Two-time PGA Tour winner Akshay Bhatia recently found himself facing allegations of golf anchoring during the second round at Pebble Beach Golf Links after a video of his putting stroke was shared by the popular Instagram handle Ways to Golf. 

The post questioned his technique, asking whether Bhatia was anchoring the putter against his body, a move prohibited under golf’s rules.

Responding directly in the comments, Bhatia dismissed the claims. “Not anchoring. Literally 2 inches short of my chest, haha,” he wrote under the Instagram post.

The incident has placed Bhatia at the center of a broader discussion surrounding golf’s anchoring rule.

As discussions continue, understanding anchoring and what the R&A and USGA rules permit helps clarify when a stroke meets Rule 10.1b and when it does not.

All about Golf’s Anchoring USGA Rule 10.1b

Under golf’s anchoring rule, Rule 10.1b prohibits a player from making a stroke while holding the club, or the hand gripping it, against their body. It also forbids holding a forearm against the body to create an anchor point. 

Therefore, the club must be swung freely without using the body to provide support or stability.

Golf’s Rule 10.1b Explained: Why Players Cannot Anchor the Club During a Stroke

Rule 10.1b applies directly when a player holds the club, or the hand gripping it, against any part of their body. 

The rule also applies indirectly when a player creates an anchor point by pressing a forearm against their body. Because of this, the gripping hand becomes a fixed point, allowing the other hand to swing the club around it.

However, there is no violation of the rule if the club, gripping hand, or forearm only touches the player’s body or clothing during the stroke. 

This is permitted as long as the club or arm is not held against the body to create support or an anchor point.

Read more at Club Golf!

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Joyita Das