The wider picture
The anchoring ban in golf was established to prevent players from stabilizing their putters against their bodies. This regulation, implemented by the USGA and R&A in 2016 under Rule 14-1b, has been a topic of discussion among professional golfers, especially in light of recent performances that have sparked debate over the legitimacy of certain putting techniques.
In a recent development, Jordan Spieth commented on Akshay Bhatia’s putting style following Bhatia’s impressive victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Bhatia secured his win by defeating Daniel Berger in a sudden-death playoff, despite recording four bogeys on Sunday, showcasing his resilience and skill on the greens.
Bhatia’s win marked a significant milestone as he became the eighth player in PGA Tour history to win his first three titles in playoffs. His performance during the tournament was particularly noteworthy, as he led the field in strokes-gained putting with a total of 13.867, indicating his exceptional skill in this area.
However, the controversy arose when questions were raised about whether Bhatia’s putting method violated the anchoring ban. Spieth was quick to address these concerns, stating, “In the rules, you can’t anchor.” He clarified that anchoring refers to a putter touching the body, specifically mentioning, “Anchoring is if that putter was touching his sternum up top.”
In response to the allegations, Bhatia firmly denied any accusations of cheating, asserting, “Not anchoring. Literally 2 inches short of my chest haha.” His defense highlights the nuances in the interpretation of the rules surrounding putting techniques, which can often lead to misunderstandings among players and fans alike.
Spieth expressed that he has no issue with Bhatia’s technique, despite his personal preference for shorter putters. He emphasized that putting should require skill, stating, “It’s a skill to do. He’s been doing it for a long time.” This statement reflects a broader sentiment within the golfing community that recognizes the importance of skill in the game, regardless of the method employed.
Support for Bhatia has also emerged from fellow PGA Tour professionals, indicating a division of opinion on the matter. As the debate continues, observers are keen to see how the PGA Tour and its governing bodies will address the concerns raised and whether any clarifications regarding the rules will be forthcoming. The ongoing discussion surrounding putting techniques and the anchoring ban underscores the evolving nature of the sport and the need for clear guidelines to ensure fair play.
