rules
LONG
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The latest in our series of situations encountered by everyday golfers (and the pros), and what the correct procedures are
When South Africa's Tim Clark (main image) won the 2010 Players Championship, a tournament routinely referred to as the 'unofficial fifth men's Major', he did so using a long putter. And when Ernie Els raised the Claret Jug for winning his second Open Championship at Muirfield in 2012, he did so after using a belly putter.
In fact, there have been four men who have won Majors using long or belly putters, all between 2011 and 2013). Adam Scott represented The Internationals in the Presidents Cup up to 2013 using the broomstick putter, and then famously changed before the 2015 event, but has once again returned to the long-handled putter.
There are various reasons for using a putter with a long handle, and the figure across all sectors was as high as one in five amateurs/weekend golfers using one until 2016.
Then, from 1 January 2016, the R&A and USGA ban on the long putters was enforced, after a period of many years grace to allow all golfers a period to adjust their putting styles, transition away from belly and broomstick anchoring methods, or learn entirely new techniques.
However, there are strict rules which apply to the use of the long putters and there's still fierce debate about their use and the enforcement of the rules.
THE ISSUE
Long and 'broomstick' putters have made a major resurgence on professional tours. However, players now hover the grip a fraction of an inch off their chest, leading to constant policing difficulties, suspicion among competitors, and calls by some players to completely outlaw clubs over a certain length. Fans and traditionalists remain frustrated because the near-contact strokes look virtually identical to illegal anchoring.
The bottom line is that the entire club must swing freely.
The penalty: In stroke play, a stroke made in breach of this rule counts and the player gets two penalty strokes. In match play it's the loss of a hole.
WHAT'S ALLOWED
The 'Broomstick' Hover: You can hold a long putter with your top hand up near your chest or chin, as long as your hand, forearm, and the club grip are held slightly away from your body (freely swinging).
The Chin Exception: Your top hand or the butt of the club is allowed to touch or rest against your chin. The chin is not legally considered part of the torso for the anchoring rule.
Bracing Against the Forearm (Arm-Locking): You are legally allowed to lean the shaft of the putter firmly against the forearm of your leading arm. This is permitted because the arm itself is still swinging freely and is not pinned to your torso.
Incidental Clothing Contact: Your hands, arms, or the club may incidentally brush or touch your loose clothes during the stroke. As long as you aren't intentionally pressing them against your body to create stability, it is legal.
Unlimited Length: There is actually no maximum legal length limit for a putter in golf, unlike drivers which are capped.
NOT ALLOWED
Direct Anchoring: Intentionally pressing the top grip or your gripping hand directly against your chest, sternum, or stomach to create a fixed pivot point.
Indirect Anchoring: Tucking your upper forearm or elbow tightly against your torso to rigidly stabilise your top hand.
THE RULE
Rule 10 Preparing for and Making a Stroke; Advice and Help; Caddies
10.1 (b) Anchoring the Club
In making a stroke, the player must not anchor the club, either:
Directly, by holding the club or a gripping hand against any part of the body (except that the player may hold the club or a gripping hand against a hand or forearm), or
Indirectly, through use of an 'anchor point,' by holding a forearm against any part of the body to use a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club.
If the player's club, gripping hand or forearm merely touches their body or clothing during the stroke, without being held against the body, there is no breach of this rule.
Note, for full explanations see the R&A rulebook HERE
WIN!
Stand a chance to win a COBRA putter. Simply select the correct answer to this question and you'll go into the draw for this fantastic giveaway.
Question:
A player using a wheeled mobility device takes relief for an unplayable ball in a bunker by dropping the ball back on the line outside the bunker. For how many penalty strokes is this relief option?
What is the ruling?
a) The relief is for no penalty
b) The relief is for one penalty stroke
c) The relief is for two penalty strokes
25 November 2026
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LUKE WALKER | TYRONE WINFIELD | EJ LANGNER | SUNSHINE TOUR
