Understanding Proposed Changes to Rule 14-1 of the Rules of Golf

The R&A and the United States Golf Association, golf’s governing bodies, announced proposed changes to the Rules of Golf that would prohibit anchoring the club in making a stroke.

The proposed Rule 14-1b, which follows an extensive review by The R&A and the USGA, would prohibit strokes made with the club or a hand gripping the club held directly against the player’s body, or with a forearm held against the body to establish an anchor point that indirectly anchors the club.

The proposal would not alter current equipment rules and would allow the continued use of all conforming clubs, including belly-length and long putters, provided they are not anchored during a stroke.