What Is Anchoring in Golf and Its Rules?
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Quick Answer
- Anchoring in golf is a technique where a player intentionally presses the club against their body to gain stability during a stroke.
- This practice was largely banned by the R&A and USGA effective January 1, 2016.
- The rule prohibits any stroke where the player intentionally touches the club to their body for support.
Who This Is For
- Golfers who want to ensure their play aligns with current, official rules.
- Players curious about the history of golf rule changes and the reasoning behind them.
What to Check First: Anchoring Rules
- Consult the Official Rules: Always refer to the current Rules of Golf published by the USGA or The R&A. These are the definitive sources.
- Understand the Definition of a “Stroke”: The rules define a stroke as the forward movement of the club made to strike and move the ball. Anchoring pertains to how this movement is stabilized.
- Clarify “Anchoring”: The key is “intentionally touching” the club to your body to gain “stability.” This definition is crucial.
- Review Rule 10.1b: This specific rule directly addresses how a player may make a stroke and outlines prohibitions, including anchoring.
- Note “Tucking” and “Pressing”: Be aware that specific actions like “tucking” the club under the chin or “pressing” it against the stomach are often cited as examples of anchoring.
Step-by-Step Plan: Understanding What is Anchoring in Golf
1. Action: Read Rule 10.1b of the Rules of Golf carefully.
What to look for: The precise wording that defines and prohibits anchoring the club to the body during a stroke. Pay attention to phrases like “intentionally touching” and “for stability.”
Mistake to avoid: Simply glancing at the rule. The nuances of “intentional” and “stability” are critical for accurate interpretation.
2. Action: Study the official interpretations and guidance on Rule 10.1b.
What to look for: Examples of what constitutes anchoring, common scenarios, and clarifications on intent. This will help you understand how the rule is applied in practice.
Mistake to avoid: Relying solely on anecdotal evidence or what you’ve seen others do. Official interpretations are the most reliable.
3. Action: Examine the definition of “stroke” in the Rules of Golf.
What to look for: How the rules define the action of making a stroke, as anchoring is related to the execution of this action. Understanding this helps contextualize the prohibition.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming a “stroke” is only the moment of impact. It encompasses the entire controlled movement aimed at moving the ball.
4. Action: Identify the penalty for breaching the anchoring rule.
What to look for: The specific penalty outlined in the Rules of Golf for making an anchored stroke, typically a general penalty.
Mistake to avoid: Underestimating the penalty. It’s a significant consequence that can impact your score.
5. Action: Understand what is not considered anchoring.
What to look for: Situations where the club might touch the body incidentally without intent to gain stability, or permissible “strokes” that don’t involve anchoring.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming any touch is anchoring. The rule hinges on intent and the purpose of stability.
Common Mistakes: What is Anchoring in Golf
- Mistake: Believing that using a long putter or belly putter is inherently illegal.
Why it matters: The ban is on the method of anchoring, not the equipment itself. Many players still use these clubs legally.
Fix: Understand that the club type is secondary; it’s how you use it that matters. Ensure it’s not anchored to your body.
Many players still use long putters and belly putters legally, but it’s crucial to ensure you’re not anchoring them to your body. If you’re looking for a new putter that complies with current rules, consider a high-quality golf putter designed for a free swing.
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- Mistake: Thinking a brief, unintentional touch is always a penalty.
Why it matters: The rule specifically targets intentional contact for stability. An accidental brush against your body during a normal swing, without seeking support, is usually not a breach.
Fix: Focus on the intent behind the touch. If you weren’t trying to steady the club, it’s likely fine.
- Mistake: Relying on old habits from before the 2016 rule change.
Why it matters: Golf rules evolve. What was permissible years ago might now result in a penalty. Many recreational golfers may not be fully aware of the updated regulations.
Fix: Regularly refresh your knowledge of the Rules of Golf, especially significant changes like the anchoring ban.
- Mistake: Using the club to brace against your body during a practice swing.
Why it matters: While the rule primarily applies to strokes, intentional bracing during practice swings can blur the lines and potentially indicate a habitual tendency that could carry over.
Fix: Keep your practice swings free of any body contact. Develop a natural, stable swing without artificial support.
- Mistake: Misinterpreting “stability” to mean only balance.
Why it matters: Stability in the context of the rule refers to steadiness of the club and the player’s body during the stroke, preventing unwanted movement. It’s more than just balance.
Fix: Recognize that anchoring is about eliminating any artificial means of steadiness provided by the body.
- Mistake: Not realizing that “tucking” the club against your chest, stomach, or forearm constitutes anchoring.
Why it matters: These are common and clear examples of anchoring that players might use to simplify their swing or gain confidence.
Fix: Ensure the club is held by your hands only and does not make deliberate contact with your body for support.
FAQ
- What is the penalty for anchoring in golf?
The penalty for making an anchored stroke is the general penalty: two penalty strokes in stroke play or loss of hole in match play for each breach. If you become aware of the breach and correct it on your next stroke, the penalty is limited to two strokes (or loss of hole in match play) for the first breach.
- Can I still use a long putter or belly putter?
Yes, you can still use these clubs. However, you are prohibited from anchoring them to your body at any point during your stroke. The club must be held by your hands alone, and no part of it can be intentionally pressed against your body for stability.
- What is the difference between a standard grip and anchoring?
A standard grip involves holding the club with your hands in a way that allows for a free swing, with no part of the club intentionally touching your body for support. Anchoring occurs when you intentionally touch the club to your body to gain stability during the stroke, such as pressing the grip against your forearm or stomach.
- Does resting the club on my glove count as anchoring?
Generally, no, unless you are intentionally using the glove as part of your body to steady the club. The rule focuses on intentional contact with your body itself. If the club merely brushes against your glove, and you are not using it for support, it is typically not considered anchoring.
- What if the club accidentally touches my body during a stroke?
If the touch is accidental and not for the purpose of gaining stability, it is generally not considered anchoring. The key element is the player’s intent to use the club for support. For example, if your lead arm naturally brushes against your side during a smooth swing without you trying to brace the club, it’s usually permissible.
- Are there specific body parts where touching the club is always considered anchoring?
Yes, the Rules of Golf and their interpretations highlight common areas where players previously anchored clubs. These include: pressing the club against the stomach or chest, tucking the club under the chin, and resting the club grip against the forearm. If done intentionally for stability, these actions fall under the prohibition.
- How can I ensure my grip is legal if I use a long putter?
When using a long putter, ensure that your hands are the sole point of contact with the club. The club should not touch your chest, stomach, chin, or forearm. Maintain a consistent distance between the club and your body throughout the stroke. If you’re unsure, it’s best to have a playing partner or golf professional observe your setup and stroke to confirm compliance.
Michael Reeves is a PGA Professional with over 20 years of experience in competitive golf and instruction. A former Division I collegiate player at the University of Texas, he competed on the mini-tours before transitioning to full-time coaching and golf journalism. He has been a certified PGA teaching professional since 2005 and has worked with players at every level, from absolute beginners to collegiate champions.
His writing has appeared in Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and The Left Rough. At GolfHubz, Michael leads the editorial team, overseeing fact-checking and ensuring every answer meets the same standard he demands on the lesson tee: clear, evidence-based, and immediately useful.
When he’s not writing or teaching, Michael plays to a +1.4 handicap at his home club in Austin, Texas. He has attended over 40 major championships as a journalist and fan, and has played more than 200 courses across 15 countries.
You can reach Michael at [email protected] or follow his occasional swing analysis posts on the site.