Since Rule 14-1b went into effect on Jan. 1 prohibiting anchored strokes on the golf course, there have only been a few questions raised at the professional level as to whether there was a breach of this Rule. Two recent situations have provided excellent, real-world illustrations of this Rule. The first was Zac Blair at the Sony Open in mid-January and the second was Bernhard Langer at the Champions Tour’s Chubb Classic this past weekend.
Rule 14-1b prohibits two actions during a stroke: 1) directly anchoring the club or a gripping hand against the body and 2) indirectly anchoring the club through the use of an anchor point created by holding a forearm in contact with any part of the body. For both actions, there is only a breach of this Rule if the player had the intention of either directly anchoring or creating an anchor point. Unintentionally brushing a hand or club against the body or clothing during a stroke does not constitute a breach of Rule 14-1b.
http://www.usga.org/articles/2016/02/anchors-away-rule-14-1-b-in-action.html
By Jamie Wallace, USGA
Langer Putting Rule Change
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