.
The Anchoring Controversy: Why Long Putters Faced the Axe
The core of the long putter ban revolves around the concept of “anchoring.” Anchoring, in this context, means fixing a point of the club against the body—typically the stomach, chest, or chin—during the putting stroke. This was the defining characteristic of belly putters and other long putters, providing a stable pivot point and minimizing wrist movement. The USGA and The R&A argued that anchoring violated the fundamental principle of golf, which requires the player to swing the club freely and not create a fixed point of contact. The official justification for the ban, formalized in Rule 14-1b, centered on the following points:
- Restricting the Free Swing: Anchoring was seen as restricting the free swing of the club, reducing the skill and variability inherent in the putting stroke.
- Gaining an Advantage: The stability provided by anchoring gave players an unfair advantage over those using traditional putting methods.
- Preserving Tradition: There was a concern that the increasing popularity of anchored putting threatened the traditions and integrity of the game.
The debate surrounding anchored putters was heated, with players on both sides voicing strong opinions. Advocates argued that anchoring helped players overcome the “yips” (a form of putting anxiety) and extended careers. Critics contended that it was a fundamentally different stroke that diminished the skill required for putting. The USGA and The R&A ultimately sided with the latter, implementing the ban on January 1, 2016. The table below provides a brief summary of arguments.
| Argument For Anchoring | Argument Against Anchoring |
|---|---|
| Helps overcome the “yips” | Restricts free swing |
| Extends careers | Provides unfair advantage |
| Some players perform better | Violates the tradition of the game |
| The decision to ban anchored putting wasn’t taken lightly. It followed years of observation, research, and consultation with players, rules officials, and other stakeholders in the game. While the ban sparked controversy, the USGA and The R&A stood firm in their belief that it was necessary to protect the integrity of golf and ensure a level playing field for all. For more details regarding the specifics of Rule 14-1b and the official rationale behind the ban, please review the official USGA and R&A publications on the Rules of Golf. |