Is tomorrow the beginning of the end for long putters/anchoring?

[Dodger]

I wonder if the green speeds will be slowed down too.

Hogan & Snead never putted on greens stimping at 14 did they eh?

Can't help thinking this really should have been addressed ten plus years ago and the R&A & USGA have taken a long time to react.

 

[vkurup]

I use a regular putter... but after Christmas, my belly starts touching the putter head..

Legal or Illegal???

 

[BTatHome]

so if I grip down my 35" putter to the bare shaft (as many do) the grip touches my wrist or part of my forearm, I'm still holding it normally like Kuchar or would you also say thats not normal?

i wouldn't say it was "normal", as almost everybody chooses a putter that fits their height. Kuchar's style is not normal .... I have no issue with it, or even belly putters, though.

I use a regular putter... but after Christmas, my belly starts touching the putter head..

Legal or Illegal???

that's a serious gut to touch the putter head !!

But i would assume that was a mistype, and i would hope you already know it would be illegal to touch the handle with your belly.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

The R&A mail I got says it is a "proposed" rule change which makes it sound like there is an approval process to go through before they actually decide to change it. But then this is the R&A so ambiguity is normal.

 

[BTatHome]

so if I grip down my 35" putter to the bare shaft (as many do) the grip touches my wrist or part of my forearm, I'm still holding it normally like Kuchar or would you also say thats not normal?

proposed because it doesn't come in until 2016 and hence can still be changed after the 90 day consultation period.

 

[cookelad]

that's a serious gut to touch the putter head !!

But i would assume that was a mistype, and i would hope you already know it would be illegal to touch the handle with your belly.

This might be one of the grey areas that comes up - what's the difference between touching and anchoring?

 

[BTatHome]

This might be one of the grey areas that comes up - what's the difference between touching and anchoring?

from the usga web pages.....

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.

 

[BTatHome]

From the q&A


Q: What would be the ruling if, in making a stroke, the player happens to brush the club, hand or forearm against his or her body?
A: The proposed Rule prohibits only intentional anchoring of the club, whether directly or indirectly. If the club or a gripping hand or forearm comes in contact with the body during the stroke but the player has not intentionally held it against the body, there would be no breach of the Rule.

Basically like most of the rules if your doing something intentionally that breaks the rules and you continue to do it then your likely breaking many more rules too

 

[duncan mackie]

I suspect they may ban them from the pro game but make them usable by a local rule, like GPS devices, in the amateur game.

Unless the rules specifically permit committee's to make a local rule permitting anchoring then this can't happen - and I haven't seen anything to suggest that such a step is envisaged; if anything it's the opposite.

 

[CliveW]

R&A and USGA Proposed Change of Rule 14-1b

This will set the cat amongst the pigeons! Not banning long putters, but prohibiting you from anchoring them when making a stroke.

http://www.randa.org/en/RandA/News/News/2012/November/Anchoring.aspx

 

[Atticus_Finch]

Does anyone feel that any majors won by using the soon to be outlawed method will forever have an asterix next to them as being won using an unfair advantage on the greens?

Just a thought.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

I can't view the randa link - here's the youtube link (soory if it's the same)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrvHnHcoGec&feature=em-share_video_user

Seems all sensible and manufacturers have no case for complaint

 

[Imurg]

Does anyone feel that any majors won by using the soon to be outlawed method will forever have an asterix next to them as being won using an unfair advantage on the greens?

Just a thought.

No, as the club/method as legal at the time.
There have been plenty of rule changes in Golf. Driver COR, Wedge Grooves, Ping Eye2 irons and there's no questioning Tournaments won before rule changes came in. Plus the long putters are not being banned, just the way they're held.

 

[G1BB0]

I am going to use my belly putter, anchored until the day before its illegal. Just to wind people up

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

I am going to use my belly putter, anchored until the day before its illegal. Just to wind people up

Good luck - enjoy the sudden transition

 

[G1BB0]

I have a normal putter aswell so no worries there, I am crap with either type. I will merely use it for annoyance

 

[chrisd]

I have a normal putter aswell so no worries there, I am crap with either type. I will merely use it for annoyance

Bringing it on Saturday?

 

[CMAC]

worth getting a decent belly or broom putter and hanging onto it- look how we all threw away wrapped 1.62 balls and now they are collectors items

 

[North Mimms]

Is the 3 year lead in time to give those with humungous bellies time to diet?

 

[AmandaJR]

Is the 3 year lead in time to give those with humungous bellies time to diet?

Or moobs