Adam Scott’s decision to return to an unanchored long putter has reignited debate around the anchoring rule that came into effect in 2016. We look at how Scott’s stroke has changed, whether it’s working and if you should try it.
LONG PUTT
Despite the pendulum-like action encouraging an even back and through stroke, putting from long range has always been the hardest part of using an anchored long putter.
For Scott and his unanchored stroke, this will also prove a test, particularly on slower greens, where there is a greater chance of the putter making contact with his body during the stroke. And although unintentional contact with the body and or clothing during the stroke is allowed under rule 14-1b, it is something Scott, and anyone else employing the technique, will want to limit to avoid any questioning of the stroke’s legality.
Adam’s posture looks great as he starts the back stroke (pic 1). His hands are a little in front of the ball, whereas ideally the putter face and shaft should point straight up and down at address, however, Scott does a good job of returning to this position later. And despite this unique characteristic, Scott’s technique with the long putter is aesthetically one of the best around. The Queenslander hopes to match his form to the function of players like Langer.
“I’ve just noticed like everybody else that Bernhard Langer and Scott McCarron make everything they look at and have done since the anchoring ban and moving it away from the body,” Scott said late last year. “So it was actually pointed out to me that this year they both recorded the best ever putting stats since stats have been kept. Both of them beat the old best. You know, I don’t know if it’s just a coincidence or if they had just a really good year, but maybe they’ve found the best way to putt.”
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