Gentlemen, on January 1st 2016 anchoring your clubs, and putter in particular will be illegal under the Rules of Golf.
There has been plenty of comment and publicity on the subject over the last couple of years, but it will apply to all golf played from 1st January 2016. I'm not that bothered as it doesn't affect me. There are those who say I can't putt the proper way...... GNH.
Enjoy :
Guidance for Players and Officials on Rule 14-1b
14-1b Anchoring the Club
In making a stroke, the player must not anchor the club, either “directly” or by use of an “anchor point.”
Note 1: The club is anchored “directly” when the player intentionally holds the club or a gripping hand in contact with any part of his body, except that the player may hold the club or a gripping hand against a hand or forearm.
Note 2: An “anchor point” exists when the player intentionally holds a forearm in contact with any part of his body to establish a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club.
Explanation #1 – Basis for Prohibition on Direct Anchoring of Club
Q. Rule 14-1b provides that, in making a stroke, the player must not directly anchor the club. What is the basis for this prohibition?
A. A stroke is a fundamental element that defines the game of golf and is meant to involve the player freely swinging the entire club at the ball. Anchoring the club relieves the player from making a free swing by restricting the movement of the club as if it were physically attached to the player’s body and thereby providing extra support and stability for the stroke.
Explanation #2 – Meaning of Anchor Point
Q. Rule 14-1b provides that a player must not anchor the club during a stroke by using an “anchor point.” In Note 2, which defines “anchor point,” what does it mean “to hold a forearm in contact with any part of the body to establish a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club?”
A. The narrow purpose of the anchor point restriction is to prevent the player from using a forearm as an indirect means of creating the same effect as the club or a gripping hand being held against his body. Using a forearm to “establish a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club” means that each gripping hand is able to work independently of the other and for a different purpose. The top gripping hand is removed from the swing and is stabilised by its forearm being held against the body, effectively anchoring the club as if attached to the body and creating a stable point. Using only his other hand, the player is able to make a stroke by moving the lower portion of the club around this stable point. The practical effect of such a stroke using an anchor point is the same as a stroke with the club or a gripping hand directly anchored.
For full information go to the R&A website below:
http://www.randa.org/en/Rules-and-Amateur-Status/Anchoring/Anchoring-Guidelines.aspx
