This article is more a question, or unofficial survey, on what you feel about the PGA decision to ban the anchor putter. The following is a quote:
“In adopting Rule 14-1b, the USGA and The R&A have concluded that freely swinging the entire club is integral to maintaining the traditions of the game and preserving golf as an enjoyable game of skill and challenge.
The essence of the traditional method of golf stroke involves the player swinging the club with both the club and the gripping hands being held away from the body.
“The concept of intentionally immobilizing one end of the golf club against the body … is a substantial departure from that traditional understanding of the golf swing.”
The PGA is going to follow the ruling set beginning January 1st, 2016.
Myself, I think it should be pro-choice, but I ask a couple of questions first.
One, if 4 of the last 7 major winners hadn’t been using the anchor putter style would it have been such an issue? And if it is such a great advantage wouldn’t everyone just switch to this style? To me changes in equipment, like going from the truly wooden heads, to the metal titanium drivers with composite shafts changed the game a whole lot more. (Even to the point of making all golf courses increase their length…)
And why may you ask is there going to be a much longer timeline for armatures to be required to adapt to this rule? (Because of the money…too many manufactures of golf equipment sell tons of these putters.)
If the Happy Gilmore swing really worked, and pros could drive it 400 yards, would we outlaw the feet leaving the ground?
They outlawed Sam Snead’s croquet style putting between his legs saying that wasn’t a true putting stroke. (It wasn’t anchored though…)
It seems to me if someone finds a better way to use the same equipment that is innovation, not breaking the rules.
Anyway, give me your comment on what you think on the FB page; it will be interesting to get some other opinions.
Craig Frank
RGL
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Craig Frank is a Class "A" PGA Member since 2003. He's taught over 6,000 lessons and is certified in motion analysis and video instruction.
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The Great Anchor Putting Stroke Debate!
This article is more a question, or unofficial survey, on what you feel about the PGA decision to ban the anchor putter. The following is a quote:
“In adopting Rule 14-1b, the USGA and The R&A have concluded that freely swinging the entire club is integral to maintaining the traditions of the game and preserving golf as an enjoyable game of skill and challenge.
The essence of the traditional method of golf stroke involves the player swinging the club with both the club and the gripping hands being held away from the body.
“The concept of intentionally immobilizing one end of the golf club against the body … is a substantial departure from that traditional understanding of the golf swing.”
The PGA is going to follow the ruling set beginning January 1st, 2016.
Myself, I think it should be pro-choice, but I ask a couple of questions first.
One, if 4 of the last 7 major winners hadn’t been using the anchor putter style would it have been such an issue? And if it is such a great advantage wouldn’t everyone just switch to this style? To me changes in equipment, like going from the truly wooden heads, to the metal titanium drivers with composite shafts changed the game a whole lot more. (Even to the point of making all golf courses increase their length…)
And why may you ask is there going to be a much longer timeline for armatures to be required to adapt to this rule? (Because of the money…too many manufactures of golf equipment sell tons of these putters.)
If the Happy Gilmore swing really worked, and pros could drive it 400 yards, would we outlaw the feet leaving the ground?
They outlawed Sam Snead’s croquet style putting between his legs saying that wasn’t a true putting stroke. (It wasn’t anchored though…)
It seems to me if someone finds a better way to use the same equipment that is innovation, not breaking the rules.
Anyway, give me your comment on what you think on the FB page; it will be interesting to get some other opinions.
Craig Frank
RGL
About admin
Craig Frank is a Class "A" PGA Member since 2003. He's taught over 6,000 lessons and is certified in motion analysis and video instruction.