Say goodbye to anchored putter as ban takes force

The ban on anchored putters has officially come into effect on January 1 following a lengthy struggle over its legality.

Any players still using the ‘belly’ putter will have to make another plan from now on. Long putters may still be used, but they can no longer be pressed into a golfer’s midsection for greater control.

The ban was first proposed jointly by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club and US Golf Association more than three years ago following much deliberation.