The R&A and USGA banned anchored putting in 2016, but the likes of Players champion Webb Simpson still continue to take advantage. So is it time to fine tune the rule? Two of our writers disagree…
Yes, says James Savage
No, says Keel Timmins
I’m not going to bemoan Webb Simpson anchoring his putter into his arm, because it’s legal under the current wording of the rule.
But my main argument for leaving it as it is? I just don’t see how players that anchor their putters into their arms are gaining an advantage over the players that use a regular putting grip.
And why would Simpson change a formula that’s working for him? Look at Adam Scott, former World No. 1 and former Masters champion, who now ranks outside of the top 50 and hasn’t won an event in more than two years.
His transition from long putter to short putter has been disastrous. It just shows that players that have previously gone to other unconventional putting methods cannot putt anywhere near as well with a ‘standard’ putting grip.
And who can blame these players for trying to get the most out of their careers by opting for different putting techniques? It’s just natural instinct. If something isn’t working, try something else.
For that reason, I can’t criticise players that currently anchor the putter up their arms. What would be next? Ban the pencil grip?
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