USGA, R&A Move to Ban Anchored Strokes; Is It the Right Decision?

To no one’s surprise, the USGA and R&A, golf’s two governing bodies, announced a proposed ban of anchored strokes, a decision that takes dead aim at the increasingly popular, and in some quarters controversial, act of anchoring a putter to one’s belly, chest or chin.

The ban, which won’t take effect until Jan. 1, 2016, when the next edition of the Rules of Golf are published, doesn’t prohibit use of long or belly putters, but it will end their conventional use. The rule is expected to be finalized in the spring of 2013 following a 90-day comment period.

Even if the rule is finalized, it will have NO impact on the World Am until at least 2016.

Peter Dawson of the R&A said the decision wasn’t based on any evidence of improved performance attained via anchored strokes, but was intended to define what a golf stroke is going forward.

Players have been anchoring putters for decades (That’s “Lefty” himself in the photo), but usage has surged in recent years. Mike Davis of the USGA estimated the 15 percent of players used an anchored putting stroke this year,  and  three of the last five major championship winners (Keegan Bradley, Ernie Els and Webb Simpson) used the soon to be banned stroke.

The USGA and R&A did leave some wiggle room, allowing strokes like Matt Kuchar’s, where the putter is lodged against the forearm, deeming it a grip not a stroke.

The new rules will govern play at all levels of the game, from golf’s most prestigious events to recreational play.

Do you agree with the ruling

Scott Collette Wins 2025 Play Golf Myrtle Beach World Amateur Championship

Scott Collette from Knoxville, Tennessee is the official World Amateur golf champion, defeating 59 other golfers in the Flight Winners Playoff of the 2025 Play Golf Myrtle Beach World Amateur Championship Friday played at Thistle Golf Club in Sunset Beach, N.C.

Collette defeated Doug Harvey (Zebulon, N.C.) in a three-hole playoff. Richard Marriott (Paget, Bermuda) finished third, with five golfers tying for fourth place.

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The Week in Instagram: 2025 World Am Edition

What a week it’s been in for the 42nd Annual Play Golf Myrtle Beach World Amateur Championship! This week’s been all about the World Am, and thanks to so many of our friends on Instagram (@standregolf, @963FilmGroup, @dylvisual and @timgavrich, among many) we’ve seen lots of content that has made us laugh, cry, and appreciate how this event is always the ultimate celebration of what truly makes Myrtle Beach The Golf Capital of the World®.

Enjoy some of the top moments we’ve seen and shared this week!

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2025 World Am Day 4 Photos from “The World’s Largest 19th Hole”: The Breakfast Club, Skills Challenges & More!

Day 4 of “The World’s Largest 19th Hole” at the 42nd Annual Play Golf Myrtle Beach World Amateur Championship featured more skills challenges hosted by St. André Golf, a visit from Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Matt Pivarnik, ’80s tribute band The Breakfast Club and a special tribute to Tournament Director Ryan Hart Thursday night at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

Photographer Drew Amato captured all the action, once more showcasing the essence of World Am camaraderie and revelry that you can only find in The Golf Capital of the World®!

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