The Anchoring Ban: What’s a Putter to Do?

As Rule 14-1b becomes reality, what are your options?

Jerry Walters

Like it or not, USGA Rule 14-1b—which prohibits a player from “anchoring” any club to his or her body when making a stroke—takes effect January 1, 2016.

For example, while on the green, players using a belly putter or long putter can no longer stabilize it “directly” against their bodies or via an “anchor point” (defined as “intentionally holding a forearm in contact with any body part to establish a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club”). If a player doesn't comply he or she risks being disqualified—or worse, publicly hazed at the local course. (Click here for more clarification on the Rule.)

As a result, many tour players have been experimenting with alternative putters and a few have taken the plunge. Webb Simpson, who belly putted his way to victory in the 2012 US Open, even went so far as to break his trusty club in half so there was no looking back. 2013 Masters winner Adam Scott has tried a shorter putter, but hasn’t settled in with a replacement to date.

Then there’s 2011 PGA Champion Keegan Bradley, who went to the same style of putter he’s used for many years, but had it cut shorter and added some weight under the grip—a simple method called “counterbalancing” that promotes a more advantageous feel.

Due to the imminent rules change, counterbalanced or back-weighted putters are suddenly in vogue. Simply put, additional weight is placed in the grip end of the club to counterbalance the mass that is nearly three feet from your hands. The farther your hands are from the weight of the club, the less control you feel.

By adding weight under your hands—near the butt end of the putter—the control is readily returned. This weighting technique boosts the club’s overall moment of inertia (MOI), so that it swings and feels more stable throughout the stroke, reducing the twisting at impact.

Many of the more popular putter manufacturers are currently featuring a back-weighted model or two. What you’ll discover is that the head has bit more bulk than traditional putters. That adds to the stability of the flatstick. And, by adding mass to the opposite end you’ll experience the sensation of your hands being connected to the head of your putter. More weight will also slow down your stroke producing more stability and hopefully more putts made.

New putters that feature this counterbalancing are a bit longer than the traditional putters, But a certified putter fitter can also add weight under the grip to help stabilize a conventional length flatstick.

Whether you use a conventional length putter or are contemplating moving away from an anchored putter, a counterbalanced putter might be the smooth replacement you’re looking for.

Counterbalancing – or back-weighting – places additional weight in the grip end and promotes greater stability throughout the stroke, improving your sense of control.

BIO: Contributor Jerry Walters hosts “In the Fairway” 7-9 A.M. Saturdays on 104.3 The Fan. He is a Putting and Short Game Instructor at Trent Wearner Golf Academy, as well as a Tour Lock Certified Fitter. For more information on counterbalancing or to schedule a fitting, contact him at [email protected].

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