R&A and USGA: anchored putter statements

The USGA and the R&A have both released statements on the proposed rule change that would prohibit the use of anchored strokes

Keegan Bradley

The USGA and the R&A have both released statements on the proposed rule change that would prohibit the use of anchored strokes.

After the announcement was made, golf's governing bodies invited members of the golfing community to submit feedback during a 90-day consultation period, which has now come to an end.

Last week, PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem announced the PGA Tour was opposed to the proposed rule change.

R&A statement:

"Anchoring has been a polarising issue in our sport and despite having weighed the matter thoroughly before making the proposal, we believed it was important to to give stakeholders in the game the opportunity to air their views.

"Our consultation period has generated a number of considered responses which have continued to arrive right up to the deadline. We appreciate those responses and will take time to review and evaluate them.

"We note this matter has proved particularly sensitive in the US, while the proposed rule change has been received more favourably across the international golfing community.

"As we have throughout this process, we will work closely with the USGA in moving towards a final resolution." USGA statement:

"The 90-day comment period on proposed rule 14-1b has been very constructive and we appreciate the thoughtfulness of everyone who offered feedback. We received comments, questions and suggestions from recreational golfers, golf professionals and organisations representing many segments of the golfing community.

"The discussion has been informative and serves as a strong reminder just how passionate golfers are about the game - no matter their position on this specific issue.

"For well over a year, the golfing community has engaged in a healthy and spirited discussion about anchoring, as well as other important issues confronting the game.

"Throughout this period, we have worked to explain the intent of Rule 14-1b, which aims to clarify and preserve the traditional and essential nature of the golf stroke that has helped to make golf a unique and enjoyable game of skill and challenge for centuries.

"As the comment period comes to a close, we will continue to review and evaluate the feedback that we have received. As we have throughout this process, we will continue to confer with the R&A in our work to reach a final resolution on the matter."

Nick Bonfield
Content Editor

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, commissioning and feature writing. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x