Exploratory Study Investigating Performance Outcomes Between Standard and Anchored Putters

Both the Royal and Ancient (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) have announced a ban against the use of anchored putters that went into effect at the start of the 2016 season. However, the benefit of an anchored putter has been debated but never tested. The purpose of this study was to determine if the anchored putter aids players in making more accurate putts. Twenty-four (9 male and 15 female) novice and 14 expert male participants putted with both a standard length putter and a long belly anchored putter 1 m and 4 m away from the hole. Novices produced a shorter back swing and controlled the putter head velocity more accurately with the belly putter compared with the standard putter. Therefore, while long term practice effect is yet to be determined, a short-term benefit of using a belly putter was found.