Written by Adam Schwartz
Class A PGA Professional/Head Pro Oasis Golf Club
As often as the year changes, another golf season begins; 87 changes either established, revised or removed have been included in the new 2014-15 United States Golf Association (USGA) rulebook. But the biggest change will not occur until Jan. 1, 2016: the practice of anchoring the putter against one’s body. One of the major stories of 2013 was the dissolution of the long/belly putter. Major companies such as Callaway (Odyssey), Acushnet (Scotty Cameron) and Yes! Putters have ceased production of these clubs due to this projected rule change that will not even go into effect for two years.
So, now what do all of us struggling golfers do that threw every putter directly into the attic, garage or even in a pond only to coincidentally find the magic wand known as the anchored putter? Don’t be so apt to throw that long putter away yet. The new rule proposal does not disallow the continued use of belly or long putters, just a restriction of anchoring the putter to the body. As someone who still utilizes the long putter, you may still achieve two very important considerations when putting by not anchoring: effective shoulder rotation and minimal wrist break. The easiest way to achieve this motion by not anchoring is simply moving your top hand and/or forearm away from your chest. To make sure there is no chance of visual anchoring, please make sure to practice this setup where your hand is about an inch away from your torso.
Putting will always be known as the most important part of the game. On average, putting constitutes 40 percent of a low-handicap player’s strokes and anywhere from 25-30 percent of a mid-to-high handicap player’s strokes. Over time, a player’s ability to putt well will determine his score more than any part of the game. No matter if you have a short, belly or long putter, the three actions listed below are crucial to a consistent roll on the ball that will lead to better distance control and direction.
1) Short back swing leads to twice the length of follow-through.
2) Swing the putter with the bigger muscles, such as the shoulders, which aren’t susceptible to pressure.
3) Locate the back (right side) of the ball with your left eye at setup. Maintain this position until your putter head extends down the target line past your front foot.
